Claude paused. "Well, that's also your ex-husband's fault. You can't even stand him despite your good temperament. It's definitely his fault."Mia was kind, innocent, and adorable. How could there be a man so blind not to cherish her? Even making Mia file for divorce? Anyway, it was definitely the other person's fault.Mia smiled helplessly. "Claude, I was in the wrong too."She shouldn't have married Timothy on impulse back then.Claude patted her head. "Mia, you are faultless to me! Divorce is no big deal. It's normal these days. I know many talented young men in Nord City. When the time comes, I'll introduce you to some.""Claude, I don't have any plans to get into a relationship anytime soon." Mia sighed."That's right. Marriage is the grave of love. You should date around. Just switch to another guy when you get bored."Mia gave him a blank stare. Indeed, this was Claude's view on love.She fell silent for a moment. "Claude, please don't tell the family about my divorce.
The next day, Mia headed straight to school to review her lessons. But shortly after, her phone rang. "Hello, is this Ms. Mia Bowen? This is the police department. We've got some questions for you regarding the crimes of Felix Quilter, the owner of Elite Studio. Please come over when you're free."After hanging up, Mia pondered over the call. What could the police possibly want from her? She was merely a part-timer at Felix's studio, without any perks like insurance or retirement benefits. Was Felix and Janice trying to frame her?After some thought, Mia called a cab and made her way there. Once she arrived, the police began their interrogation. "What's your connection to Felix Quilter?""We were classmates, and later I worked part-time at his studio.""Part-time? According to Felix and some colleagues, you and Felix were romantically involved. And the studio used your name for financing. Any truth to that?" the police questioned.Mia felt speechless. "I had no clue about any of
When Mia heard the familiar voice, she turned around and saw it was Jason. Her eyes lit up in a pleasant surprise and she ran over to him. "I thought you left."A few days ago, Jason had come to Bern City specifically to stand up for her and teach Felix a lesson. However, since she had made a deal with Felix, the matter was dropped.She had thought Jason had returned to Nord City, given his busy schedule.Jason affectionately patted her head. "I happen to have a case here. But what a coincidence. Since Felix refuses to take the hint, you don't have to go easy on him now."Recalling what Timothy had said about Felix and how he had used his broken leg to threaten Timothy into helping him, Mia had enough. With how things had turned out, she would confront him head-on.She nodded. "Alright, the hospital's surveillance footage and my medical records are still available. It'll be quick if we file a case."She suddenly felt a piercing gaze behind her.Mia turned around slowly and m
After her classes, Mia's counselor approached her. "Mia, there's a music festival happening at school next week, and the school is invested in it. It's a great chance to tie it in with our previous design. I suggested your design be used for the festival. Think you can handle it?""Of course," Mia replied confidently.She was looking forward to attending the music festival. Being in charge of the venue's design meant she would have a prime spot to enjoy the festivities."Here's the key to the auditorium. Take a look around. Don't hesitate to bring up any ideas or requests you might have. The school will accommodate your design as much as possible. We want to impress the team coming in and help the seniors get into their team.""Got it, I'll give it my all." Mia nodded.Since she was representing the school, she was determined to create a stellar setup for the music festival."Mia, I've heard the head of the visiting team can be a bit demanding. If they give you a hard time, just
Mia heard Maya's taunts but chose not to respond. Instead, she conceded, "You're right. I don't really know how to play the piano.""Why sugarcoat it? If you don't have the talent, just own up to it. Mia, is your ego that fragile? Why don't you just admit that you can't play the piano?" Maya chided.Before Mia could respond, Anthony, who was nearby, interjected, "It's absurd to assign the venue design to someone who lacks any musical expertise or piano skills."I'll be discussing this matter with the college to arrange for a more suitable replacement."Mia remained silent, unable to ignore the smug expression in Maya's eyes.Indeed, Maya seemed to be a magnet for trouble, following her wherever she went.Anthony and his group left, their expressions filled with disdain.Maya lingered, boring a triumphant gaze at Mia before remarking, "You seem to be having a blast lately, Mia, but sorry to burst your bubble—I'm back now. Fun times are over for you."Maya thought about how she h
Claude couldn't believe Anthony had the audacity to even discuss replacing Mia. Indeed, he had quite the nerve!After all, this music show was originally intended by Claude as an apology gift for Mia.How dare Anthony suggest replacing her?The next day at college, Mia received a call from Felix's defense lawyer, Ainsley Hobb. "Mr. Felix and Mrs. Quilter are proposing a settlement. What are your thoughts on this?""What? Felix has the nerve to talk about a settlement? Where is his dignity? Besides, even if I don't press charges against him, he'll still go to jail for financial crimes."Ainsley coughed nervously. "My client, Mr. Felix, is hoping for your forgiveness, given your history together."If you could consider lending him some money, he wouldn't need to serve jail time. He assures you of repayment once he's released."Mia chuckled. "I'm not interested in a settlement. If there are any further issues, please contact my lawyer."With that, Mia ended the call. She had no in
Maya couldn't shake off the impending wave of panic. Was it truly her returning?But that seemed impossible.Maya vividly recalled taking care of her, ensuring she would never reappear.Yet, the familiar piano melody revived Maya's deep-seated fear.Initially, it wasn't Maya who was sought out by the Lane family; it was her old friend, Mimi.Consumed by jealousy, Maya resorted to deception to assume Mimi's identity, ensuring Mimi would never know the truth.However, Dominic eventually uncovered the switch. Maya could only claim to have encountered a girl like Mimi at an orphanage in the past, unable to recall where that girl had gone.In reality, that girl was at the same orphanage as Maya.Maya's scheming resulted in Mimi leaving the orphanage and being adopted, thus preventing Dominic from meeting his real sister.Dominic eventually brought Maya back to the Lane family, where she pretended to have no memory of any clues.Over time, Maya seemed to have forgotten her true ide
Mia chose to practice a new piece. As a result of her unfamiliarity, she played at a slow pace and fumbled over the notes.Outside, Maya searched the building with mounting desperation, checking each floor in a frantic attempt to locate the pianist whose music she had just heard moments ago.However, it was the end of the class, and many students were engaged in piano practice, making it challenging for Maya to pinpoint the specific pianist she was searching for.After scouring the area, Maya decided to resort to adding the senior students on WhatsApp. She planned to investigate their backgrounds at a later time.Identifying whether any of them were orphans would be a straightforward task.Exhausted and panting heavily, Maya couldn't ignore the unfamiliar piano melody resonating from a nearby classroom. Pushing open the door, she discovered Mia seated at the piano.In that instant, Maya froze.As the door creaked open, Mia turned to find Maya standing in the doorway. She seemed
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,