The cost
52

Chapter 52

Kirsten stumbled and collapsed to the floor, and she gazed up at David in confusion and surprise.

As she opened her mouth to speak, David snapped, "Geeze, why are you two so troublemaking? Mia is your cousin. How could you betray her...for mere money

Kirsten's mouth was bleeding from the slap, and tears streamed down her cheeks

David furious but trying to keep his composure, turned to Mia. "This is my fault, Mia. I didn't discipline them properly. But I promise you, Mix this will never happen again. 111 make sure they learn their lesson. Apologize to Mia now, youu iliot❞ David commanded, hoping to quell Mia's anger and limit the fallout.

Feeling wronged yet cornered, Kirsten managed to say through her tears, "Mia, I'm sorry_"

"Tak, what a spectacle. Mia was amused by how quickly David adapted to the crisis. But she had no intention of letting them off easily.

Mia sighed, "Uncle David, Ivan and Kirsten are no longer kids. How could they make such foolish mistaked I think it's high time to discipline them and teach them how to make a living without a penny to their names, just as I did. Her eyes danced with a hint of pleasure as she looked over at the three people.

seem to have accepted the current

Who are you to dictate our lives!" Ivan glared at Mia with defiance as if he still held the upper hand. He didn't ser situation.

Mia remained calm, her voice detached. "Uncle David, seri İvan still doesn't see the error of his ways. If you're truly reluctant to teach them a lesson, perhaps I should inform Grandpa and suggest you take an extended break. Her veiled threat drained the color from David's face

Mia was threatening to take away his power! The implications were severe, especially if Logan learned of Kirsten's actions. After a pause, David managed a forced smile and said, "You're right. Mia. They've been spoiled. I've decided to follow your advice,"

Ivan and Kirsten exchanged a look, and their faces turned grim. "Tkad_"

But before they could protest David silenced them with a stern comitiand, "Shut up!""

Watching their crestfallen expressions, Mia felt a rash of satisfaction. They had once reveled in her misfortunes, and now, it was her turn to exact a measure of revenge.

"Uncle David, I'm tired. I'm going to bed, Mia amirked as she ascended the stairs.

Kirsten watched Mia's figure with venom in her eyes and complained, "Dad, she's clearly trying to drive Ivan and me out. How can you compromise

with her?"

"If your grandpa hears about this from her, we'll be in even deeper trouble." David sighed, his face shen. Ivan slumped and begged. "Dad."

"Just stay put and stop causing trouble. I'll deal with your debts," David said, his eyes glinting with evil,

The next morning, the sun shone brightly in the sky. Mia had just gotten dressed when Ebot called, "Ms. Reed, the transaction records and bank statements have been received. Also, the video of you kicking Ryan has topped the trending topics"

Mia simply responded and ended the call. She then refreshed the feed and checked the trending topics. The new CEO of the Eldoria Group. suspected of disliking project terms, assaults the CEO of the CrestCore Enterprise, leaving him injured" The video had been cleverly edited, showing Ryan courteously offering a drink to Mia, followed by Min splashing the drink on his face and kicking him, and the narrative faultlessly framed her as the aggressor,

The topic had exploded online, garnering millions of shares and comments,

Nobody: [Really? The Eldoria Group might be powerful, but bullying is not appropriatel

ColdWind. [Unbelievable. She's so fierce. No one could withstand such a kick.]

Heartless: [She sure knows how to play hardball. No wonder she landed the deal with the Blackwood Group.]

Justice: Violence is unacceptable. The Edoria Group is bad. I support CrestCare.]

Feeling the reaction wasn't intense enough, Mia switched to WhatsApp and messaged Eliot. Mine [Wait for my instruction to dump the stocks of CrestCore and Hawthorne Enterprises. Besides, let's turn up the heat on that video.] Eliot [Understood]

11.03 AM 

Chapter 52

A mischievous grin played on Mia's lips as she received another message. SilentOne: Did you intentionally leak that video!]

0