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CHAPTER 45: The Belle of the Ball
Last Updated:
2025-01-26 21:08:13
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Mia’s heart pounded as she walked behind Zac, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the quiet hallway. The party had nearly ended, but Zac had pulled her away from the crowd, leading her in a new direction. “Are you sure we’re allowed to be here?” Her voice had a trace of doubt, even though the buzz from the party still lingered around them. Zac glanced back at her, flashing a casual smile. “My grandfather owns this hotel as well. So…yes, I know my way around.” Mia blinked, surprised. They own the hotel? Zac has this way of talking about things so casually, like it’s not a big deal or there’s no real value to it.” Still, an uneasy feeling settled in her chest. There was something different about him tonight. Even after all their time working together, he was always unpredictable. They reached a set of grand double doors, and Zac turned to her, his face neutral. “Close your eyes.” Mia hesitated, confusion furrowing her brow. “Why?” “Just trust me,” he said softly, the ca
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Mia paused, her gaze still fixed on Zac, uncertain whether to believe him. Then, out of nowhere, Zac’s expression shifted. His lips twitched before he burst into laughter. “You should see the look on your face,” Zac said, his voice light and amused. Mia blinked, her mouth slightly open. “That’s… not funny, sir,” she replied, shaking her head, though a hint of a smile crept onto her lips. Zac chuckled and pulled a second key from his pocket. “Relax. I was just kidding.” She exhaled sharply, finally allowing herself to smile. “What a bad joke,” she muttered. Zac grinned, unfazed, as the hotel porters approached with their luggage. They moved efficiently, unloading the bags and arranging everything for their respective suites. When the porter led Mia to her room, she followed with curious anticipation. Zac's suite was certainly luxurious, the finest that the hotel could provide. However, when she entered her own room, she was astonished. The suite was much more lavish than she ha
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“It’s not over yet,” he added, leaning back against his desk, watching her like a predator sizing its prey. Mia froze, her chest tightening. “What?” she asked, disbelief heavy in her voice. “I’ve done everything you’ve asked, what more do you want?” “You’re not done until I say so,” Xiang replied coldly. “And you’re not leaving this city until I’m satisfied.” Her voice rose, barely masking the tremor beneath. “What do you mean? I’ve worked my ass off for over four years. In a month, it’ll be five. You promised—” “I promised nothing,” he cut her off, stepping closer. “This is business, Mia. Promises are meaningless. The numbers are what matters.” Her hands balled into fists. “That last job—didn’t you get paid? I’ve covered my part!” His smirk vanished, replaced by a cold glare. “And do you think your part even scratches the surface of what you owe? The costs of running this operation—logistics, training, cleaning up your messes—do you think any of that comes for free?”
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“What’s expected of me as your… wife? That’s if I agree to this,” Mia asked, folding her arms and narrowing her eyes at Zac. “Nothing much,” Zac said casually, leaning back in his seat. “You’d basically need to show up at a few events. For now, meet my family, and then we’ll get married in court. It’ll be simple—just a small, quick process.” “Like, just sign the papers?” Mia raised an eyebrow. “And after that?” “Yes,” Zac responded smoothly, as if it was the easiest thing in the world. “Once the marriage is registered, we make a few public appearances together, smile for the cameras, and that’s it.” Zac sat up straighter. “Oh, and we would also need to live together as a couple.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Mia exclaimed, her hand gesturing in front of her. “Wait a minute.” A moment ago, you were practically accusing me of leaking those photos, and now you’re totally comfortable marrying me? Even if it’s just a contract?” Zac's demeanor eased, and for the first time in a long while, he
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Sarah’s expression shattered, with tears streaming down her face as she dropped to her knees. “I’m sorry, Mia.” Mia exhaled sharply, her hands clenching into fists. “Mom, how could you? After everything we’ve been through?” Her mother shook her head, her eyes pleading. “Mia, your father reached out to me… he… he came begging. He said he wanted to make things right.” Mia let out a bitter laugh, the sound hollow and sharp. “Make things right? He left us, Mom. You have no idea what I went through because of him. And now you think a simple apology is enough?” Sarah wiped at her tears. “Mia, please. I know how hard this must be. We all make mistakes—that’s what makes us human.” “Forgiveness is not in my book anymore,” Mia shot back, her voice shaking. “I can never forgive him. And you—you gave him a chance without even telling me?” “I thought—” Sarah hesitated. “I thought it was the right thing to do, my child. Without a father figure, what would our in-laws say? You know how it loo
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