The cost

Mia lowered her eyes, almost instinctively shielding her belly as she took a few steps back

The wealthy attenders at the charity banquet had all seen the farce. Even Lucas Cooper, the event organizer himself, came over to try and diffuse the conflict.

The truth was, these wealthy folks were a bunch of bullies–they preyed on the weak while backing down in the face of real power. They hadn’t even realized that the beautiful woman standing there was Mia Reed, the head of the Reed family and the Eldoria Group. They’d mistakenly written her off as just some guy’s mistress.

So after exchanging a few loaded glances, they teamed up with the injured Ryan, clearly intent on giving Mia a hard time.

The commotion had grown so loud that Matthew couldn’t ignore it. He was calm at first, but his expression quickly turned to one of anger when he recognized that familiar, beautiful face.

“Is the nuts? Matthew thought, annoyed. ‘She didn’t even answer my calls, and now she’s causing a scene here! His piercing gaze was laser–focused

on Mia

With just a few quick strides, Matthew surged forward and shoved past the servers who were approaching Mia. “Anyone who so much as lays a finger on her will have to answer to me!” he growled, firmly clamping his strong, warm hand around her wrist- refusing to let go. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The Blackwood family wielded immense influence, so when Matthew stepped up to defend Mia, it left everyone utterly stunned. Even Lucas was taken completely off guard. In an attempt to defuse the tension, he hurriedly instructed the servers to escort the injured Ryan away for medical

attention

Mia thought, Power’s a real handy thing for dealing with jerks like this.

When she saw Matthew again, that all–too–familiar ache gripped her heart Swallowing back the urge to break down, she put on a cold front as she wrenched herself free and faced him. Thanks for helping, Mr. Blackwood”

Matthew’s heart sank at her frosty, distant tone. Mr. Blackwood! Oh, she’s really pur those wall up high. He felt a sharp pang, like a knife twisting in his chest. Is she that eager to be rid of me, ready to run off with some other guy?”

Mia spoke up, her voice and gaze colder than a winter’s night. For the record, it was Ryan who started spewing that sleazy crap and tried to put his hands on me. That’s why I had to give him a piece of my mind,”

She swept a withering glare across the crowd and continued, “If you don’t believe me, feel free to check the security footage. And another thing let’s not go around looking down on anyone, especially us women, alright?”

Just then, one of the attendants the one tasked with checking the guest list–leaned in and whispered something to Lucas, Instantly, Lucas‘ eyes. went wide with fear as he looked at Mia. He stammered out, “M–Ms. Reed…

Mu could tell that Lucas had clued in to her real identity. She flashed him a police smile and carried herself with a disarming humility. “Mr. Cooper, no need to fret. The one who had it coming got what was coming to him, so let’s not get bogged down in the nitty–gritty, hm?”

With that, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and then turned to make her exit.

Matthew watched Mia’s retreat, his mind racing. ‘She was so cool, so poised. How on earth could she be just some penniless country girl?

As Lucas treated Mia with all due respect, the other wealthy folks started whispering amongst themselves. “Who the heck is this chick? There’s no way she’s some blue blood, right?”

Mia’s cool demeanor left Mathew seething with anger and bitterness. He narrowed his eyes, glaring daggers, and without a second thought, reached out to grab her wrist right there in front of everyone. No way was he letting her vanish on him again.

Mia looked up at him, brow furrowed. “Mr. Blackwood, you need something

Matthew leaned in close and murmured in her car, “I just got a call from Pratu Hospital. Even though Mia seemed determined to get as from humm as possible, he couldn’t shake the worry for her safely.

away

At the mention of the hospital, a flicker of surprise crossed Mia’s otherwise calm features. She racked her brain, suddenly realizing that she had absently given the hospital her old phone number–the one she’d used for the past five years.

No wonder I never got that call from Praty Hospital this afternoon about picking up my prenatal checkup report. But it doesn’t matter even if Matthew knows I’m pregnant. I swear I won’t let him be a part of my baby’s life, she thouglu.

Mia cut in with an icy tone, “Mr. Blackwood, let’s take this somewhere more private. With that, she headed over to the secluded outdoor po nestled in the lush garden.

pool

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12:17 PM

Matthew trailed after her, eyeing the woman who now felt like a stranger. “Mia. What exactly are you playing at?” he asked, a hint of gloom in his

Mia rested her hands on the railing, keeping her distance and refusing to engage.

After a long pause, she turned to him and said. “And what is it you want, huh? I’ve got a question for you too – as the big boss of Blackwood Group, you seem awfully unsure of yourself. Is pestering your ex–wife some kind of sick game to you?”

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