An Unbreakable Addiction

"Hunter, your grandfather is fine. Min began, glancing at Mahed

But Hunter interrupted her, "Lat Sam drive you home"

With his grandfather in this condition, transferring the shares clearly wast going to happen today.

Til leave once Grandpa wakes up," Mia insisted, her voice steady. "I want to make sure he's okay before!

Hunter's dark eyes rested on her face for a moment, lips pressed together in silence. His upbringing had molded him into a reserved man, and he was no more inclined to show warmth to his wife than to anyone else Mabel, however, couldn't hold back. "Even if he wakes up, those shares are out of the question. Now leave already!" she snapped,

Mia ignored her completely. This was Hunter's office, and unless he told her to leave, she wasn't budging Mabel's frustration grew, but with Hunter present, she didn't dare unleash her anger.

Finally, Hunter's voice cut through, cold and steady. "Cam, please escort Mrs. Mabel Jasper out."

Mabel stared, dumbfounded. "You're asking me to leave? She had always assumed Hunter had little regard for Mia. Why was he standing up for her now?

Hunter's expression hardened as he repeated, "Sarn."

Sam moved toward Mabel, bowing slightly. "Mrs. Mabel Jasper, this way, please."

Mabel's eyes flashed with indignation as she hissed under her breath, "Hunter, I'm your mother!"

Hunter rubbed his temples, clearly out of patience. "If you delay any longer, I'll have security escort you

out."

Hunter's aloofness extended even to family. Being his stepmother didn't grant Mabel any extra leniency. Furious but unwilling to cause a scene, Mabel stormed off. Mia, surprised by Hunter's intervention, managed a quiet "Thank you."

Hunter pressed his lips together. "People need to consider who they're dealing with. Like it or not, you're still my wife."

Mia's brief moment of gratitude vanished. What was there to be thankful for?

Just then, Mr. Jasper Sr. stirred and opened his eyes. "Mia, my dear!" he called.

Mia's face lit up with relief as she rushed over. "Grandpa, you're awake! Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm as strong as ever, just a little tired," he replied, his voice still firm.

Mia pressed her lips together. "I'm just glad you're alright."

She had been terrified just moments before. If anything serious had happened to Mr. Jasper Sr., she would never have forgiven herself.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0043

"Where's Mabel?" Mr. Jasper Sr. asked. He was clearly hot in the mood for Mabel to come back and dampen his spirits.

"She stepped outside," Mia replied, then walked over to the doctor and asked quietly, "Doctor, is he really okay?"

She still couldn't shake her worry.

The doctor, looking serious, replied, "He's fine for now, but given his age, he has high blood pressure and a weak heart. It's best to avoid any stressful situations." Mia nodded, relief in her eyes. "Thank you, Doctor."

As the doctor packed up his supplies, Mia returned to sit by Mr. Jasper Sr., taking his hand with a serious expression. "Grandpa, you heard what the doctor said, right? No more getting worked up, alright?"

He laughed heartily. "Yes, I heard! I'll keep calm and stay out of trouble from now on!"

"Get some rest, Grandpa. I'll walk the doctor out," Mia said, feeling much more at ease.

As she stepped away, Mr. Jasper Sr. looked at Hunter. "Make sure your assistant gives Mia a proper tour around the company. It wouldn't do for people here not to recognize the president's wife."

He had overheard whispers about Jenna coming and going freely, with some even mistaking her for the president's wife. By having Mia's position recognized publicly, he hoped to put those rumors to rest once and for all.