جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 20

A few minutes into lunch, Mason studied Mia across the table. “How are you coping?” he asked. “I hope nobody is stressing you out.” “I’m managing.” “But are you okay?” Mia looked up from her plate. “You always put on this tough-girl skin, but I know what you’re going through isn’t easy.” “I’m okay.” Mason sighed. “You know you don’t always have to be.” Mia gave him a small smile but said nothing. He knew better than to push her. The subject of her marriage alliance had not come up for some time. Her father had not mentioned it, and Ethan had not contacted her again. “Has Father mentioned anything about the marriage alliance?” Mason asked after a moment. “Has Ethan reached out to you?” “No.” Mason nodded slowly. Mia had deliberately kept the contract to herself. She had no intention of telling her family about its conditions, not yet, at least. She didn’t want her mother worrying or Mason asking questions she wasn’t ready to answer. As far as everyone knew,

When Mia finally returned home that evening, she dropped her handbag onto the chair and reached for her phone. She had barely unlocked it when a new notification appeared. An invitation. Curious, she opened it. You are cordially invited to the Hender Alumni Reunion. Her eyes moved to the bottom of the invitation. Hosted by Cara Hender. So Cara had finally sent her invitation. She wasn’t surprised. Ever since the summit, she had been waiting for Cara’s next move. Knowing her, it was only a matter of time before she found another opportunity to prove she had climbed higher than the woman she had always envied. Unfortunately for Cara… This time, things would be different. Mia locked her phone and placed it on the bedside table. Whatever Cara was planning, she would deal with it when the time came. The following morning, the vibration of her phone pulled her from sleep. She reached for it lazily. A message from Mason. Good morning. Mrs. Hender requested that you attend o

The rest of the day passed in a blur. With Lily gone, most of her workload had been redistributed across the department. Mia barely had time to breathe before another file landed on her desk. By the time she looked up from her computer, the office was almost empty. She stretched her aching shoulders and packed her things. Tomorrow would be another busy day. The following morning, Scott Group was unusually quiet. Something had happened. Employees whispered among themselves as they walked through the hallways, careful not to be overheard. Barely thirty minutes into the workday, an email arrived. Emergency Meeting. Attendance Mandatory. Mia exchanged a quick glance with Mason before following everyone into the boardroom. Martin Scott was already seated at the head of the table. In front of him lay the Meridian Project proposal. He picked it up and placed it firmly on the table. The sound echoed through the silent room. “The Meridian Project,” he began, his voic

After spending the entire day wrestling with matters at Scott Group, Mia finally returned home that evening. Big companies came with big problems, and she had willingly signed up for it. She barely rested before getting ready for the reunion. She had her hair styled into a high ponytail that fell neatly down her back. Her red off-shoulder gown fitted her perfectly, complemented by simple silver jewellery, matching heels and a small purse. She kept her appearance elegant but understated. The reunion was being held at one of Dorcount City’s most exclusive private lounges, a place known for its expensive interiors, strict guest lists and clientele who preferred their gatherings away from public attention. Mia arrived slightly late. Most of the guests were already there. She had barely stepped inside when she heard a familiar voice. “Is that Mia?” She turned. Scarlett. Cara’s closest friend. Scarlett’s eyes travelled over her dress before she smiled. “You look nice.” “Thank

The room gasped. Mia picked up her own glass and threw the wine back. It splashed across Cara’s gown. “That’s enough!” Scarlett rushed between them. “It hasn’t gotten to this. This is a reunion!” Cara stared at Mia in disbelief. Scarlett turned towards Mia. “Please. Just admit you made a mistake and apologize to Cara so we can all enjoy the evening.” Mia wiped the wine from her cheek, but before she could speak, “Nobody has actually proven Mia is lying.” The voice came from across the room. Beauty. One of the girls who had always admired Mia’s intelligence back in school. She folded her arms. “Okay, then. Cara has already claimed she knows the Scotts. So prove that you work for Scott Group and that what Cara said about you isn’t true,” Scarlett said. Cara smiled confidently. “If you’re lying, you’ll kneel down and apologize to me in front of everyone. And we’ll record it.” The room grew quieter. Mia looked at her. “And if I’m right?” Beauty looked