Mia shook her head. "No, I'm not from the Music School. I just started piano not long ago.""But you played it so well! Who's your tutor? Do you mind sharing?"Her eyes darted at Claude as she smiled shyly. "Someone important to me."Her voice dropped and the audience squealed. Timothy gave Claude a fleeting glimpse, his mood getting worse and worse. He looked at Mia, who was smiling brightly onstage.It was someone important to her?Loosening his tie, Timothy was irked.Claude intentionally gave Timothy a look. "Hear that? I am the one who's important to Mia."Timothy couldn't comprehend how men were flocking to her after the divorce.When Claude made his way toward Mia, Maya couldn't sit still anymore. She followed him, wanting to get to the bottom of it.The audience seat was empty, but Timothy was still sitting there in low spirits.Kennedy approached him. "Congratulations, Mrs. Barrett! That was such a wonderful performance from Mrs. Barrett. "The professor from the
Something seemed off from Maya's expression, but Mia couldn't quite put her finger on it.Claude followed Mia's gaze and naturally saw Maya. His face turned to a grumpy one. "What are you doing here?"Mia found his unfriendly expression strange because he had always been a gentleman to ladies. It was one of his attributes as a playboy.Yet, his attitude toward Maya was nasty. That was strange.Maya forced a smile. It wasn't the time to be bothered by Claude's attitude. "The piece you played was beautiful. But I think the opening is another song. More like a children's song?" She tested the water. Before this, Maya had contemplated many things in her head. Could Mia still remember what happened during their younger days?If so, she should be able to recall how Maya convinced her to move to the other orphanage.Maya's question struck Mia as weird. Pausing momentarily, Mia answered, "You're right. I merged it with another piece of my favorite. Anything wrong about it?""N-Nothi
Timothy left right away. Claude was infuriated. This was the first for him to encounter that level of arrogance. If it weren't for Mia, he would've dealt with him on his own. Maya's heart skipped a beat when she heard Timothy. Nonetheless, it was crucial to discover Mia's identity and to know whether the Lane family was aware of her identity. Dashing after Claude, she groveled, "Mr. Lane, you're seemingly close with Mia. In fact, she's quite close with Connor as well."Claude halted his steps. Dropping his gaze, he asked, "What are you implying?""N-Nothing, I'm just curious. Don't you all reside in Nord City? When did you get close to Mia? How did you guys meet?"It dawned on Claude that Maya began to suspect something. He recalled the prelude of the piano piece earlier, which was also the tune Mia learned back at the orphanage when she was young.Since Maya was from the same orphanage, he wouldn't be surprised if the piece sounded familiar to her. But did she begin to doubt
Fear flooded Maya's mind. Since Mia changed a lot in her adulthood, she looked different from her childhood self. Nonetheless, Maya could still recognize her eyes after some reminiscing. Her eyes still looked the same as they had been since she was a child. Why didn't she notice this earlier? If the realization dawned on her earlier, she'd seize the chance to get rid of Mia! She wouldn't allow her to come in contact with the Lanes.Maya would be in a tight corner if Mia was the real daughter of the Lane family. However, she found it strange that no one in the Lane family suspected Mia's identity. Connor and her other cousins had been in contact with her all this time. She felt suspicious. Back when she was a child, she heard things regarding Mia's family. She remembered Mia mentioning her huge house and rich parents. Did Mia never bring this up to the Lanes?The more Maya pondered on this issue, her anxiety grew. She wouldn't be able to sleep well without demanding an expla
Confused, Dana asked, "How can I help you?"Maya took out her phone and played an audio clip. "Are you the one playing this piece in the music room?""Yeah, I am." Still feeling quite perplexed, she inquired, "Ms. Lane, you mentioned that you're looking for your childhood friend?""That's right. I visited that orphanage in the past, and a friend from the orphanage helped me out when I was lost. "I haven't lived in Bern City for years. I toiled my way here to find my childhood friend, but I couldn't seem to find her given how drastically things have changed. "The only clue is this piece—she's the only one who knows how to play it."Dana immediately thought of Mia. She taught her this piece, after all. Though they came from the same orphanage, Mia was no longer around when Dana arrived since she was two years younger than Mia.Nonetheless, Dana had always been fond of Mia. A smile spread across her face. "I know where she is."She was certain that Maya was looking for Mia. Fate
Seeing Dana had fallen for her offer, Maya replied instantly, "In fact, I've been thinking about this on my way here too. But I haven't had the chance to ask Mia, so I came to you first."Dana mulled over her response. How should she reply?"Are you the one I'm looking for?" Maya continued in a suggestive drawl. She had just retold the entire incident, promising Dana countless benefits. Anyone with a bit of sense in them would know what to do. She was all too familiar with the discrimination and contempt Dana faced as an orphan. Thus, she was certain that Dana wouldn't hesitate to seize her only opportunity, just like how she did with Dominic. Only then was she able to lead a luxurious life. In the next instant, Dana nodded her head in guilt. "I'm the one you're looking for."A triumphant smile played on Maya's lips. Visibly touched, she took Dana's hand and cried, "Is it really you? You have no idea how delighted I am!"It's been years since we last met, and we've all change
"Oh, sure. Thanks.""Don't mention it. You're my only best friend," Maya chirped, flashing a warm smile at Dana. Seeing how tempted she was, Maya had a bold idea. Maybe she could use Dana to get rid of Mia. Standing upright, Maya's nonchalant gaze loomed over Dana. "I'm busy, so I have to leave now. We can go for tea and shopping next time. I've got some gifts for you too.""No problem. Go ahead." Dana watched Maya leave after adding her contact. She pinched her arm until it turned red, finally realizing that it wasn't a dream. It wasn't a fictional story. It actually happened! Thrill riddled her as she realized she finally seized her opportunity to shine. The thought of her work being published or adapted sent her reveling in joy. Just then, her phone rang. It was Mia. Dana almost dropped her phone. Did Mia find out? Or did Maya go to her instead? Though Dana had never done something guilty in her life, she found it impossible to turn down Maya's offers. It was only na
Mia meant to ask earlier, but she was interrupted by Maya's sudden appearance. Claude's expression shifted slightly. He was caught off guard by her question. "Maya knows how to play the piano as well. She wants to join our orchestra.""So she'll be joining in the future?" Mia asked curiously."In her dreams! I won't let her join. She isn't talented at all." Claude's tone was laced with disdain. There was no way he'd let Maya join the orchestra.Given Maya's influential family background, Mia thought it wouldn't be difficult for Maya to join the orchestra if she wanted.Just as they were about to leave backstage, Kennedy went up to Mia and asked, "Mia, it's all thanks to you that the event ended splendidly. Why don't you join us for a meal?"Mia didn't expect this at all. She really didn't want to entertain them since she only did it for the sake of her credit. Claude took note of her uneasiness. Glancing up at Kennedy, he replied, "Sorry, but we have an appointment later. Mayb
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,