An Unbreakable Addiction

"Apologize!" Hunter said, his voice dark as he touched the spot on his face where she had slapped him.

He had intended to punish her severely just moments ago. But seeing Mia's pained expression had softened that urge, pushing it back down. Deep down, he didn't want to make her suffer.

Mia bit her lip. She didn't feel she was in the wrong and had no desire to apologize.

"Apologize. Don't make me say it again," Hunter repeated, his tone harsher. He wasn't looking for a simple "sorry", he wanted her to yield.

Summer quickly pulled Mia aside, bowing toward Hunter. "I'll apologize on her behalf. I'm sorry." She didn't know if this would be enough to make him let Mia off the hook.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

Mia was deeply moved, her eyes reddening with emotion. Summer had stepped up to apologize for her, worried that Hunter might make things difficult. But Summer hadn't fully considered the kind of man Hunter was. If he decided to turn his anger on her, she might not walk away unscathed.

Taking a breath, Mia gently moved Summer aside and stood before Hunter, speaking urgently, "Don't take this out on Summer. She has nothing to do with it. Hunter, I'll apologize. I'm sorry!"

Jenna gave a slight, mocking smile. "Miss Scott, you and Mia really are close friends, aren't you? Even helping her apologize. If Hunter told you to die for her, would you do it too?" She directed her words at Summer, laced with sarcasm.

To her, friendships among high-society women were superficial at best, and she didn't believe Summer and Mia were truly close.

Hunter's dark gaze shifted to Mia, his tone laced with sarcasm as he laughed softly. "That's what you call an apology?"

Summer, knowing Jenna's intent to provoke Hunter against Mia, quickly interjected, "If Mr. Jasper asked me to die for Mia, I'd do it without hesitation!" After all, Mia had saved her life, and she would willingly return the favor if it came to that.

Mia's eyes filled with tears, and she gripped Summer's hand tightly. "You're so foolish," she murmured softly. She understood how deeply Summer cared for her, but she couldn't bear to let her friend suffer on her behalf.

Nearby, bystanders started whispering.

"Isn't that the well-known divorce lawyer from Haven City? What's her name again?"

"Her name's Mia Smith. Not only is she beautiful, but she's also the star of HH Law Firm!"

"You'd think a divorce lawyer who's seen countless affairs would be able to handle a situation like this. But she looks totally pinned by the other woman, nothing like the fierce attorney we see in court."

"Guess even divorce lawyers can't save their own marriages, just like doctors can't always cure themselves."

Hearing the murmurs, Jenna felt a surge of rage. She fought to keep her composure, then tugged on Hunter's arm, cautiously saying, "Hunter, let it go. Don't make Mia apologize. There are a lot of people around, and if word gets to Grandpa, it might upset him. His blood pressure could spike, and that would

be terrible."

She wanted desperately to be with Hunter, but not as the "other woman". That was neither respectable nor appealing. She could only urge Hunter to let Mia off for now. Later, she would find another way to deal with her.

Mia couldn't help but glance at Hunter. He looked calm, though she couldn't tell what he was truly thinking. Still, she guessed he was likely bothered by the whispers labeling Jenna as the "other woman."

Even though he hadn't reacted yet, he would probably have Sam handle those people soon enough. That was why Mia hadn't pushed him too far in their confrontation just now.