After Heath finished speaking, he observed Timothy cautiously. Timothy couldn't help but light a cigarette. He took only one drag before letting it burn out. As the smoke escaped his lips, it hid his expression. He recalled how Connor defended Mia earlier. Did they still need to do a DNA test after that?In the end, Timothy stayed silent, enveloped in the oppressive haze of cigarette smoke that seemed thicker than usual that day.…Mia had a nightmare. She dreamed that despite escaping the hospital, she was eventually found by Timothy's men. They brought her back to the hospital and into the operating room. No matter how much she pleaded or explained that the babies were his, Timothy never relented. Finally, she lay numb on the operating table, faced with the horror of losing her children."No!" she cried out.She woke up from the nightmare, her face wet with tears. When she saw the unfamiliar apartment room, she breathed a sigh of relief. She touched her belly, realizing
The phone rang persistently before the call finally connected. "Hello? Mia?"Mia could hear the caution and disbelief in Felix's voice.She said coldly, "I have the video of your mother assaulting me at the hospital.""Mia, I'm really sorry about what happened. My mom's getting on in age, and she was just worried about my health. She didn't mean to act out like that," Felix's voice softened with apology."If you know it wasn't intentional, why did you two run away?" Mia didn't buy Felix's excuses. This mother-son duo had no boundaries.Felix attempted to strike a bargain. "Mia, how about this? I won't pursue the matter of your brother hitting me, and you won't pursue my mom for pushing you. We'll call it even." "Who told you it was my brother who hit you?" Mia's tone remained indifferent. "I just found out it was my ex-husband who hit you, not my brother."Felix was taken aback. It really was Mia's ex-husband!Quickly, he tried to reason. "Mia, this is your family's business,
Dominic finally wrote: "I'll find a way to get Maya out of Nord City and ensure she never returns." As long as Maya couldn't return to Nord City, Mia wouldn't cross paths with her when she finally returned.Dominic wanted to part ways with Maya on good terms. But since Maya used Margaret as leverage against him, he wouldn't let her go easily.…The next day, when Mia woke up in her apartment, she felt a bit disoriented. After freshening up, she came out to have breakfast.Claude sat beside her. "Mia, are you going to school today? Or is there something else you want to do? Just let me know!""Claude, I might stay here for a few days. Could you help me get some clothes from home? I'll have Aunt Patricia pack them for me. Just be careful not to let anything slip in front of her.""I know. Don't worry, I won't say anything. I'll leave now. Stay here. Just give me a call if you're craving for anything," Claude said before leaving.Mia nodded. After Claude left, she immediately h
Mia stood frozen in place. She never expected Timothy to arrive so soon. She had rushed here, eager to see Laura before Timothy showed up. She planned to slip away quietly afterward. She never thought she would still bump into him.Mia could hear Timothy approaching behind her. His footsteps were steady yet powerful, and Mia found herself holding her breath.The few seconds were like torture to her.When the footsteps ceased, she felt a chilling gaze on her back, like a knife waiting to cut her down at any second.Timothy loomed behind her, his presence casting a shadow over her. He pursed his lips tightly before asking Martha, "Where's Grandma Laura?""She's been taken in for an examination. But the doctor said she seemed fine, so there shouldn't be any issues," Martha reassured.Timothy's expression softened and he continued, "Martha, thank you for taking care of her.""It's my pleasure. When Mrs. Barrett Senior sees both of you here later, or rather, when she sees all thr
Timothy stared intently at Mia and finally hissed through gritted teeth, "Very well."Mia clenched her hands, determined not to back down for the sake of her child."Mia, you and Connor truly are cut from the same cloth. Both of you keep using Grandma Laura to threaten me," growled Timothy.Upon hearing Connor's name, Mia suddenly felt a pang of anxiety. Did Connor negotiate with Timothy?Connor was the only brother who knew about her marriage to Timothy and her pregnancy.Mia felt worried. "Please don't make things difficult for him. This is my decision. He didn't agree with me keeping the child either.""He didn't agree with you keeping the child?" Timothy didn't expect Connor to also oppose keeping the child. Then why was Mia so insistent on keeping it?He angrily tugged at his tie. "It's foolish to use a child to tie down a man."Mia looked up at him mockingly. "I know.""And yet you still do it? You truly are a dumb romantic!" Timothy sneered.After learning about Mia's
As the call went on, Timothy turned to Mia, his gaze turning dark and broody. Finally, he cleared his throat and replied in a hoarse voice, "Got it."Mia noticed Timothy's change in demeanor and a sudden sense of unease washed over her.Timothy suddenly growled, "So, you're testifying for Felix and accusing me of kidnapping and assault?"Hearing this, Mia recalled her recent trip to the police station with Felix. Her eyes flickered. She thought she needed leverage against Timothy.But she never anticipated Laura waking up at such a crucial moment.Though Mia knew it wasn't right to use Laura as leverage, she couldn't dwell on it now. But she had only brought Laura up as a shield, never intending to actually cause harm to the old woman.She knew Timothy well. He'd surely compromise for Laura's sake.But she didn't expect Timothy to suggest calling off their divorce, and even sparing her child. This caught her off guard.Didn't he say he wanted the child gone? What was with the s
Connor's last words were aimed at Timothy specifically. If Timothy dared to harm Mia and the child, Connor wouldn't hesitate to intervene. Timothy also caught on. Just as he thought, both Connor and Mia were using Laura as leverage against him.Timothy stumbled back and left the ICU, his retreating figure tinged with loneliness.Mia observed Timothy's departure. She thought he would have clashed with Connor. Thankfully, nothing happened."Don't worry, Mia. He won't lay a finger on you," Connor assured her.Mia turned to him. "Connor, what did you and Timothy discuss?""It's nothing. I just told him to stay away from you," Connor shrugged it off."I don't want you getting into trouble because of me," Mia expressed her concern.Connor felt a pang of sadness at Mia's sensibility. "Mia, this is nothing. All your brothers aren't useless. Besides, I'm in charge of Mrs. Barrett Senior's surgery. Would Timothy dare to harm me?""But you weren't the one who operated on Grandma Laura,"
Mia's heart was a mess as she felt Laura's sincere gaze. She said to Laura, "The baby is fine, don't worry." Laura glanced at Timothy. Mia understood what she wanted to convey and continued, "Timothy has been good to me. He's always looking out for me. I haven't been to the studio lately. After all, I'm pregnant and attending classes, so I'm exhausted."Timothy shot Mia a complicated look but remained silent. Laura nodded at Mia's assurance. Mia continued softly, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself and the baby. If you're still concerned, then hurry up and get better so you can personally oversee me."Relief briefly softened Laura's gaze, though her expression turned sour as she teared. Mia took a tissue and wiped away the tears for her. "Rest well, we'll come visit you often."Laura blinked in agreement. Finally, she glanced at Timothy again, wanting to hear something from him. Mia understood Laura's expression but didn't look up at Timothy. She didn't know what
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,