As Maya looked for Connor, her repeated calls to his phone went unanswered.Was she wrong about her suspicions?Still, the individual in the white coat bore an uncanny resemblance to Connor.Inside the emergency room's infusion area, Mia lay on the bed.The ordeal earlier had made her break into a sweat, but now she seemed to be recovering."Mia, it's time you leveled with me. What's really going on?" a stern voice pressed.As Mia took a sip from her cup, she looked up to find Connor entering the room, startling her and causing her to choke momentarily.Acting quickly, Connor gently patted her back. "Be careful. Let me fetch you another glass of water."Mia let out a cough, casting a vulnerable look toward Connor. Her eyes filled with tears, radiating an air of innocence.Observing his sister's expression, Connor's initial anger dissipated, and genuine concern took its place.He sighed deeply, dragging a chair closer to her bedside."Mia, my intent isn't to reprimand you but
Mia had quickly come up with a plausible excuse.Noticing Connor's lingering suspicion, she deftly changed the topic, "Connor, how did you figure out it was Timothy who accompanied me to the hospital?"Even though Mia had referenced her role as a caregiver in an affluent household, Timothy had maintained discretion on the matter.So, how did Connor immediately discern that Timothy was the one who had accompanied her?A flicker of hesitation crossed Connor's face.He was familiar with Timothy because Maya felt a longstanding affection for the latter.However, revealing such a connection to his sister was out of the question.After a brief pause, Connor responded, "The registration and payment details displayed the name 'Timothy.' A single glance was enough for me to recognize it."A sudden realization dawned on Mia. She hadn't been aware that Timothy had also taken care of her medical expenses.She delicately touched her belly, feeling a wave of gratitude for running into Conno
Upon spotting Connor, Maya dashed toward him, her face lit up with surprise and joy. "Connor, is that really you? I almost thought I was imagining things."Connor furrowed his brow subtly and instinctively moved away from the infusion room, aiming to avoid being seen by Mia.Honestly, he now felt a twinge of regret. Why did he ever agree with Dominic to bring Maya home as a replacement sister?Now, each time he encountered his biological sister, Mia, a pang of guilt washed over him.Taking another look at Maya, Connor recognized the absence of a profound emotional bond between them.Given that Maya typically resided with their grandmother, Margaret Sanders, and seldom interacted with him and his brothers, their sibling connection lacked depth.Yet, from a young age, Maya consistently gravitated toward them, often displaying overt efforts to gain their approval.This lingering dynamic was also a reason for Connor's lukewarm feelings toward Maya.With a strained smile, Maya quest
The intensity of Connor's disapproval toward Timothy seemed to have amplified over time.…Awakening from her slumber, Mia immediately recognized the familiar scent of hospital disinfectant, confirming she was still within the hospital premises.Nonetheless, her condition had improved.It was evident that the medicine Connor recommended had worked effectively."Ms. Bowen, you're awake. Do you need assistance to go to the restroom, or would you prefer something to eat?"Mia looked at the caregiver beside her, puzzled. "Who are you?""I'm Ursula, the caregiver arranged by your family."It seemed that Connor had arranged for a caregiver to assist her.Feeling hungry, Mia politely asked, "Could you please bring me some chicken soup? I'd prefer something light."Just as she voiced her request, Connor walked in, holding a meal box. "Mia, you must be hungry. I brought you some food."Mia appeared confused as she motioned to Ursula next to her. "Connor, didn't you arrange for Ms. St
Timothy's eyebrows slightly raised at the mention of the prenatal appointment. He almost forgot the fact that Mia was "pregnant"."Understood." It was an ambiguous answer."What do you even understand? You would've forgotten about it if it hadn't been for my reminder, would you? "Bring Mia to my hospital for a prenatal appointment tomorrow," instructed Laura before hanging up the call.He kneaded his temple before eyeing Heath. "Secure an appointment with the O&G department for tomorrow. Do not let Grandma catch on it."Heath nodded and hurriedly left the office. Timothy took his phone out to text Mia. "Come to the hospital tomorrow morning. Grandma wants to see you."At the same time, Mia finally felt alive after having a meal in her ward.Connor stood next to the bed. "Bring these medicines home. The results of the pregnancy test aren't out yet. I'll let you know once it's out. "Go home and get some rest. Don't push yourself at work. Don't forget to take folic acid.""Go
Mia wore a perky expression, assuring Dominic that it was a small cold, not a terminal illness.Nevertheless, her family's concern gave her warmth.After the video call ended, she lay in bed to rest. But sleep didn't find its way to her.She took her phone out, scrolling through her WhatsApp only to find a message from Timothy.It went unnoticed by her because she was talking to her family.Completely aware of the need to keep the show going in front of Laura, she replied, "Noted."Mia shut her eyes, recalling the wedding dress she saw at Maya's place. The white color was a sore to Mia's eyes.Fortunately, one month wasn't that long.It would be over soon.…The next day, Mia headed straight to the private hospital where Laura was staying.Gina's message slid into the notification when Mia got into a cab. "Mia, you're the person with the mask on, aren't you? "And you told me that you have nothing to do with the famous actor. I gave you that tote bag for your last birthday.
