"I’ll say this once and for all. Listen carefully, and do not ask any follow-up questions because I won’t change my answer," she said, her voice firm and confident. "Every accusation or rumor you’ve spread about Natalie is false. She never plagiarized anything—in fact, she was the victim. I trust her as much as I trust myself. Everything Natalie Ford has said in her defense, I will say the same. Her words are my words. So, after this, don’t come to me looking for more answers what Natalie has already answered you."
"So you mean that even if she does something wrong, you would still stand by her side?" a reporter pressed.
Mia looked at him calmly. "Natalie Ford could never do anything wrong. I might, but she wouldn’t. That’s how much I trust her. I think I’ve made myself clear. Now, if you’ll excuse me."
"Ms Mia..."
"Oh! Well," Mia stopped and turned back. "Now you guys have wasted my time, I have something to say." She looked at the camera, "Nat, my phone battery is down and I can’t call you. I know you must be seeing this news, so just know that I will come see you once I take enough rest. Don’t miss too much, alright. See you."
Mia turned around and walked away toward the waiting car, and no one dared to stop her.
Through he message to Natalie, Mia made it clear that how strong her bond with Natalie was.
All the reporters could do was to curse her silently for being so arrogant, frustrated that they hadn’t gotten anything useful out of her. They knew they couldn’t report in the news that the daughter of the Wilson family was insufferable and arrogant without risking the wrath of the powerful Wilson family.
-----
Meanwhile, in Natalie’s office, everyone but Natalie was left stunned as they watched the scene unfold on the TV screen.
"Ms. Mia?" Ella finally exhaled the breath she’d been holding as Mia got into the car. "Wow! I thought only Ms. Natalie was dangerous with words, but... Ms. Mia is something else."
Dan, equally speechless, added, "That’s a true friend, Ms. Natalie."
Ella glanced over at Natalie, who had already resumed working. "Ms. Natalie, your friend is truly impressive—just like you."
"It’s nothing," Natalie replied. "You’ll be even more amazed once you get to know her better. People might dare to mess with me, but they won’t risk crossing Mia Wilson."
"Is she really that scary?" Ella asked, intrigued.
Natalie chuckled softly. "If you’re lucky, you might just get to see it soon."
-----
In one of the luxurious offices of the Davis Group corporate building, a man’s gaze was fixed on the TV screen as he watched Mia talking to the reporters.
"You drove her away yourself. So what’s the point of looking at her with such a longing gaze?" teased a young man of the same age as Steve Davis, lounging on the couch. "But I don’t blame you. It’s hard for any man to handle a strong woman like her. That’s why you settled for her best friend—she was more timid and innocent."
"Shut up, Kevin," came Steve’s cold reply. "Don’t use that filthy mouth of yours to talk about things you don’t understand."
"What don’t I understand?" Kevin scoffed. "Everyone in our circle knows you cheated on Mia with her own best friend. Dare to deny it?"
Steve shot him a cold glare but didn’t bother defending himself.
Kevin turned his attention back to the screen. "Mia and Natalie... These two women are like storms. I’m just glad I’ve never had any connection to either of them."
"They wouldn’t even glance at a sissy like you. Rest assured," Steve mocked, his eyes still glued to the screen.
The way Mia talked, mocking the reporters so boldly, was nothing new to him. When they were together, she had always been the same—never hesitating before jumping into a fight. She was brave enough to leave her wealthy family and start her own business without their support. He knew she would succeed.
To him, with each passing day, she was becoming more and more beautiful, and her arrogance only added to her charm. Her defiance, in his eyes, made her even more endearing.
"What do you think will be the outcome of this Ford family issue? Who will come out on top?" Kevin asked.
"Whichever side Mia stands on," Steve replied.
"So much trust in her? What if she’s wrong?"
"She’s not the type to stand by anything wrong. If her friend were in the wrong, Mia would confront her rather than stand by her side."
"Yeah, you know that firsthand," Kevin chuckled. "She didn’t even spare her own boyfriend when he messed up—let alone her friend."
Just then, Ivan entered Steve’s office. Since they were friends, it wasn’t unusual for them to meet often.
"Ivan?" Kevin exclaimed in delight. "You came at the perfect time. I have something important to ask you."
Ivan settled on the couch and asked, "What is it?"
"You know the situation with your ex and your current woman," Kevin began, sounding curious. "You’ve known Natalie for so many years. So tell me, did she really plagiarize in that competition back then?"
"I’m not sure," Ivan replied. "She always maintained that she didn’t, but no one believed her because all the evidence was against her."
"But you believed her, right?" Kevin pressed, while Steve watched Ivan closely. "You agreed to date her and even went as far as to marry her. You must have trusted her, didn’t you?"
Ivan stayed quiet, as if he had no answer.
"Oh, I remember how she clung to you after she returned to Imperial City," Kevin continued, drawing his own conclusion. "No wonder you melted and fell for her. I mean, she’s kind of good-looking too, even in those boring clothes."
Ivan didn’t respond, but Steve finally spoke. "Kevin, haven’t you been here long enough? Go back and do your work."
"Just say ’Get lost’ already," Kevin grumbled as he stood up and left.
Steve turned to Ivan. "What’s on your mind?"
Ivan shook his head. "Nothing."
"Are you sure you want to marry Briena?" Steve asked.
Ivan looked at him. "Why do you ask?"
"Just as a friend. If you’re certain, then that’s all that matters."
Ivan nodded. "At least she won’t betray me like her sister," he replied, before lapsing into silence.