The cost

Eliot noticed Mia’s gaze lingering on the invitation and said gently. “It’s for Rose Garden charity gala. It’s quite exclusive, reserved only for CEOs of billion–dollar enterprises.

Mia knew all too well that such high–profile gatherings were goldmines for networking, so she decided to check on it.

“Alright. While I’m out, can you keep an eye on how the renovations of the second floor are coming along?” she asked, sliding the invite into her purse and ticking a strand of her short hair behind her ear with effortless grace. Rising from her chair, she headed toward the high–end car dealership conveniently located next to the Eldoria Group.

In business, the image was everything, and the car one drove was as much a part of the brand as the name on the letterhead.

Mia, ever the master of understatement, strolled into the dealership and drove off in a sleek, deep blue Ferrari without drawing much attention. The car’s smooth lines and the throaty purr of its engine gave her a heady sense of freedom.

For the first time in a long while, Mia felt unshackled–free from the chains of her loveless marriage.

Her next stop was Pratu City’s most lavish mall.

Since she was attending tonight’s gala as the CEO of the Fidoria Group, she needed to look the part,

In her flats, Mia entered the mall, where a cascade of crystal chandeliers overhead scattered prisms of light ac

across the polished marble floors. Her outfit was minimalist–an elegant business suit by a lesser–known designer that hinted at her refined yet discerning taste. Without hesitation, she headed straight for the boutique section, where only the most exquisite, top–tier fashion pieces resided.

Her eyes were immediately drawn to a mannequin dressed in a striking burgundy halter–neck gown, backless and unapologetically bold. The dress seemed to whisper her name and Mia felt it would complement her short hair well

But just as Mia reached for it, a familiar voice sliced through the air, “Excuse me, I’ll take that dress”

Mia turned to see Elizabeth, standing there with an all–too–innocent smile. Fate, it seemed, had a twisted sense of humor, throwing them together yet again in the most unlikely of places.

Elizabeth’s voice was syrupy and sweet as she greeted Mia, “Oh, Mia, now that you’re dumped by Matt, why are you still spending his money?

Mia’s expression turned frosty, her gaze cutting. “Really, Elizabeth After all these years, you’re still pulling these stunts? Have you forgotten how I slashed your face?”

Elizabeth took a step back, visibly rattled by Mia’s icy tone.

“Quit the act. Matthew’s not here. Mia said dismissively, her gaze assessing Elizabeth’s slim figure, pausing pointedly at her flat chest. “And I’m taking this dress. If you think you can snatch it from me, just take a good look at yourself:

“You..” Elizabeth’s gaze darkened, a mix of humiliation and venom twisting her usually docile features. “You’re just a blood bag Matt brought in for

1. mc.

Her anger seemed to erase any fear of Mia’s dominance. “You think changing your hairstyle or clothes can win him back? He loves me to the core. You’re nothing to him, just a piece of garbage”

Mi couldn’t help but sneer as she thought, ‘A piece of garbage? That’s exactly how I see Matthew now!

“Keep that cold fish of a man,” Mia scoffed. “He makes me sick. Whoever wants him can have him. He’s nothing but a bag of trash I dumped.”

Mia wain’t about to waste any more breath on Elizabeth. The best way to handle someone like Elizabeth was to ignore them completely.

Nearby, the sales assistant awkwardly held the packed dress, caught in the crossfire of this high–society spat. Mia waved her over. “I’ll pay by card” With that, she took out a black card, one of only a hundred limited edition cards worldwide. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“You… Mia! Have you no shame? Elizabeth exclaimed, incredulous. “You’re still using Matt’s card!”

Elizabeth snatched the black card from the sales assistant’s hand, clutching it tightly.

Mia’s response was swift and fierce. She strode up to Elizabeth and slapped her sharply across the face.

“Remember this, Elizabeth,” Mia hissed, her eyes narrowing into slits of menace. “Stop playing the victims, Not everyone is going to coddle you. And don’t lay your hand on what isn’t)

1 yours.

Pocket FM

12:17 PM

Elizabeth stood there, stunned, her cheek now marked with a bright red handprint. She began to cry, her sobs pathetic and small “You hit me! How dare you!” she gasped

Mia watched, an indifferent smile playing on her lips as if the whole thing were no more than a mildly amusing spectacle. She didn’t owe Elizabeth or Matthew anything. Taking back the black card, Mia handed it to the sales assistant. “Please help me check out.”

Witnessing the wealthy people’s drama was indeed like watching a soap opera. The sales assistant sighed inwardly as she processed the transaction.

After a few more moments of sobbing, Elizabeth awkwardly noticed that Mia had already left with the dress.

She wiped away her tears, her face twisted with bitterness. ‘Matt is mine, and nobody can change that fact. We’ve grown up together, and I will not let any other woman have him. Mia will pay for crossing me, she thought

However, Mia couldn’t care less about Elizabeth’s venomous thoughts. As Mia walked away, she casually stroked her slightly bulging belly, her mind already far from the petty drama behind her

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