The cost
50

Chapter

50

Late into the night, Reed Villa was still brightly lit Kirsten's heart pounded as she stared fixedly at her phone, desperate to be the first to hear of Mia's misfortune.

"Why are you widening your eyes?" Ivan asked, rubbing his hands nervously. "It's already ren. Mr. Hawkins must have made it by now" A thrill of anticipation tinged his voice. If Mr. Hawkins had succeeded, not only would his 16 million debe disappear, but his family's future would be secure.

"Really?" Kirsten felt a sudden uncase. "Wait, I need to check with Ryan" She tapped her phone, sending a chirpy voice message "Ryan, everything's going well, huh? Congran

However, Ryan was in the hospital for emergency treatment, leaving Kirsten's message unanswered.

Without receiving a reply, Karsten's anxiety mounted. She tried calling Ryan several times, but she still couldn't reach him.

Seeing her worried face, Ivan asked, "How on earth is it going!"

"I don't know. Mr. Hawking not answering my call." Kirsten started pacing back and forth

Hearing that. Ivan blanched, and his panic rose. "Keep calling him, then, Hurry!"

Kirsten was

velliig at se

was already on edge. Ivan's yell instantly enraged her. She retorted sharply, "Stop yelling at

"I'm your brother. Is there any problem I yell at you?" Overwhelmed by his looming debes, Ivan was short on patience.

Their argument abruptly ceased when David interjected, "What's all this noise about?"

Kirsten feeling aggrieved, complained to David, "Dad, Ivan just yelled at me

David's stern glare made Ivan go grim and tremble slightly. Ivan then explained, "Dad. I'm just worried. There's no news from Ryan yet, and I don't know if Mia fell for the trap. Trying to avoid further scolding. Ivan softened his tone David then said while knitting his brows, "I make a call and find out what's going on." Mia had already cost them over six million, and he was not prepared to cover Ivan's debus. Thus, this was their ultimare move.

Just as he was about to call Ethan, the harsh ringtone reached his cars. He glanced at his screen and was surprised to find it was Ethan. Could it mean their plan had worked?

David quickly answered with expectation on his face, "Ethan. Yet he was cut off by a tizade of furious accusations.

"David, what is wrong with you? You told me Mia had nothing to do with Matthew, didn't you?" Ethan's voice was sharp, like rapid gunfire, giving David no chance to interject. "Ifthat's true, why did Mathew rush to save Mia? Ryan nearly lost his balls, do you know! You've completely messed it

David was stunned, the words hitting him like a physical blow. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "Ethan, is that true?"

"Why would I lie?" Ethan retorted, his voice strained. "You have no idea how ruthless Mia is. I heard she just sent a manager to jail today. She's probably coming after me next... After a few more complaints, Ethan hung up, leaving David clutching his phone, his face ashen.

"Dad, is Mia" Ivan's eyes gleamed with malicious light

Yet David cut him off with a sharp slap, which echoed across

the spacious hall

"Dad, why did you hit me again?" Ivan covered his swollen check, stunned.

Kirsten was startled, her brows furrowing with concern. "Dad, what's happened?"

Overwhelmed by frustration and disappointment for his son, David blurted out, "Min was saved by Matthew, and Mr. Hawkins' nearly disabled" David couldn't help but let out a sigh, "Couldn't I even defeat Mia?"

Kirsten staggered, her face a picture of shock as she slumped against the wall.

"Dad, what am I going to do? The payment deadline is in two days Ivan's voice broke as he collapsed before David. Please, help me! I'm your son. -You can't just watch me doomed, right?"- David remained silent, and Kirsten's eyes filled with despair. Their tense moment was shattered by a sarcastic chuckle at the doorway.

"Oh, Uncle David, what's happening here?" Mia inquired, her tone laced with mockery. She walked in, her lieels clicking sharply on the marble, each sound striking David's heart like a hammer. Kirsten's lips pressed, and she looked down awkwardly.

SEND GIFT

Chapter 30

David masked his dismay with feigned warmth and said, "Oh, Mia. I'm just thinking I'm getting old, and not quite as useful as you guys. You all have your own thoughts, don't you?"