The cost
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Chapter

53

Mia glanced at the video link that Matthew had sent her. What does he have to do with this? Mia complained, rolled her eyes and ignored it.

Just then, a voice call suddenly came from Matthew, making her head tingle. Why was Mathew calling now? She frowned, swiftly hitting the decline button.

A moment later, a message popped up on her screen. SilentOne. It's about business.]

His message was brief and direct, allowing no room for decline. Matthew had a knack for being irritatingly persuasive. Mia was about to dismiss it when her phone started ringing again.

"What does he want on earth? grumbled Mia in her heart. Irritated, she was about to answer when she noticed it was a

a video call

Mia's hand trembled slightly as she accepted the call. On the screen, Matthew appeared, wearing a dark silk pajama set. He was holding his phone with one hand while the other ran through his damp hair.

A droplet of water trailed down his defined jaw and flew into his partially open shirt. Mix couldn't help thinking. The camera is embarrassingly high-definition. Wait, he's still in pajamas? He's not in his office at all. What business could he possibly meant"

With some coughs to conceal her embarrassment, Mia looked away and tucked her hair behind her ears. "Mr. Blackwood, what do you wanna discuss!

Matthew stopped wiping his hair, his expression turning serious. "Do you realize that by leaking that video, you could tarnish not only the Eldoria Group's reputation but also affect the Blackwood Group's?"

His voice was deep and resonant, reminiscent of a cello-a tone often adored by most women. However, Mia was far too familiar with it to be swayed.

She remained composed by his words. So this is what he wanted to discuss. No wonder people e all call him a workaholic thought Mix

"Tim well aware of the consequences, Mr. Blackwood. Don't worry. I wouldn't have taken such a step without a plan. Just wait the exciting part, Mr. Blackwood. Mia offered a mysterious smile.

As he absorbed her assured response and recalled her calculated plans from the previous night, Matthew's gaze darkened.

"That would be best." He shifted the camera, moving from his bedroom to his study without bothering to change out of his pajamas. His dedication to work was unmatched.

Having spent five years in his villa, Mia knew the layout there well. She had long wanted to complain about his peculiar choice to connect a bedroom to a study.

Oblivious to Mia's musings, Matthew settled at his desk. The sunlight streamed through the window and landed on his chiseled face. He placed his phone on the holder and picked up a document.

He looked up and shot a quick glance at Mia. At that very moment, her whole body stiffened uncontrollably.

Matthew then said in a deep and serious tone, "According to our contract, this is a special cooperation, and both companies should form a dedicated team on the project."

His serious face filled the phone screen, disconcerting Mia a bit. Her mind was full of admiration for his good background, good looks, excellent capabilities and hard working. However, his only flaw was his overbearing personality. Tve begun assembling the project team" Mia replied in a light tone.

Marthew then made a serious suggestion. To streamline our collaboration, how about we dedicate a floor at our company for our project"

That meant Mia and possibly Queenie would need to make frequent visits to the Blackwood Group. Of course, Mia wouldn't accept it. "No," she replied calmly yet decisively.

Bathed in sunlight, Matthew rested his chin on his hand, looking quite attractive. "So, what's your plan then?" His voice was unusually soft, casting a stark comparison from to typical domineering style.

His new, gender side threw Mu off slightly, and it took her a moment to respond, "We can purchase a separate building to serve as our office space"

She planned to overhaul the Eldoria Group, and keeping the collaboration with the Blackwood Group separate from the old guard was essential. Only by doing this could she see the true colors of the traiton. Hearing Mia's words, Manhew visibly paused. "Wait, are

are you serious?"

"Absolutely. Don't worry about the funds. I won't be asking the Blackwood Group to share it" Mia said with a cunning smule, her eyes alight with confidence and mystery.

11:03 AM

Chapter 33

"Well" Matthew looked at her face and wanted to change the subject when the door to his study slowly opened

"Hey, Matt, what are you doing? h's time for dinner." Dressed in a dark gown and high heels, Elizabeth walked to the desk. When she saw Mia's striking face on the phone screen, she was stunned.

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