Chapter 274

Maya’s eyes betrayed a hint of irritation as she branded Shelly as the constant source of impractical

ideas.

Had it not been for the shared last name “Barrett,” Maya would likely have dismissed Shelly altogether.

Collecting herself, Maya took a deep breath and addressed Mia, “I was just joking earlier. Did you really

think I was serious?

“My brother strongly disapproves of any form of manipulation or meddling in work matters. I could

never engage in such behavior.”

Standing beside Maya, Shelly felt a twinge of frustration. Why did Maya have to show vulnerability in

front of Mia?

Gina sneered, “Ms. Lane, what’s wrong with you? If you’re clueless about how to apologize, let me

enlighten you. Apologizing involves uttering the words ‘I’m sorry‘!”

Maya was approaching her breaking point.

Mia surveyed her surroundings. “With the increasing number of people here, I was contemplating

uploading the video to the campus network right before the scholarship opening ceremony.

“Imagine unveiling the insider dealings at such a moment–it should add an interesting twist, don’t you

think?”

Maya finally gathered herself and offered an apology, “Mia, I misspoke earlier. I shouldn’t have made

such a joke. I sincerely apologize.”

“Maya, did you seriously apologize?” Shelly couldn’t fathom Maya conceding so easily.

She retorted coldly, “Mia, I won’t apologize to you. If you want to expose the video, go ahead. My

reputation has already been tarnished by you, and one more blemish doesn’t intimidate me.”

Mia’s smirk deepened. “Really? In that case, I won’t hesitate to upload the video.”

Feeling a sense of unease, Maya pleaded, “But Mia, I’ve already apologized to you.”

Mia’s gaze grew cold. “You were both involved. This amounts to collective punishment.”

Furious, Maya pulled Shelly aside and spoke in a hushed tone, “Shelly, didn’t you want me to introduce

you to Nathan?

+15 BONOS

“Well, Nathan has a strong aversion to women displaying inappropriate behavior. If he finds out about

this, it could jeopardize your chances with him in the future.”

“No, please.”

Upon hearing that her prospects with Nathan were at risk, Shelly suddenly became anxious.

Nathan was the one she had set her eyes on.

Maya appeared somewhat uneasy. “Shelly, I’ve expressed everything I can. It’s up to you whether you

choose to listen or not.”

“But Maya, do we really need to fear Mia? Won’t your brother back you up?”

“Shelly, this is my personal affair. If I constantly depend on my brother to intervene, won’t I end up

appearing incompetent? I don’t want to leave that impression on him.”

In the end, Shelly approached Mia reluctantly and said, “I apologize.”

Gina sneered, “What’s with the attitude? Is your apology even sincere?”

Despite the strong urge to retaliate, Shelly restrained herself, contemplating her interest in

Nathan. She firmly reiterated, “I genuinely apologize! Is that good enough?”

Mia grabbed Gina’s arm, displaying an air of indifference. “Her apology barely meets the mark. I

hope there won’t be a repeat. Gigi, let’s go!”

“Hold on.”

Maya suddenly intercepted their path. “Mia, we’ve offered our apologies. But you still haven’t

removed the video.”

Shelly concurred, “Yes, we’ll only feel reassured once you’ve deleted it.”

With a subtle smirk, Mia countered, “There’s no need for that.”

Maya’s expression shifted, a mix of disbelief and concern. “Mia, are you attempting to backtrack on

your promise? I must warn you that stirring trouble with the Lane family is not something you can

afford.

“In the worst–case scenario, I’ll simply offer an apology to my brother, bringing a swift resolution

to the matter.”

Mia shook her phone dismissively. “What I’m trying to say is, there’s no need to delete the video. I

didn’t even record anything just now.”