Upon hearing Fabian's words, Mia couldn't help but find Bob and Mary's actions utterly ridiculous.In this modern era, the concept of being married off to an older man from the countryside with a bribe seemed absurd to her.Did they truly think they could control her with such outdated methods?Suddenly, Felix rushed out and forcefully pushed Fabian away. "What are you doing? If you cause any more trouble, I'll call the police!"Seated on the ground, Fabian insisted, "I offered Mia's family a ten-thousand-dollar bribe, and consequently, we're now engaged. That amount constitutes my yearly savings."Mia, you must come back home with me and bear me a son!"Mia cast a cold gaze at Fabian. "Are you insane? I've cut all ties with my adoptive parents. Whatever they choose to do with the money has no bearing on me.""I don't care. After all, Bob and Mary are still considered your family. Since they've accepted my bribe, you are essentially my wife now!"Felix snorted. "What century ar
Observing the unfolding situation, Felix was suddenly gripped by fear. However, amidst the apprehension, he discerned an opportunity to heighten their intimidation.He cautioned, "Stay back. This is a lawful society, monitored by surveillance cameras everywhere. Do you really think you can escape?"People like you belong in rural areas, secluded in the mountains. Spare yourselves the shame and never come out—"As he concluded his statement, Felix's head was violently struck by an assailant.With blood streaming down his injured head, Mia, in a state of panic, exclaimed, "Felix, are you okay?"Within a fleeting moment, Felix collapsed to the ground.In a bid to call for help, Mia tried to retrieve her phone, but her hands and feet were bound, and she was forcibly taken away.A shabby van was conveniently parked nearby, and Mia found herself tossed into the back seat. It dawned on her that these individuals had come prepared.She realized she had been too careless.As Fabian got
Mia's heart soared with newfound hope as the sound of the helicopter reached her ears.The sudden appearance of the aircraft couldn't be a mere coincidence.Mia couldn't help but wonder if it might be her brothers coming to her rescue.Fabian's vigilance heightened as he sat in the passenger seat. "Could it be the police?" he questioned.Ronald, behind the wheel, chuckled and brushed off the idea. "Fabian, have you been watching too many movies? Why would the police show up in a helicopter?"We've been down this route countless times. What could possibly go wrong?""What's the helicopter doing here, then? We've never seen one in this area before.""It could be for tourism, or perhaps the TV station is filming some aerial shots."Fabian found Ronald's explanation to be somewhat plausible. After all, the prospect of a helicopter coming to rescue Mia seemed far-fetched, considering their high cost.Before long, Ronald remarked, "Look, the helicopter is flying away. I told you it
Mia was taken aback by Timothy's response.Instead of offering the comforting words she had anticipated, he simply advised her to bear the pain.Despite this, Mia recognized that, given the current circumstances, enduring was the only viable option.Contrary to his seemingly stern words, Timothy's actions were remarkably gentle.Just then, Mia's attention was diverted by desperate screams emanating from the other side.She tried to look, but several men in camouflage blocked her view.From the sounds, it appeared that her abductors were facing some form of reprimand.Lowering her gaze, Mia noticed a bandage snugly wrapped around her ankle. She couldn't help but be captivated by Timothy's profile, emanating both charm and elegance.Mia found herself stunned, gazing into Timothy's blue eyes.Awkwardly averting his gaze, Timothy inquired, "Are there any other places that hurt?"Clearing her throat, Mia replied, "No, I'm fine."Shifting her body slightly backward, she stole anot
Mia gazed at Timothy in confusion. Her predicament had escalated unexpectedly, and she had assumed her brothers would be the first to learn about it.Upon hearing the helicopter earlier, she even briefly considered the possibility that her brothers might have come to her rescue.However, it turned out to be Timothy.Timothy narrowed his eyes. "What's the matter? Are you disappointed to see me? Who were you expecting?""I just thought it might be the police descending from the sky. Is there an issue with that?"Swaying her foot, Mia continued in a sarcastic tone, "Given your hectic schedule, I hadn't anticipated you taking such a hands-on approach and swiftly stepping into the forefront. It's quite unexpected, to be honest.""Don't overthink it. I simply wanted to avoid any rumors about my wife being taken to the mountains for an arranged marriage. Just think about the impact on my reputation if that information were to leak."Mia lowered her gaze, realizing that Timothy's swift
Did having long legs make such a significant difference?As Mia settled into the helicopter, her feet dangled outside, slightly elevated. It seemed improbable that she could climb in on her own.Once inside the helicopter, Mia observed her abductors sprawled on the ground. "What will happen to them?" she inquired."Someone will come to apprehend them."Timothy took a seat beside Mia in the cramped space, their arms closely pressed together. She could feel the warmth radiating from him.The mountain air was indeed quite chilly.Mia's stomach let out a growl; she was starving.Soon after, the crinkling sound of food packaging reached Mia's ears. She turned to find Timothy holding a chocolate bar and instinctively swallowed.Timothy rattled the chocolate in his hand. "Want some?"Mia nodded eagerly. "You can't just stand idly by and watch your wife faint from hunger, can you? It wouldn't reflect well on your image if news of that were to circulate."Timothy unwrapped the chocola
Connor's fists clenched tightly as he retorted, "Hey, you rascal, put her down! What makes you think you can keep holding onto her for so long?"Timothy turned toward Connor, his expression unyielding. "You keep your hands off her, too.""Timothy, please don't compel me to take action, alright?" Connor fumed, advancing toward him. "Release her.""I won't. Step aside!"The two men squared off, creating an intense and charged atmosphere.At that instant, Mia regained consciousness.As her eyes opened, she found Timothy and Connor standing before her, locked in a face-to-face stance. Sandwiched between the two, she sensed an undeniable chill in the air.Mia weakly raised her hand. "Um, can I say something?"Simultaneously, Timothy and Connor both lowered their heads. "You're awake?"Connor anxiously gazed at her. "Mia, are you alright? Do you feel any discomfort? Please, let me know!"Mia shook her head. "I'm fine."Realizing she was still in Timothy's arms, her cheeks flushed.
Recalling the earlier scene, Connor felt a surge of anger. He had already sensed Timothy's questionable intentions toward Mia, and this incident now confirmed it.It wasn't just an inappropriate interest. It appeared to be a clear motive.Mia coughed lightly. "Connor, I don't think Timothy meant it that way.""What do you mean by 'not meant it that way'? Mia, let me be clear, stay away from Timothy in the future. He's an older man, divorced, and on the verge of remarrying."Aside from having some money, he doesn't possess any other merits. Don't let yourself be swayed by him."Mia couldn't help but feel exasperated at Connor's advice. "Don't worry, I won't fall for him."Certainly, the previous lesson had left its mark. She wouldn't allow herself to be deceived again."Good." Connor sighed in relief.He was genuinely worried that Mia might be captivated by Timothy's gallant gestures. After all, most women tended to be susceptible to such displays.The medical examination concl
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,