The cost
46

Chapter

46

"If you don't accept it, I can't finish the mission given by my grandfather." Mia's voice was

as warm and charming

Mandy's heart softened, and she was deeply moved. Being recognized, praised, and cared for was exactly why she worked so hard.

"Thank you, Ms. Reed," Mandy said with a gentle smile. She took the dress and headed into the fitting room.

While waiting. Mia sent a quick message to Eliot. Have some people stationed near Crest Hotel. If I haven't texted you by 8.30 PM. come in and find me immediately.]

Eliot: [Understood, Ms. Reed.] Concerned with Mia and Mandy's safety, he promptly prepared after receiving Mia's message.

Eliot's reply gave Mia some peace of mind. Just as she put away her phone, she looked up to see Mandy, now in the sexy black dress, with her hair colled up and her usual black-rimmed glasses off, Mia couldn't help but exclaim, "You look amazing" Mandy was like a flower freed from the dust.

Mandy put on a shy smile and replied, "Ms. Reed, you're flattering me

"I never lie" Mia grinned, holding up a dress. "I'm going to try on my outfit now. Wait for me"

At 8 PM. Mia walked into the lobby of Crest Hotel Her dark blue dress accentuated her flawless skin, making her look like an unattainable ice

queen.

Mandy followed closely, politely handing over the invitation to the doorman. They then walked side by side and were guided by the staff to the

"Everything tonight is on Hawthorne Enterprises. Please enjoy yourselves," someone said.

"Our company is a top real estate giant. Leaders of prospective partners, give it your all tonight, another one said.

"Whoever drinks us under the table tonight can secure the project."

The loud, valpar chatter made Mia pause. She glanced at the noisy room and arched lier eyebrows. "Ethan must have a death wish. Does he treat me as a hostess? thought Mix

Mia had expected at least a formal banquet tonight, not this rowdy gathering she saw right now. This was really unbelievable

Thankfully, she was prepared. She slowly reached into her purse, perfectly positioned to discreetly expose her phone's camera, and pressed the record burton.

Inside the private room, several bald, middle-aged men with big bellies ogled Mia and Mandy as they entered.

One of them, holding a glass of wine, blinked in disbelief. "Well, well, who do we have here?"

A sarcastic voice suddenly cut through the air. "You don't recognize Ms. Reed and Ms. Reshevsky from the Eldoria Group? Just don't disgrace me, please." Ryan appeared from the dark corner of the room with a smirk. He raised an eyebrow and looked at Mia with a grin. "Nice to see you again, Ms. ReedTM

Ryan was the eldest heir of CrestCore Enterprise, someone Mia had dealt with at the recent charity gala. So, David and Ethan were planning to use him as a pawIL

"My actions at the gala were wrong. Lapologize to you, Ms. Reed," Ryan said, though his face showed no remorse. He raised two glasses of wine and said loudly, "Ms. Reed, let's have a drink to put our past disagreements behind us and discuss our cooperation. What do you think?

Ryan's eyes greedily scanned Mia, his mind racing. No wonder even the charity gala host backed down. This woman is the new head of the Reed family and the CEO of the Eldoria Group. With such a strong background, who would dare cross her? thought Ryan.

But when Ryan learned more, he found out Mia wasn't well-regarded within the Reed family but was just a paper tiger.

He was eager to get back at Mia, not realizing he was being used by David.

Sorry.

Ryan frigned understanding and continued, "Since you can't drink, how about Ms. Reshevsky does it for you!" Mandy could tell this man had bad intentions. But if a drink could resolve their conflict, she would not refuse. Mia's eyes turned cold as she adjusted her delicate corsage. "No

to thanks. We're here to discuss business, not to drink" She grabbed Mandy's hand and

11:02 AM

Chapter 45

turned to leave. The Elderia Group wouldn't stoop so low to seek cooperation with such a vile business partner.

"Well, well, good for you," Ryan sneered and clapped his hands. Immediately, a dozen bodyguards in suits surrounded them. "But on my turf, we play with my rules,"

Mia's eyes radiated dangerous signals. These guards were clearly professionals, and she couldn't be sure her punches could handle so many. Plus, she was pregnant and couldn't risk harm to her baby. Seeing the danger, Mandy instantly stepped in front of Mia

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