Chapter 49

Mia had to admit that she’d done it on purpose. She held her trophy tightly when she noticed that

Timothy’s back was to her. It seemed he hadn’t turned to look at her, nor was he bothered by her earlier

actions.

Mia retracted her gaze and caught Maya approaching them. She didn’t seem to be looking at Mia,

though. Her gaze was fixed on Liam. Did they know each other?

Maya greeted Liam with a smile. “I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

Liam sounded cool and distant. “The world can be a small place.”

Maya wanted to say something else, but Liam didn’t give her the chance to.” Let’s go, Mia.”

Mia didn’t think there was any need for her to remain there. It would be good to head home earlier. She

wasn’t too used to wearing heels and almost twisted her ankle as she walked. Liam held her up by the

arm. “Slow down.‘

“Okay.” She linked arms with him; it made her feel more secure. She didn’t want to embarrass herself

by slipping and falling.

When they got to the entrance, the paparazzi swarmed them again. “Mr. Lane, are you and Zoe

currently dating? How long have you two been together?”

“Mr. Lane, did Zoe drop out of the competition three years ago for your sake?”

Mia hadn’t expected the paparazzi to still be around. She’d never experienced something like this

before and couldn’t help feeling scared.

Similarly, Liam hadn’t expected the paparazzi to be so persistent. He’d come alone tonight without his

bodyguards or manager. He could only shield Mia behind him so that she wouldn’t get hurt.

Timothy didn’t look too pleased when he saw the paparazzi standing in Liam and Mia’s way. At this

moment, Maya said, “It looks like Liam’s serious this time. It’s no wonder Dominic was willing to help.”

Timothy lowered his gaze. “She won first place with her skill, not some

underhanded tricks.”

Maya realized she’d had a slip of the tongue. She hurriedly tried to salvage the situation. “This really

was an accident, Tim. I didn’t expect there to be a mix–up between the first and last places.”

Timothy had been watching the entrance this whole time. He said to Heath coldly,

*יס

Honestly, he was mainly irritated by Liam and Mia. After giving the order, Timothy strode toward the

entrance. Maya remained rooted to the spot. She wanted to chase after him but didn’t have the nerve.

She’d really messed up this time.

Shelly hurried over to her, still looking like she was in disbelief. “Maya, is Mia really Zoe?”

Maya paused. “I’m not sure, really. Zoe’s never revealed what she looks like, and there’s nothing about

her on her official website. Many people have tried to link themselves to her over the years.”

Shelly snorted. “That’s what I thought. Mia must be faking it. For all we know, she could’ve paid

someone to get those designs done! I can’t believe how obnoxious she was earlier, demanding that

you present the award to her and everything. God, I was furious.”

Maya smiled bitterly. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“Don’t worry, Maya. I’ll get even with her on your behalf.”

Maya’s eyes flashed. She deliberately said, “Don’t do anything rash, Shelly. She’s found someone new

to back her up now.”

“Ha! There’s nothing to fear about a woman who only knows how to depend on other men for survival!”

Maya didn’t say anything else at this. Shelly wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but she was quite

useful at times.

She was about to run after Timothy when she received a call from Dominic. She answered it in

trepidation. “Hi, Dominic.”

“Maya, I think you should steer clear of anything to do with the competition and the branch company for

now. You should know what I think of the mistake you made today,” Dominic said.