The cost

Chapter 26

“Grandpa, you can count on me. I won’t let the Eldoria Group crumble now that you’ve put me in charge.” Mia promised Logan gently before ending the call

She glanced down at her phone and saw a message

mange from E

Eliot. [Mr. Reed, the board members are requesting an urgent meeting ]

The board usually only met monthly. The last one had been just days ago, right after Mis returned. This sudden request could only mean one thing

it was about the partnership with the Blackwood Group.

Mia then called up Eliot “Eliot, let those old faxes know I’m signing off on the letter of intent for the Blackwood–Eldoria partnership”

Her tone left no room for argument, and Eliot hesitated for a beat before she continued, “And send me the login for the company’s official account.”

Eliot promptly supplied the credentials, and Mia wasted no time logging in. She quickly shared the trending headline, captioning it: [Eldoria Group and Blackwood Group – now in business together.]

The post racked up tens of thousands of shares and likes in no time.

ColdWind: [Wow! Not just a gorgeous philanthropist, but a killer CEO too!]

MacCheese: [Figures, the rich stick together, don’t they?]

MoonlitHaze: [My fave fan couple’s kaput! But Blackwood and Reed do make a nice match, huh?)

MidnightSnack: [Anyone else dying to know–who’s Blackwood’s mystery woman?]

Mia couldn’t help but smile as she read through the comments. The storm had finally passed.

Over at the Reed estate, David was seeing red. Not only had Mia made off with those luxury goods he had his eye plan to smear her reputation through Shawn’s entertainment company. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

eye on, but she had also

Besides, she had just announced the big Eldoria–Blackwood partnership, solidifying her position at the top of Eldoria.

While David was boiling with anger, Kirsten and Ivan came scurrying over to him.

“Dad, I’ve

e uncovered Mia’s dirty little secret Kirsten piped up, breathless.

“Another one, huh?” Ivan drawled, picking up on his father’s sour disposition. “Don’t get our hopes up if it’s just another dy

dud.”

“Turns out Mia’s holed up at Pratu Hospital, Kirsten announced, waving her phone triumphantly. “And get this she’s pregnant. No clue who knocked her up. No wonder Matthew’s gunning for a divorce.”

David’s

sexpression darkened as he rose from his seat. “Alright, go confirm if this is the real deal.

David mulled it over, ‘But if it’s all just hot air, why’d Matthew swoop in to help her in her time of need? Ah well, can’t let Mia have that bun in the

oven.

“You got

tit. Kirsten couldn’t wait for Mia’s dirty laundry to be aired out. But if those skeletons came tumbling out of the closet, her own family would become unwelcome by the Reeds.

As Kirsten hustled off to the hospital, she spotted Matthew striding out of a Maybach.

smokeshow! She was p

was practically drooling.

The man cut an imposing figure, his sharp features accentuated by the sleek black suit that made him look like he could moonlight as a model.

Kirsten couldn’t believe her eyes the CEO of the Blackwood Group was a total

Dressed to the nines in a slinky black number and looking fresh off the runway, Kirsten was sure her classy, elegant getup would have Matthew cating our of the palm of her hand.

She sayed after him, but the wind was promptly taken out of her sails when she spotted Mathew docking into the obstetrician’s office.

What the… Kirsten thought, her mind racing. Purting on her best sick–patient act, she sidled up close to the door, ear perked up.

“Mr. Blackwood, your wife’s doing better. Make sure she stays on top of those checkups and gets plenty of iron in her dies” Olivia said, her gaze drifting as she pored over the medical tile.

Kirsten couldn’t help but think, “Ms. Reed is one fine–looking woman, and her hubby is just as much of a catch. Man, if only I could land myself a guy like that!”

H

Olima was about as tech–savvy as a rock, so she had no clue about Matthew and Mia’s secret identities.

Kirsten’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head, her mind racing. Wait, the doctor said his wife? Matthew’s married again! And she’s even pregnant? So all that juicy online gossip was bunk! No secret lover, no quickie wedding – could his wife be that thorn in my side. Mia!!

Matthew made sure to commit everything Olivia said to memory before heading out. Instead of going to Mia, he made a beeline for Elizabeth’s ward to sort out her transfer.

Kirsten kept her eyes glued to Matthew’s retreating form, fighting the temptation to tail him. She couldn’t afford to lose sight of her mission at Pratu – investigating that woman Ma

Poking her head in, Kirsten whispered, “Excuse me, is there a pregnant lady named Mia around here somewhere?”

“And you are…!” Olivia leveled a frown at this woman, finding it downright odd that she didn’t recognize Mia’s husband, who had just waltzed out of here. Olivia couldn’t help but worry this lady was up to no good.

Sensing the chill in Olivia’s stare, Kirsten tried for a friendly tone. “I’m Mia’s cousin, actually. I heard she’s expecting, so I came all the way from Bellwood to see how she’s doing.”