Mia shot a disbelieving look at him. "What prenatal test?"She wondered if he had grown suspicious."Have you forgotten that you're pregnant? Grandma scheduled a prenatal test for you. Just put up a show for her."It was only then that she managed to calm herself down. "No need for the hassle. I'll tell her that I've done it yesterday.""No can do. I'm sure she'll ask for the prenatal test result and the ultrasound. So, you must take the prenatal test here."Her breath hitched at that. "Your family owns this hospital. You can ask someone to forge one."Timothy suddenly approached her and grasped her shoulders, lowering his voice. "You see Martha there?"She raised her head and saw Martha. Mia seemed confused. "What's wrong?""You didn't return from school for a few days, and she told Grandma about it. Grandma must've thought that something bad happened between us. "That's why she wants to meet you on the excuse of taking a prenatal test."She lowered her head. "So, it's just
"At least you have a conscience." Sharon then shifted her gaze to Timothy. "Tim, Maya told me that her brother is in Bern City. Let's have dinner together. We can discuss your marriage, too. "After all, neither of our families is an ordinary family. We should talk about it thoroughly."Timothy looked in Mia's direction expressionlessly. She didn't look back. Not even once.Self-mockery dimmed his eyes. It didn't bother her whether the engagement was real or fake. After all, she found herself another man anyway—not to mention that there were two men! She was handling it with ease.In fact, it should be good news for him because she wouldn't have the time to pester him.However, he wasn't as happy as he expected himself to be.Sharon turned to face Mia angrily. "Hey, you better not come to the hospital that often! Timothy is going to marry Ms. Lane soon. They are the perfect in-laws for us!"A forced smile was plastered on Mia's face. "I know. You don't have to repeat that
None of the major shareholders was a fool.After that, Mia was busy handling Barrett Group affairs and barely had time to rest.With an exhausted look, she returned to the hospital.Mia looked at Timothy and said, "I'll run away if you don't wake up soon.""No… Please don't go…" Timothy grabbed her hand. His gaze was deep.Mia's eyes reddened as she gazed at the man who had just regained consciousness. Timothy finally came out of his coma.After that, everything was back to normal. Those who caused trouble quieted down.Sharon visited Timothy and told him that she was going to settle down overseas and would not come back anymore.Timothy bought her a property and gave her a huge sum of money before sending her away from Bern City.As for Maya, it was discovered that she was not the granddaughter of the Prime Minister of Yellow Island but merely his caregiver. Yet, she had been deceiving people outside.After Maya was exposed, she ran away dejectedly. Nobody knew where she was
Sage stood beside Timothy in silence.Soon, news that Timothy was hospitalized spread, and Barrett Group's stock plunged.The relatives of the Barrett family requested to hold a board meeting to elect another CEO.On the day of the board meeting, Mia brought her two children to Barrett Group.They managed to keep everyone on a leash as Sage bore a striking resemblance to Timothy.Mia marched into the meeting room, sat in Timothy's chair, and glanced at everyone present. "Let's begin. Didn't you all want to have a meeting?"One of the middle-aged men said, "Ms. Lane, this is the Barrett Group board meeting. It's not appropriate for you to be here.""That's right. Though the kids are Mr. Barrett's children, they're still young and do not have any shares. You all shouldn't be here."Mia flung a document onto the table. "This is an agreement signed by Grandma Laura to authorize me to manage Timothy's shares.""Anyway, we still need to elect a CEO to handle our company affairs.""
