Dominic's expression turned cold. "You're talking about Timothy Barrett's grandma, aren't you? He's already married, so why are you still latching onto him?""Tim's getting a divorce, Dominic. He never liked that woman anyway. I'm sure that after three years, Tim has figured out who's right for him."Maya added anxiously, "Dominic, the surgery's a piece of cake for Connor! Help me talk him into it, please? He listens to you."She could use the surgery as her bargaining chip to marry Timothy!"I'm not doing it," Dominic replied before ending the call.Even though Maya was adopted, Dominic didn't want her to marry Timothy, a cold-blooded and heartless man who had been married once before.Dominic checked the One Big Happy Family group chat. It was a newly formed one. For the time being, the family didn't want to let Maya know they had found their biological younger sister.At the very least, they were going to wait until they had won Mia over.Dominic went back into the living ro
The young woman was Shelly Barrett, Timothy's cousin.Mia simply ignored Shelly's sarcastic remarks. Throughout the years, Shelly viewed Mia in contempt. Her comments would always suggest that Mia was only willing to marry a half-dead Timothy for money.In the past, Mia kept putting up with Shelly's ridicule. But now that she had signed the divorce papers, she no longer needed to do so.Shelly strutted haughtily over to Mia and snapped, "Why are you just standing there? Hurry over to the kitchen and start cooking. Remember to make my favorite seafood stew."Mia withdrew her gaze and replied, "Grandma Laura invited me over to have dinner. She didn't ask me to come here as a maid to cook for other people.""What do you mean by that, Mia? You've got the nerve, don't you? You're even refusing to cook! I'm going to tell Aunt Sharon about this!"Mia ignored Shelly and walked into the house. When she entered the living room, she saw two people sitting on the couch.One was her ex-mothe
Moments later, Maya entered the kitchen. She walked up to Mia and said, "Mia, do you think making some soup for Mrs. Barrett Senior is enough for you to convince her to stand up for you?"I'll let you in on something. I've hired a renowned and highly acclaimed cardiovascular surgeon to perform surgery for Mrs. Barrett Senior. As long as the surgery succeeds, I'm sure she won't object to Tim and me getting married."Even though Dominic and Connor hadn't agreed to Maya's request, she was sure she could convince Connor to operate on Laura.She believed that once she saved that old hag's life, the latter would've no reason to stop her from marrying Timothy anymore.Mia knew that Laura had been living with a heart condition for some time now, but they had failed to find a suitable person to perform the surgery.Well, Mia figured things were better this way. At the very least, Laura could regain her health.Mia stood up from the stool and said, "Allow me to offer my congratulations in
Soon, Ivan Levin, the Barretts' family doctor, rushed over.Timothy looked at the blisters on the back of Mia's hand. His gaze darkened as he barked at Mia, "Why are you just standing there? Sit down!"Mia moved toward the couch, but Sharon shoved her aside. "Stop getting in the way. Quick, Dr. Levin. Take a look at Maya's hand. We wouldn't want her wound to leave a scar."Sitting on the couch, Maya glanced smugly at Mia.Mia stood rooted in her spot. It was as if she didn't care at all. Timothy took a quick look at her but didn't say anything.Ivan set down his medical bag and started to inspect Maya's wrist. All he found was a bit of redness. There wasn't even a cut on her skin.With a complicated look on his face, Ivan said, "I don't think I need to check on her.""How can you say that? What if her injury worsens because it didn't get treated on time? Are you sure you can take responsibility for that kind of mistake?" Sharon reprimanded.Ivan adjusted his glasses before repl
Mia sat on the couch. Ivan bandaged her hand before instructing, "For the next few days, avoid letting your wound come into contact with water. You need to let the wound heal first.""Mia, tell me how you got injured," Laura said.Mia glanced at Maya. The latter's eyes shifted evasively.Sharon immediately cried out, "What do you mean by that, Mia? An accident? Don't tell me you're trying to frame Maya. She was just kind enough to try and help you. She got injured, too.""Shut up!" Laura snapped loudly. "Who allowed you to speak?"Sharon clammed up at once, though her expression was unpleasant. Laura, her mother-in-law, had always disliked her. Instead, Laura favored Mia, a woman from a poor background.In the end, Mia calmly answered, "It was just an accident, Grandma. I got distracted while I was making some soup."Her explanation made Timothy's eyes grow thoughtful. Why wasn't Mia making a fuss when Laura was here to stand up for her?"Oh, you silly goose. We've plenty of pe
Maya and Shelly were in similar states of disarray. Their hair and clothes were a mess, and there were marks left behind by the spatula Mia had used."Mrs. Barrett will stand up for me!" Maya shrieked."But you're in the Barrett residence right now, and Grandma Laura is the one who has the final say. Do you think she'll believe you guys or me? "I'm warning you two. Don't try to mess with me, or you won't be getting off so easily next time," Mia growled.Shelly gulped with a look of despair. She knew Mia was right. Laura would definitely believe Mia, that bitch!After saying her piece, Mia walked out of the kitchen.Maya and Shelly crumpled to the floor. They were forced to suffer such treatment without being able to get even.Gritting her teeth, Maya fumed, "I won't be forgetting this! Just you wait!"All this while, Timothy had been standing in a corner outside the kitchen. He had witnessed everything. Cocking an eyebrow, Timothy stared after Mia's retreating figure. He did
Timothy interrupted Sharon by saying, "Let's just enjoy our dinner."Laura looked at Mia with a kind smile and said, "I had them prepare your favorite soup—clam chowder. Timothy, fill your wife's bowl for her."Mia's eyelids twitched. She wanted to reach out for the ladle herself, but Timothy beat her to it. He took her bowl and filled it for her.As she stared at the creamy soup, she suddenly lost her appetite."What's the matter?" Sharon scoffed. "My son personally served you that bowl of clam chowder. Are you turning your nose up at it?"Laura gazed at Mia in concern. "Do you not like it, Mia?""That's not it, Grandma. I quite like the soup."As Mia picked up a spoonful of soup, she felt a pair of eyes on her. When she smelled the soup, she instinctively frowned.She forced herself to take a mouthful but couldn't bear to swallow the second mouthful.A few seconds later, Mia set down her spoon and heaved like she was about to vomit.It was strange. Mia had always liked clam
"I did say I liked you, Mr. Barrett, but I didn't say forever.""Mia Bowen! Do you know what you're saying?"Clutching Mia by the chin, Timothy continued to stare deep into her eyes. He had suddenly realized just how little he understood her.All this time, she remained by his side and took care of all his daily needs. It was as if she could instantly pick up on his thoughts or feelings and do what was necessary to cater to him.Her gaze had been simple enough to read as well. She looked at him with love and adoration.Yet, all of a sudden, that gaze had disappeared.Timothy felt extremely displeased. The thought of her treating another man the way she used to treat him made him want to punch someone. He really wanted to find the man she was with at the hotel and beat him up!Mia didn't back down or retreat from Timothy. They were so close that their noses were nearly touching.Even their breaths mingled in the air between them. The atmosphere became a little strange."Hey! Wh