The cost
37

Chapter 37

Matthew now resembled a toddler taking his first steps, with newfound emotions taking root in his heart.

Winston saw this as a potentially positive change, thinking that Matthew might finally develop a sense of empathy. He offered a gentle smile and poured Matthew a glass of juice.

"My advice is simple, Winston said, patting Matthew's broad shoulder. "Follow your heart. It will lead you to the answer?"

In a luxurious private room at Kensington Hospital's hematology department, Elizabeth lay on her bed with a pale face, her eyes showing traces of weariness. She had one last surgery to undergo before she could fully recover. Yet, the news of the impending collaboration between the Blackwood Group and the Eldoria Group filled her with unease.

Unable to shake off her worries, Elizabeth picked up her phone and called her best friend, Aurora McCain, who worked at the Blackwood Group and would likely have insider information.

Aurora's sweet voice soon came through the phone. "What's up, Beth?"

Elizabeth got straight to the point. "Aurora, how far along is the collaboration between the Blackwood Group and the Eldoria Group?"

Aurora frowned as she heard the explicit question. This was confidential and should be kept a secret. But on second thought, without Elizabeth's help, she wouldn't have gotten her job at the Blackwood Group.

With that in mind, Aurora covered the phone's receiver and slipped into the bathroom. Lowering her voice, she said, "Your brother's assistant, John, is having the legal team work overtime to draft a new partnership agreement. If all goes well, they'll sign the contract at their next meeting."

Elizabeth's heart sank. She wondered what Mia had done to somehow be at the helm of the Eldoria Group and she feared that if the two companies really became partners, Mia would surely have a chance to get close to Matthew. Feeling a surge of panic, Elizabeth asked, "Can you be part of this project?"

"I'm afraid I can't," Aurora said, sounding frustrated. "Beth, I'm telling the truth. My abilities..."

Before Aurora could finish, Elizabeth hung up. With a frown, she pondered her next move. She had to stop Mia from getting close to Matthew. But how?

After much deliberation, Elizabeth sent Matthew two text messages. [Matthew, I'll be discharged in half a month.] [I want to join the Blackwood Group and enhance myself. I'll work hard to become a valuable assistant to you.] At 6 PM, in the CEO's office of the Eldoria Group, Ethan lounged in his swivel chair, unaware of Mia's arrival.

Eliot opened the door and cleared his throat before reminding Ethan of Mia's presence. "Mr. Carter, Ms. Reed is back."

Mia glanced at Ethan, who was seated in the CEO's chair, and said, "Eliot, since Mr. Carter likes this chair so much, make sure it gets packed up and sent to his house tomorrow."

Ethan, well aware of Mia's cunning nature, knew she wasn't being generous but rather mocking him.

Ethan said, "Mia, I appreciate it, but there's no need." His years in the business world allowed him to mask his emotions effortlessly. He continued in a light tone, "By the way, I heard you were supposed to sign the partnership agreement with the Blackwood Group today. How did it go?"

"Oh, there were some details I wasn't satisfied with. They're going to make the necessary changes, and we should be able to sign next time," Mia said, arms crossed, waiting for Ethan to get to the point. She knew he wouldn't be here without an ulterior motive.

Sure enough, Ethan picked up a document from the desk and praised her. "Mia, you really are capable. No wonder Logan values you so much

After his fake praise, he suddenly turned serious. "However, one project with the Blackwood Group isn't enough to revitalize the Eldoria Group." After a sigh, he continued with a smile, "I was rude last time. But I brought you good news today. The largest real estate developer in our city. Hawthorne Enterprises, wants to collaborate with our company. As he said, he handed Mia the document. "Take a look at the proposal.

Ethan had a close relationship with David, so Mia was wary of his intentions. Keeping her thoughts hidden, she glanced through the proposal.

*Hawthorne Enterprises is a powerhouse, involved in both traditional industries and new digital ventures..." Ethan praised the company to high heaven, while Mia maintained an interested facade.

Seeing her apparent interest, Ethan smiled to himself, "At 8 PM tomorrow, Hawthorne Enterprises is hosting a banquet for potential partners at the Crest Hotel. They've sent an invitation to us." He handed Mia a gilded invitation and added, "If we secure this partnership, our future prospects will

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11:18 AM Chapter 37

be significantly brighter."

It was clear Ethan was pushing Mia to attend the banquet. Mia accepted the invitation with a slight smile. She was curious to see what Ethan and David were planning.

"Indeed." She nodded and replied, "Rest assured, I'll do my best to secure this project for the Eldoria Group.

"Good to hear that." Ethan nodded, pleased that his objective had been achieved.

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