Maya had no intention of signing the document.Deep down, she had always regarded herself as the heiress of the Lane family. The chance to become engaged to Timothy also derived from her standing in the family.Hence, Maya was determined not to lose this advantageous position under any circumstances.Dominic pursed his lips. "There isn't any additional rationale behind this decision. It's simply the appropriate moment to finalize your adoption, in accordance with our initial agreement."Before Maya could respond, Blake hurriedly entered and announced, "Ms. Lane, the Barrett family has arrived."Maya's expression turned uneasy. She promptly handed the document to Blake and turned to Dominic, pleading, "Dominic, can we discuss this matter after the engagement ceremony?"Dominic nodded. "Certainly, Maya. However, concerning this matter, there's flexibility only in terms of compensation. Everything else is non-negotiable."Upon hearing this, Maya's fists clenched tightly. Did this i
Timothy narrowed his eyes. "What's your connection with Mia?""Heh, whatever connection I have with her is none of your concern. But remember this, young man, she's not someone you can pursue. Stay away from her!"Connor decided to be straightforward. After all, it would be better for everyone to be open and transparent with each other.The atmosphere in the hall grew tense for a moment.Timothy adjusted his tie. "Dr. Lane, you're too overbearing. Grandma entrusted me with taking care of Mia, so her matters are my responsibility."Dominic couldn't contain his volatile temper upon hearing this. Timothy was already engaged to Maya. Did he still want to have it both ways?Timothy's face remained stern, showing no signs of yielding.Dominic was furious. He stood up, seized Timothy's collar, and declared, "What's with that attitude? Retract what you just said, or I'll break your damn legs today!"Dominic couldn't comprehend how Timothy had the audacity to openly express his interest
Dominic yelled at Timothy in a fit of rage, asking, "What's with that look in your eyes?"Timothy offered no response. Instead, he turned away and hastily exited the main hall, his steps disjointed and awkward.Watching Timothy's retreating figure, Connor couldn't help but notice the peculiarity in Timothy's reaction.Had Connor overlooked a crucial detail?In that tense moment, Nathan brought to Dominic's attention. "Dominic, it appears that Maya has lied once again."Pausing for a moment, Connor remarked, "I never expected Maya to boldly fabricate such things to Timothy. This isn't the first time she's shamelessly lied!"Timothy's earlier response hinted at a consistent pattern of dishonesty from Maya toward the Barrett family.Now, Connor found himself pondering whether Timothy genuinely harbored feelings for Maya.Rubbing his temples, Dominic asserted. "I'm aware. I'll resolve Maya's identity issue before Mia returns. I won't allow any injustice to befall Mia."Nathan chim
"What? Maya, aren't you concerned that Mia might cause trouble at the engagement ceremony?"Maya's smile turned cold. "She wouldn't dare. The engagement venue today bears her design. If anything goes awry, it's not just her career on the line; her entire studio will face the consequences.""I see. By the way, Maya, how about having Mia assist with your engagement gown's train? Let that bitch witness the contrast between us."Shelly was now desperate to eliminate Mia.Because of Mia, Shelly's reputation had suffered a blow. Even though the Barrett family later clarified that the video and photos were manipulated, those in the know were aware of her involvement.It was all because of Mia!Maya smirked. "Alright, let's head downstairs. You can manage it on your own later. Just ensure it doesn't impact the engagement ceremony.""Maya, don't worry. I'll handle Mia without a hitch. You just sit back and enjoy the show."Upon hearing this, Maya's smirk deepened.Descending the stairs
Maya's expression shifted uncomfortably upon hearing the question. "Mrs. Barrett went to look for Tim," she replied. For some inexplicable reason, she had a sinking feeling.Just then, Sharon returned with a puzzled look. "How odd. I can't get in touch with Tim on his phone, and Heath is also unresponsive."Shelly impulsively exclaimed, "On such an important day, do you think Tim might be considering running away from the engagement?"The mention of "running away" made Maya visibly uneasy.She hastily took out her phone to call Timothy, but it repeatedly displayed "no answer" on the other end. A profound sense of panic swept over her."It's impossible. Tim was just here a moment ago. How could he suddenly change his mind and leave? There must be something holding him back."Sensing the tension, Sharon tried to diffuse the situation. "I agree. Tim must be caught up with something. He was with me just a while ago."Upon realizing her earlier comment was insensitive, Shelly swift
"She mentioned running into her adoptive parents and said she'd be a bit late.""Adoptive parents?"Connor couldn't help but frown. Bob and Mary seemed to have a knack for causing trouble, showing up to bother Mia again.Felix cautiously spoke up, "There's something I've been wanting to ask since a moment ago."Connor turned his attention to Felix, asking, "What do you want to know?""I genuinely don't have any ulterior motives. It's just that seeing all of you at the engagement ceremony caught me by surprise. Are you somehow related to Ms. Lane? Mia has never mentioned this before."When Mia met Maya, her demeanor was distant, lacking the warmth a person might expect between relatives.Connor raised an eyebrow, realizing he had almost forgotten about this matter.Initially, they thought Mia would be present today, and there seemed to be no need to conceal their identities.However, with Mia absent, the situation had taken an unexpected turn.Clearing his throat, Connor expla
Maya couldn't comprehend why Timothy had left, and now, her brothers were also following suit.They were her family, after all. On a day as significant as her engagement, what could possibly take precedence over her?Despite Timothy's absence, having her brothers present could have salvaged the situation.However, with their departure, wouldn't she inevitably become a subject of ridicule?Maya intended to wait until Mia arrived, determined to assertively confront her once again.Dominic addressed her. "Maya, given Timothy's departure, proceeding with the engagement today seems pointless. Let's cancel it."At the mention of canceling the engagement, Maya's complexion instantly paled.She promptly responded, "Canceling the engagement is not an option. Even if Timothy can't make it due to work, we should proceed as planned."After all, even with Timothy unconscious in a hospital bed three years ago, Mia still managed to marry into the Barrett family.Connor's expression held a tr
Maya's expression momentarily tensed, prompting Sharon to step in. "Alright, if Tim has to prioritize his career, let him. We can continue with the engagement and make the most of it."At the mention of proceeding with the engagement, Maya managed to force a smile and apologized, "Mrs. Barrett, I'm truly sorry about this.""I should be the one apologizing. Tim's behavior is a bit out of line.""It's okay; I understand that he's caught up with work." Maya smiled, yet her eyes remained devoid of warmth.Despite her internal frustrations, she couldn't afford to abandon the engagement ceremony.Shelly seized the opportunity to inquire, "Maya, where is Mia? Wasn't she supposed to be here today too?"Frustrated, Maya turned to Felix, demanding, "Where is Mia? What happened to her?""Her phone is off, and we're unable to contact her. I'm not sure if there's a conflict with her adoptive parents," Felix responded, expressing growing concern for Mia's well-being.Shelly sneered, "I suppo
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,