The cost
57

Chapter

57

Mia knew very well that Ryan wasn't that foolish, so he wouldn't do something that would backfire on himself, and he definitely wouldn't dare to offend Matthew. She said, "But he didn't. So, what does that tell you? It meant that everything online is fake!"

Her words made the entertainment reporters look puzzled. One of them bravely approached and questioned, "So, are you here to visit Mr. Hawkins then?"

Just then. Mia squinted her eyes at the two familiar figures in the distance. She thought, Pratu City is so ridiculously small. How is it that I keep running into Matthew and that disgusting Elizabeth everywhere? Suddenly, a cunning glint flashed in her eyes. She quickly raised her hand to point at a spot not far away and pretended to look surprised as she said, "Look. Isn't that Mr. Blackwood, the CEO of the Blackwood Group!"

Feeling curious, one of the reporters followed where Mia was pointing, and their eyes instantly lit up. He then asked, "That is Mr. Blackwood. But who is that girl beside him?" Another added, "Could she be the mysterious girlfriend rumored to marry Mr. Blackwood in three months?"

Yet another exclaimed. This woman must be extraordinary. After all, she managed to drive away Mr. Blackwood's disgraceful ex-wife from the countryside. Immediately after, another urged, "Let's go over and interview them. We might get a big scoop."

As Mia watched the reporters swarm toward Matthew and Elizabeth, she smirked disdainfully and thought, 'So even the reporters think I'm a country bumpkin. Never mind. It's all in the past. There's no need to dwell on it." Soon after, the reporters started asking questions, with one excitedly saying, "Mr. Blackwood, hello, What brings you here! Are you planning to visit Mr. Hawkins of CrestCore Enterprise along with the CEO of the Eldoria Group? And who is this beautiful lady beside you? Could you introduce her to us?" A bolder reporter even aimed the microphone and camera directly at Elizabeth, asking, "Hello, beautiful. You look stunning. Are you a model, by any chance?"

Elizabeth then pretended to be frightened by holding onto Matthew's arm, but in reality, she just wanted to show their intimacy. Listening to the barrage of questions, he was annoyed, and his expression darkened. "Sorry. No comment."

Her condition was unstable, and sometimes, online comments could be as cutting as a sword. Matthew was worried that any emotional stress might worsen her condition. Therefore, he didn't want to reveal her identity for the time being. However, Matthew picked up on the reporter's implication and thought, The CEO of the Eldoria Group is here too. But...what is Mia doing here? With that in mind, he glanced over at John, who, understanding his boss' silent command, quickly stepped forward to help him out of the situation.

Taking advantage of the moment, Matthew hurriedly led Elizabeth into Kensington Hospital. His eyes carefully swept over everyone around, and he suddenly spotted a familiar, pretty silhouette.

Upon realizing they were going the wrong way, she whispered to remind him, "Matt, this isn't the way to the outpatient clinic... Matthew glanced at her and reassured her. "Beth, you go for your checkup first, okay?" With that, he disappeared into the crowd.

"Didn't you say you'd accompany me?" Elizabeth muttered under her breath as she pursed her lips, feeling a surge of grievance. She then decided to see why Matthew left her alone. Raising an eyebrow, she slowly followed him. She later saw him walking with a spring in his step as if he were extremely pleased about something.

He, on the other hand, kept his gaze steady, locking onto Mia's graceful silhouette, wondering what she was doing here. He found himself following her unconsciously while maintaining a safe distance.

Mia, in her low-heeled shoes, walked ahead with confidence. Yet, she couldn't shake off the strange chill running down her back.

Meanwhile, Eliot managed to use his gentle charm to trick the male nurse into giving him Ryan's ward number.

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10:59 AM

Chapter 57

Five minutes later, Mia pushed the ward door open with a cold gaze while Eliot simultaneously pressed the record button on his phone.

"I already told you to stop bothering me! Can't you guys understand plain words? Are you guys deaf?" Ryan's irritable and incessant cursing echoed through the ward.

"Why are you so angry, Mr. Hawkins? Weren't you quite pleased with yourself yesterday?" Mia asked with a smirk, but her eyes held a coldness that could send shivers down one's spine.

Ryan's eyes widened in surprise before he angrily shouted, "What are you doing here?" Mia chuckled as she took the white lilies from Eliot and tossed them onto Ryan's bed. "Obviously, I'm here to see how you're doing." Ryan then grumbled inwardly. This is just great. This bitch is practically wishing me dead!"

Ryan's face turned utterly grim, and he barked, "What are you so cocky about? You obviously don't get the power of online public opinion. My director friend told me that the current trending video online is enough to destroy your career!" As he recalled last night's humiliation, his anger intensified.

Mia raised an eyebrow and thought, 'I didn't expect that bald cameraman to make a profit off Ryan. Looks like he's smart enough to know that he can't stay in Pratu City and is planning to take the money and run.

Ryan, feeling triumphant and arrogant, looked up at Mia. "I don't care if you're from the Reed family or Matthew's side. If you apologize to me now, I might show mercy. Otherwise, I'll immediately make a statement online and have everyone gunning for you."

Mia wasn't affected at all by the threat. She simply pressed her lips together and sneered. Afterward, she turned to Eliot and asked, "Did you get it all?"

I