2/2 The Heiress Revived from the Ashes Chapter 182 A Missed Opportunity Finished Joshs voice softened instinctively , as if afraid of further upsetting her .
Im 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 wasnt really hurt , sir .
Theres no need for this .
Please , take it .
Otherwise , I wont be able to rest easy , Joshs 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 ! Isnt this the legendary genius of Hoverdale Tech University , the scholarship- winning Mia ? The voice was laced with mockery , its owners sarcasm as clear as a blade .
Oh ? Looks like shes 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 couples 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 ? 1/2 15 : 3 Sun , 30 Mar Chapter 182 A Missed Opportunity 464 % 會 Finished Sir , you shouldnt 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 ! Thats right ! the man added enthusiastically .
If it werent for her mother throwing herself at the principals feet and begging for mercy , she wouldnt even be a student here anymore .
It hasnt even been three months , and shes already back to her old tricks , trying to scam your money .
You mustnt 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 Elliots 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 .
Mias 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 Joshs 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 dont 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 .