The Heir And The Servent Started From A Bet novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Mia adjusted the strap of her bag as she stepped into the grand hall of the bank.

She clutched the envelope tightly in her hand, still feeling the weight of what it meant.

She shouldn’t have taken the money.

But she needed it.

And now, she was here to do the responsible thing-put it away, save it, and remind herself that this was a step toward her escape from Willowcrest.

The line moved slowly, giving Mia too much time alone with her thoughts. She kept replaying that moment in her head- the way Alex had looked at her when she finally gave in, the smirk that had twisted his lips like he had won. Like he knew she I would take it.

Her stomach twisted.

Forget about it.

When it was finally her turn, she approached the counter, slipping the envelope through the small opening. The woman behind the glass barely glanced at her before counting the money and starting the deposit process.

“Would you like to open a savings account with us?” the teller asked in a robotic tone.

Mia hesitated, then nodded. “Yes, please.”

A few minutes later, she was guided toward an office at the back of the bank. A man in an expensive suit sat behind a dark desk, smiling in a way that immediately put her on edge.

He was older, mid-forties maybe, with slicked-back hair and a watch that probably cost more than her mother’s entire

apartment.

“Mia Turner,” he said, glancing at her information. “A pleasure to meet you. I’m Mr. Patterson, the director here. I see you’re opening a new savings account with us?”

“Yes,” Mia replied, keeping her voice even.

Mr. Patterson’s eyes lingered on her for a second too long before he leaned back in his chair, his smile widening. “You know, it’s rare to see a young woman making such responsible financial decisions. Most girls your age would be out spending this on designer bags and shoes”

Mia forced a polite smile. “I just have other priorities.”

“Smart girl,” he murmured, tapping his pen against the desk. His gaze slid down her figure, slow and assessing. “A beautiful girl like you must have a boyfriend looking out for her, right?”

Mia stiffened. She had been here before-different place, different man, same disgusting undertone.

“No,” she said flatly.

Mr. Patterson chuckled. “That’s surprising. If I were ten years younger…” He trailed off, shaking his head as if he had just given her a compliment.

Mia didn’t respond. She just wanted to finish this and leave.

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Chapter 44

After a few more moments of awkward small talk, he finally handed her the account details. She mumbled a quick thank you and left as fast as she could without making it obvious she was running away.

Once outside, she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Men are exhausting.

She checked her phone-she was running late. With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and started toward Casa Lounge.

Casa was already busy by the time she arrived.

Mia barely had time to slip into the back and grab her apron before Emily found her.

“You’re late,” Emily teased, smirking.

“I know,” Mia muttered, tying the strings behind her back. “Had to stop by the bank.”

Emily’s eyes flickered with curiosity, but before she could pry, she grinned. “Forget that. We’re going out Friday night.”

Mia blinked. “What?”

“You, me, and some of the others,” Emily said, adjusting her ponytail. “It’ll be fun. You need to get out more.”

Mia hesitated. “I don’t know…”.

Emily pouted. “Come on. You work too much. And, fun fact, my boyfriend’s friend likes you.”

Mia sighed. “Emily-”

“Before you say no, it’s just drinks and dancing. No pressure. No matchmaking, unless you’re into it.” Emily wiggled her eyebrows. “He’s cute, by the way.”

Mia rolled her eyes but felt herself relenting. It wasn’t that she was interested-God, the last thing she needed was another man in her life. But maybe Emily was right. Maybe she did need to go out, to do something normal for once.

“Fine,” Mia said.

Emily squealed. “Yes! You won’t regret it.”

Mia gave her a half-smile before heading back onto the floor.

The night passed in a blur of orders and fake smiles.

Mia moved on autopilot, taking orders, balancing trays, dodging tables. But despite how busy she was, she couldn’t ignore the sensation in her stomach-the absence she was trying so hard not to acknowledge.

Alex Blackwell wasn’t here tonight.

She told herself it was a good thing. It meant she wouldn’t have to deal with him, his girlfriend, his stupid annoying smirks, his cruel words, the way he always managed to get under her skin.

But then why was she so aware of his absence?

She caught herself glancing toward the usual VIP section, expecting to see him sitting there with that infuriating confidence. But the table was empty.

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Chapter 44

Mia clenched her jaw. What the hell is wrong with you?

She shook her head, forcing herself to focus on work.

Alex Blackwell wasn’t here tonight.

And that should have been a relief.

Right now it wasn’t.

She hates herself for feeling this way.

Mia puts on her earrings, staring at her reflection in the mirror when she heard the voice behind her.

“You’re going out?”

Startled, she turned to see Anna standing in the doorway, arms folded across her chest, brows raised in suspicion.

“Yes, I’m going to a club with Emily,” Mia answered, adjusting the strap of her dress.

Anna’s gaze darkened with curiosity. “Who is Emily?”

Mia gave her a brief look, confused by the sudden interrogation. “A co-worker… friend,” she paused, realizing she wasn’t even sure if Emily truly fit that title yet. She should start seeing her as one, right? She glanced at her sister again. “What do you want?”

Anna ignored the question and stepped further into the room.

“You’re going to a club, dressed like that, and not even showing any skin?” she asked, her expression one of pure disappointment. “How on earth are we related?”

Mia rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “I’m not walking out naked just because I’m going to a club.”

Anna scoffed, as if the idea of going out in anything remotely modest was a personal offense.

“You know, I’ve asked Mom countless times to tell us where she picked you up from, but she keeps insisting she gave birth to you,” Anna said with a straight face.

Mia snorted, turning back to her mirror to apply her lip gloss.

Anna sighed dramatically. “At least if you’re not going to show a lot of skin, wear something sexy at least.”

Mia paused, giving her a look. “Why do you

care?”

“Because,” Anna said, marching to her small wardrobe. She started rummaging through the clothes, her expression pained. “It’s just… painful to see you go to a club looking like you’re headed to a church service. This is probably your first time stepping foot in one, and you’re going to go like this? I will never forgive myself if I let this happen.”

This is not actually her first time but she wasn’t going to tell her sister that right now…

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