"Because to me, you're my family too," Timothy said.When Sharon heard the word 'family', her eyes turned red. Then, she turned around and left the ward.Mia walked out and asked Peyton to send Sharon to the hospital for a checkup.Looking at Sharon's back, Mia said, "I hope you don't let him down since he regards you as his family. He's the only one you can depend on now."Sharon did not turn her head around. Mia did not know if Sharon would listen to her advice.Mia immediately called her brother. "Dominic, I met Maya."She then told him everything about Maya.Dominic frowned. "I never thought she would go to Yellow Island.""Do you think she's really the granddaughter of the Prime Minister of Yellow Island?""Don't you know how good she is at lying?" Dominic said.Mia nodded. "Yeah, you're right. But I still don't know whether she's related to Yellow Island.""Don't worry, I'll find out."When Mia returned to the ward after ending the call, she saw a doctor bustling arou
Mia went straight to the hospital to ask Timothy about the matter.But when she arrived, someone had reached there earlier than her."Timothy, what do you mean? All I did was pull a few strings, but you want to humiliate me publicly. How am I going to maintain my standing in the company?" Sharon said.Mia went in with a frown. "This is funny. It's not just about pulling a few strings, but it's aimed at me. Mrs. Barrett, your actions have leaked confidential commercial information.""Stop trying to scare me. It's my son who opened doors for you. It's the Yellow Islanders who wanted to collaborate with us, and they are much better than you," Sharon retorted. Mia said with a half-hearted smile, "At first, I didn't want to pursue this matter. But since you put it this way, wait for my lawyer's letter then.""Such big talk, huh?" A mysterious-looking woman wearing a hat and a mask walked in from outside.Mia felt that the woman looked somewhat familiar. "Are you the rumored granddau
Mia glanced at the person on the screen. Without answering the woman, she turned off the laptop.After all, there was no need for Mia to explain anything.After Mia turned off the laptop assertively, she turned around and looked at Timothy. He did not say a word but started eating.Soon, Heath received a call. He left the ward and said to the woman on the other side of the phone, "She's Mr. Barrett's ex-wife. You'd better not mess with her."While Timothy was eating, Mia finished reading the proposal in her hand.She had to admit that the document was very valuable.Mia was about to leave the ward when Timothy almost finished eating, but his voice sounded behind her. "What did you say when you met her at the cafe earlier?""Did you follow me?""I followed her, to be exact. After all, the Hopkins are not good people."Mia totally agreed with that.She paused briefly before she said, "Grandma Laura asked me to talk to her because she doesn't agree with you about giving her all
"You don't know anything," Sharon said.Mia retorted, "I might not know everything, but Timothy is innocent. Before he knew the truth, he always regarded you as his mother. Even after he found out the truth, he has never mistreated you."Besides, when you said you wanted the Barrett family's wealth, he agreed. Tell me, who else could do what he did?"Mia felt that Timothy might have been hurt by Sharon's words.He seemed impressive on the outside, but his identity was a dark secret.Therefore, his relationship with Sharon became awkward.Sharon's eyes reddened. "But I also treat him like my biological son.""You're also his foster mother. Now everyone related to him is dead, and you're the only one he has. What are you afraid of?"Sharon wiped off her tears. "I'm not afraid of anything. It's just that I felt that I can't trust anyone.""Timothy is a man of his word. However, Grandma Laura said that if you remain stubborn, making the will public is her only option," Mia said.
Mia noticed Sharon's expression changing slightly when she mentioned Laura.Sharon took her cup of coffee and said, "What? Does Mrs. Barrett Senior still want to lecture me even when she's on her deathbed? She must have known Timothy's identity all along, but she conspired with her son to keep the truth from me. "She and the Barretts are birds of a feather. What else does she have to say?"Mia was not surprised by her words. She had expected that Sharon would certainly think this way.Fortunately, she managed to stop Laura when she said she wanted to meet Sharon.Sharon was emotionally unstable now. What if Laura said something unpleasant and Sharon retorted? Her words might upset Laura.Mia took a kraft envelope out of her handbag and placed it in front of Sharon. "I hope you won't regret saying those words after reading this.""What's this?""This is the will that your husband left behind, as well as the divorce agreement."Hearing that, Sharon quickly took the document out
Mia hesitated to risk exposing Laura to Sharon's potential agitation.Due to Sharon's emotional vulnerability, she often spoke impulsively. With Laura's delicate health in mind, any disruption was simply out of the question.As Laura recounted past events, Mia remained silent, absorbing her words.Upon hearing Laura's story, Mia was taken aback. She hadn't expected there to be hidden aspects to Timothy's family history.Taking a moment, she asked, "Does Timothy have any knowledge of this?""He doesn't. Some things are best kept from him," Laura replied calmly.Mia harbored some lingering questions in her mind. Unable to suppress them any longer, she asked, "Considering your knowledge of Timothy's background, what is your opinion of him?""Tim is a commendable young man, and he has never let our family down. He has achieved remarkably well for himself. To be honest, I feel indebted to him as well."At first, I only kept him around for the sake of preserving the Barrett family li
Despite her initial reluctance, Mia eventually found herself making her way to Timothy's ward.As she entered, she couldn't help but notice Timothy's expressionless demeanor as he lay there.Carrying a tray of food, Mia approached him. "The doctor pointed out your extreme fatigue. It's crucial that you increase your food intake and prioritize proper rest to reduce the risk of sudden complications."Upon hearing Mia's voice, Timothy lifted his gaze to find her seated beside him. His lips moved slightly as he asked, "What did you tell Luna?""Not much," Mia responded. "Just a sprinkle of salt on the wound and a dash of psychological pressure to make sure Luna doesn't have it easy in prison."Placing the tray of food in front of him, Mia urged, "Please, just a few bites.""I'll eat later. By the way, the kids have been here at the hospital for quite a while. You should take them home," Timothy suggested.Frowning, Mia insisted, "You should eat something first."As her words faded,