The cost
51

Chapter

51

Tim just trying to teach Ivan a lesson here. But everyone makes mistakes, right? What matters is making amends. Mia, you've slipped up before, so you must know the value of a turnaround," he added. Was he attempting to guilt-trip mer Mia lifted her gaze, her eyes shimmering. With a serene smile, she replied, "Indeed."

David's eyes sparkled, thinking he had swayed her. Seizing the moment, he added, "Mia, Ian and Kirsten are immature. If they've ever rubbed you the wrong way. I'm sorry about that. We're family, right? We should have each other's backs, don't

David's entire spiel was merely an attempt to persuade Mia to pay for Ivan's debts, which was wishful thinking. Mia gazed at David's feigned smile and felt repulsed. She arched her eyebrows and responded in an icy tone, "Family Uncle David, have you ever truly considered me as part of this family!

"Mia, why would.

you think that?" A gust of worry flickered across David's face.

Mia's gare darkened as she retorted, "Uncle David, are you aware of what I encountered at the Crest Hotel tonight"

Her pointed question sent a joli through the three prople. Could it be Mia knows something?' they thought.

Pretending to be innocent. David asked, "Mix, what exactly happened?".

"To put in plainly, someone attempted something despicable against me. Before Mia coukl finish, David interjected with fake concern, "Oh Are you alright, Mia?

"If I weren't, would I still be standing here Mia's tone was frosty, her smile devilish. She scanned the three people, and finally rested her gaze on

Kirsten.

Catching Mia's gaze, Kirsten averted her eyes with trembles. "Why is she staring at me muttered Kirsten inside

A sheer played on Mia's lips as she inquired. "Kirsten, are you acquainted with Ryan Hawkins?"

Kirsten clenched her fists, struggled to stifle her fear, and blinked innocently. "I don't know him. What's wrong?

"Well, still in denial, huh? Mia thought. Her expression turned more gloomy as she turned to David. "Uncle David, people can make a foolish mistake once, but they shouldn't repeatedly be foolish. Mr. Hawkins sought revenge on me, and the person who provided him with my detailed information was your baby daughter. Uncle David, surely you can't ignore this, right?"

David felt uneasy as Mia seemed to know everything. "Mia, Kirs is just a bit spoiled, but she would never do such a thing" David was confident Mia had no proof, so he didn't plan to admit it

He then winked at Kirsten, who instantly started sobbing. "Mia, I know you don't like me, but you can't just accuse me without evidence. If Grandpa were here, he wouldn't let me suffer like this.

Interesting. Is she implying I'm being unfair? Mix thought to herself. With a smirk on her lips, Mia looked as if she had anticipated this scene. pulled out her phone, found the edited video, and played it in front of them. The footage clearly displayed Ryan's disheveled and distressed figure in a neon-lit room,

In the video, Mia asked, "How did you know I'm the CEO of the Elderia Group?

She

Ryan replied with coughs, "Instagram, Kirsten offered a reward." Ryan's hourse voice pierced David and the others like a deer, causing David's face instantly livid.

"Damn it! Mia had come fully prepared this time, David wondered.

"H-How could it be me?" Kirsten shouted with anger, "Ryan is framing mel I didn't do it! Mia, why would I hurt you?"

"Exactly, Kirs couldn't have done this," David pleaded.

They were really shameless. Even with the evidence thrown in their face, they were still denying it. "Is that so? Mia mused, her chin in her hand. "If you don't know Mr. Hawkins, why would he falsely accuse you?"

"How should we know why? Maybe he's trying to pit us against each other" Ivan blurted out, his voice filled with urgency.

Mia said with a wry smile. "That's a thought. She dien approached Kirsten, and snatched Kirsten's phone as sudden as lightning,

Then, Mia opened WhatsApp and played the voice messages between Ryan and Kirsten: [I've transferred ten grand to your account. Now, spill the beans about Mia and her deal with Matthew...] The irrefutable evidence left Kirsten dumbfounded, and she was too shocked to even attempt to get her phone back.

Chapter 31

Ivan gritted his teeth in silent fury, wishing he could strangle Mia right now and here.

In the palpable tension, David's face flushed with anger. He stepped forward and delivered a harsh slap to Kirsten. SEND GIFT 

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