The cost
56

Chapter

56

In the stately Blackwood Mansion, Matthew, dressed in his finest, sat in his study poring over the list of Pratu City's most prestigious skyscrapers. He pondered which one Mia might choose for their project's workspace and what strategies she might employ against CrestCore Enterprise and Hawthorne Enterprises.

Although John had already prepared ample evidence to use against the two companies, Matthew was keen to see how Mia would handle the situation.

His concentration was interrupted when Elizabeth breezed into the room with a blink.

"Maut, didn't I tell you I wanted to work at the Blackwood Group? Can I? Holding the hem of her dress, Elizabeth gazed at him with pleading eyes. Matthew shook his head with concern. "No, your condition isn't stable yet.

"That's not true. The doctor said I'm recovering well. My final surgery is scheduled for six months from now," Elizabeth protested, moving closer and adopting a coaxing tone. "Matt, I've been cooped up in hospitals for years. I just want to work like everyone else, have meals with friends, and help you at work." She clung to his arm, swaying it

gently as she cajoled. Please, Matt. I really want to work,"

Matthew had always indulged Elizabeth, partly because of the hardships she had endured This indulgence had often come at the expense of Mia. Matthew recalled a barbs from Vinson about his overprotectiveness, who claimed that if he were a woman, he would never marry Matthew. For outsiders, they might think Elizabeth was Matthew's wife.

For Matthew, however, Elizabeth was his only family. He knew too well the feeling of loss, so he was doing his best to keep Elizabeth by his side.

Yet he admitted to himself that perhaps it was indeed time for Elizabeth to step into a more normal life. With a network of colleagues and friends, perhaps she wouldn't feel so possessive of his time and would lessen her resentment towards Mia.

Frowning. Matthew finally said, "Go for a medical check-up first. Let the doctors assess whether you're fit to work.

"Yay! I knew you'd understand. Thank you, Matt. Let's go to the hospital right now," Elizabeth exclaimed, her face. lighting up with excitement. Her smile was innocent, but she was already plotting how to keep Mia away from Matthew once she joined the Blackwood Group.

Meanwhile, at Reed Villa, Mia was reading the flood of hostile comments beneath the viral video of her kicking Ryan. Her smile deepened with satisfaction

MyHeart: [Seriously? The Eldoria Group is so shady? Are they tied up with the mob or something?] WaveRider: [I've never seen such a nasty woman. Those good stories about her have gotta be made up.].

DanceWithMe: [We need to stand up for Ryan. Let's boycott the Eldoria Group until the CEO says sorry.]

These comments undoubtedly pushed both companies to the center of the storm. This was just the result Miat expected to see. She stood up and addressed Eliot, who was holding a bouquet of white lilies. "Let's go visit Ryan." "Are you sure." Eliot hesitated while looking down at the flowers. In their culture, white flowers were usually thought ominous for patients.

"Yes," Mia aflirmed coldly. She had vowed not to let Ryan off easily, and she intended to follow through. The flowers were just the beginning

"Eliot, have our stock prices continued to fall while Crest Core's have risen?" Mia asked with a charming grin.

"Yes, Ms. Reed," Eliot replied, slightly uncomfortable while holding the flowers.

With her phone in hand and a buoyant step, Mia left the villa, Eliot in tow. They soon arrived at Kensington Hospital.

D

Chapter 56.

As Mia entered the lobby, several entertainment reporters who had been waiting there recognized her. "Isn't that the CEO of the Eldoria Group, the one involved in the assault?" asked reporter A. "It's her, but what's she doing here?" reporter B said.

"Could the backlash from the public drive her to make a public apology to Ryan?" reporter C exclaimed.

"This could be a major scoop. Let's try to get a statement from her." reporter D suggested. After some quick discussion. they rushed over and swarmed around Mia and Eliot.

"You're the CEO of the Eldoria Group, right? Are you here to apologize to Ryan?" one reporter asked.

"Did you really kick Ryan over a business disagreement?" another chimed in.

"Are you pushing a feminist agenda? Are your actions driven by misandry?" another probed.

Amid the barrage of questions, Mia maintained a composed smile. She replied smoothly, "I am indeed here to visit him but not to apologize. If I had truly caused harm, wouldn't you expect Mr. Hawkins to be the first to accuse me?" Indeed, Ryan himself hadn't said a word publicly about the incident. It was only CrestCore Enterprise's official response that had criticized her actions.

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