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The Heiress Revived from the Ashes
Chapter 182 A Missed Opportunity
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Josh’s voice softened instinctively, as if afraid of further upsetting her. “I’m giving you this money not to humiliate you, but because I sincerely want to compensate you.”
Mia slowly lifted her gaze, tears shimmering in her eyes. Her delicate face, bathed in that watery glow, looked heartbreakingly vulnerable, as if she had suffered an unbearable grievance. “I… I wasn’t really hurt, sir. There’s no need for this.”
“Please, take it. Otherwise, I won’t be able to rest easy,” Josh’s tone was earnest, his expression sincere.
Mia wanted nothing more than to snatch the bank card from the table that very second, but the act had to go on. She bit her lip, furrowing her brows as though deeply conflicted. Her hesitance played out in every careful movement, making it seem as if she was struggling with an impossible choice.
Josh remained patient, comforting her gently, his persistence unwavering.
On the other hand, Mia was looking as if she were being forced into something against her will, when she finally reached out, a sharp voice cut through the tense atmosphere.
“Well, well, look who it is! Isn’t this the legendary genius of Hoverdale Tech University, the scholarship- winning Mia?” The voice was laced with mockery, its owner’s sarcasm as clear as a blade.
“Oh? Looks like she’s bagged herself another rich guy!” A male voice chimed in, filled with ridicule.
Both Mia and Josh turned their heads, only to find a couple standing beside their table.
The woman had layers of thick foundation caked onto her face, resembling a painted mask, while her eyes gleamed with unhidden malice. The man beside her stood slouched, his smirk filled with undisguised
contempt.
Mia glanced at them, her mind quickly assessing the situation. She was certain she had never met them before. But ever since Elliot had set her up, nearly getting her expelled, it seemed like the entire university had decided she was an easy target. Everyone wanted to step on her, to humiliate her at every turn.
Most of the time, she ignored them, treating their words as nothing more than passing wind. But when they crossed the line, like that time when they used her toiletries to clean the dorm toilet just to disgust her, she made sure to retaliate.
A flash of cold light flickered in her eyes.
These two had dared to interfere with my affairs. They were seeking death.
After finishing their taunts, the couple’s attention shifted to Josh.
They had expected Mia to be clinging to some overweight, middle–aged tycoon. But to their surprise, the man sitting across from her was young. He was no older than twenty–five or twenty–six, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, every line of fabric exuding precision and elegance. A pair of gold–rimmed glasses perched on his nose, framing deep and intelligent eyes. His features were strikingly handsome, and a refined aura of sophistication clung to him, making him even more distinguished than the most popular men at Hoverdale Tech University.
Then their eyes landed on his wristwatch. It was a Montre Eternelle worth six figures. Their pupils shrank, and a blazing fire of jealousy ignited within them.
How could a snoman libe Mia comoono co disœraceful he supported by such an ortraordinarı man?
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Chapter 182 A Missed Opportunity
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“Sir, you shouldn’t let her fool you!” The woman sneered. “She used to be a kept woman for an old man and nearly got expelled because of it!”
“That’s right!” the man added enthusiastically. “If it weren’t for her mother throwing herself at the principal’s feet and begging for mercy, she wouldn’t even be a student here anymore. It hasn’t even been three months, and she’s already back to her old tricks, trying to scam your money. You mustn’t fall for it!”
Their voices dripped with self–satisfaction, as if they had caught Mia red–handed. They spoke with such conviction, as though they had witnessed every sordid detail firsthand.
Josh turned to Mia, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Mia clenched her teeth. She had been so close. Just a little more, and she would have gotten the money. But
now…
If she took the money now, Josh would undoubtedly investigate her background. He would find out about Elliot’s blackmail, and as a friend of that bastard, there was no way he would let her go unscathed. Worse, he might even drag Lauren into this mess.
Lauren had suffered enough. I would not let another rich scumbag ruin her life. This money, I could no longer take it.
Mia’s rage boiled beneath her skin. She wanted nothing more than to kill those two idiots where they stood. Biting down hard on her tongue, she forced a wave of pain through her body. Her eyes reddened instantly.
Her lips quivered, and her entire frame trembled slightly, the perfect picture of a girl utterly humiliated and too frightened to defend herself.
She gently pushed Josh’s hand away, her voice breaking with emotion. “Believe whatever you want, but I never intended to take your money. What happened last night was an accident, and I don’t blame you.”
Then, she abruptly stood up, shoving past the couple and running out of the café.
Josh watched her retreating figure, the warmth in his chest growing stronger, his heart aching at her distress. At the same time, he cast a cold glare at the couple, his disgust toward them evident.
They had gone too far.
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