The cost

Chapter 17

Mia caught her reflection in the store window as she adjusted her the strap of her low–heeled sandals, a concession she’d made for the slow–growing life within her.

As the clock struck six, she hurried to a high–end skincare spa, for fear of being late for the charity gala

By eight o’clock, Pratu City twinkled like a galaxy of stars, and the Rose Garden, draped in vibrant red blooms, welcomed her with its grand, iron gates wide open.

After parking her deep blue Ferrari, Mia took a moment to appreciate the serene beauty unfolding before her.

The fragrant estate, perched on the highest hill in Pratu City, offered a breathtaking view of the urban lights below and the vast expanse of night sky above.

Her arrival turned many heads. Standing tall at five foot nine, she cut an imposing figure. Her dark red backless gown hugged her figure perfectly. giving her an ethereal glow that seemed almost otherworldly. Her stylish hair framed her delicate neck, enhancing her polished and enticing demeanor.

Mia gracefully handed her gilt–edged invitation to an attendant and entered the grand hull among many greedy gazes. Secking a moment of peace, she found a quiet spot and let her gaze wander over the crowd.

The charity event was a glittering display of wealth and influence, with guests eager to flaunt their connections and generosity to draw in potential business partners. The host spoke smoothly, capturing the room’s attention, and one by one, the wealthy attendees generously made their

donations

But her moment of tranquility was shattered when she spotted Matthew across the room. His presence cast a dark cloud over her mood, and she silently cursed her bad luck for running into him even at a charitable event.

Frowning, she gradually calmed herself down. She knew the Blackwood family’s influence in Pratu City was undeniable. Now she was the heiress to the Eldoria Group, so interactions with him were inevitable.

Steeling herself, she prepared to face him with dignity, reducing him in her mind to a mere stranger.

As the formalities of the charity event gave way to mingling, many wealthy attendees were drawn to Mia and seized this opportunity to approach her.

Holding a glass of tasteless juice, Mia watched the men around her put on air. Some offered their business cards with subtlety, while others were bold enough to ask directly, “Miss, may I have the pleasure of a dance with you?”

Mia declined each invitation with a polite smile, maintaining an air of aloofness. She was like an unattainable flower slowly unfolding, dazzling yet distant. Unfortunately, the man before her had no appreciation for such subtlety.

With a self–satisfied smirk, he tugged at his greasy face and demanded. ‘Do you know who I am? Ever heard of CrestCore Enterprise?”

CrestCore Enterprise was a mid–to–large–scale conglomerate in Pratu City, involved in high–profit sectors like pharmaceuticals, real estate, and entertainment. And this man, Ryan Hawkins, happened to be its heir.

His eyes gleamed with sleazy greed as he closed in on Mia. Mia sidestepped, avoiding his boozy breath. “Sof” she said coolly, her eyebrow arching in

disdain

Intrigued and slightly provoked by her dismissal, Ryan said arrogantly, “Wornen are all the samet Another gold–digger, huh? Tell me, how much to make you spread your legs?”

Such crass words turned Mia’s expression icy. She shified aside and hissed, her voice sharp as a blarle, “Mind your tongue!”

Ryan laughed mockingly, his eyes flickering with malice. “You should be flattered! I bet this isn’t your first time to sleep your way up. Am I right? I’ve seen countless of your kind, shameless and desperate!”

Her face tightened at his harsh words, a deep sense of disgust washing over her.

The world seemed always ready to scorn women who dared to show success, always quick to label them with the ugliest of misunderstandings. It was as if people couldn’t stand the sight of a woman achieving on her own terms.

Without hesitation, Mia slapped him twice. “That’s for running your mouth off and disrespecting women! The first slap is a gift from me, and the second is your punishment!”

Though he deserved it, Mia felt a sense of distaste, as if slapping such a vile man had dirtied her hands.

12:17 PM

Chapter 17

Ryan, stunned by the public humiliation, stared at her in fury, his eyes blazing with rage as he roared, “You bitch! You’re asking for it!”

He lunged at Mia, his fist aimed squarely at her face, fueled by pure hatred and rage.

But Mia was quicker. She sidestepped his attack with ease, and in one swift motion, she grabbed his wrist and twisted it sharply, the crack of dislocation breaking through the commotion.

Ryan screamed in pain, and Mia stepped back, her heart pounding as the adrenaline surged through her veins. Fear lingered at the edge of her mind, but she pushed it aside.

Once a black belt in judo, Mia had not practiced in years. Her physical condition had been weakened by long–term anemia from constant blood donations to Elizabeth, but her defensive instincts had kicked just in time.

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