The cost

The spring day was gloriously sunny, and the sunset was just perfect.

Mia stood relaxed on the balcony of the second floor at Reed Villa, a subtle smile forming as she observed the chaotic squabbling of David’s family below. Their strife was not their real punishment yet.

Noticing Mia’s good spirits. Eliot, who was browsing through a tables, spoke softly. “Ms. Reed, the Blackwood Group has detailed the partnership proposal. The head of the Blackwood Group has requested your presence at a meeting at Felicia Restaurant at four o’clock this afternoon”

At the mention of Felicia Restaurant, a touch of warmth flickered across Mia’s sharp gaze. “Have Ms. Reshevsky handle that,” she instructed

Eliot seemed reluctant. He was aware that Mia preferred to avoid Matthew, and she had even opted for a digital signature on the letter of intent to avoid meeting him.

But this time was different. Gathering his resolve, he replied, “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. The CEO of the Blackwood Group has specifically asked for you to attend the meeting.

Mia thought, Matthew asked this on purpose. What is he planning now? On second thought, she knew some confrontations were unavoidable since she decided to partner with the Blackwood Group.

Yet, Mis hated being manipulated. She put on a gloomy face, yet her tone appeared resigned. “Alright, I

I understand”

Soon after, Missountered into her walk–in closet and bathed in the warm glow of the sciting sun filtering through the glass.

Her eyes caught on a dress hanging nearly in the comer, which sparked a hint of emotion

“This i…” Her voice faltered as the stepped closer. She couldn’t resist touching the wisteria Bower embroidery on the dress with a round neckline.

It was a gift made by her mother when Mia had come of age. Most of the outfits here had been crafted by her mother. Her mother had been a talented designer who had gained international fame by the age of eighteen. Mia knew these were the treasures her grandfather had left for her. and a contented smile couldn’t help playing on her lips.

After pondering for a while, Mis finally decided to wear the unique wisteria dress. Her stylish bob was neatly tucked behind her ears, and the accessorized with dangling purple crystal earrings.

restaurani manager in her elegant flats.

Arriving at Felicia Restaurant at 3:50 PM, Mia stepped up to the restaurant m

“Hello, may I have… the manager began, but as he looked up his words halted mid–sentence, his expression shifting to one of stunned disbelief. “M–Ms. Reed, you’ve resumed

Since the incident with Jeffery Reed and his wife, Mia had disappeared for over five years. During these years, thanks to Evan’s help. Felicia Restaurant firmly held its position as the top five–star resta

restaurant in Pratu City,

Mia took in the familiar decor with a touch of nostalgia. She remembered her mother telling her how she and her father had met while mountain climbing. They had fallen in love at first sight and even gone together to see the stunning auroras. Eventually, Mia’s father had proposed to her mother in front of a waterfall glowing with neon lights. Felicia Restaurant had also been founded by her father as a tribute to her mother

With a nod, Mia asked. “Have the representatives from the Blackwood Group arrived?”

“Not yet.” the manager hesitated and said. He really wanted to comment on the peculiar taste of the Blackwood Group’s CEO. This was the finest restaurant in Pratu City, yet Matthew had them prepare black beans and lentils as ingredients- what a waste.

“Show me to the room,” Mia instructed calmly.

Following the manager’s signal, a waiter respectfully led Mia to the VIP private room

Mis stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows and watched the clouds drift across the sky. From there, she could see the most beautiful scenery in Pratu City. The sea waves were surging, and the ever–changing clouds floated in the blue sky

Just as Mia was soaking in the view, Matthew entered the room and strode over to stand beside her. “I remember you love watching the sea,” he said

in a soft tone.

Mia’s gaze darkened as she slowly turned around with an elegant demeanor. That was in the past,” she replied, leaning casually against a leather

chair.

Matthew’s cold eyes twitched at Mia’s words she always had a way a file. This is our proposal for the partnership”

a way of getting under

er his skin. “Ms. Reed,” he said, composing himself and taking out

Matthew’s businesslike demeanor surprised Mia. She had expected he would to a more personal approach.

resort

Mia nodded with a smile, though her eyes remained distant and cold. She took the file and carefully reviewed iL

Around five o’clock, Mia raised the document with a smile, asking. “Hey, what’s your game? Everyone knows that the Blackwood Group is not only sharp in its investments but also ruthless in its tacties”

Her gaze hardened, and her words dripped with mistrust. “Yet this proposal offers so many concessions to the Eldoria Group”

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