Dana's haughty expression led Maya to slap her again. "Who are you to question me?"Dana lifted her head at Maya. "What's the matter? Did I figure it out? Did something happen when you first got to know Mia? I heard that the daughter of the Lane family went missing and was found in an orphanage. That was when you knew Mia, didn't you? At the same orphanage."Maya's expression shifted in an instant. "How did you—Dana McQueen, you think people would believe your groundless speculations?""You want to ask how I know that, don't you, Ms. Lane? Simple, I took your picture to the director of the orphanage. She remembers you because you look the same as you were when you were young. Ms. Lane—oh wait—you're not Ms. Lane. Mia is the true Ms. Lane!" Something in Dana's eyes flickered with a hint of madness.Color drained from Maya's face. "Nonsense! If you spread any strange rumors, I swear I will kill you, Dana McQueen! You should know that I have the power to make that happen."Dana gigg
Maya’s expression shifted awkwardly. "I had something to deal with a while ago, so I missed Dominic's message."Shelly interlocked their arms briskly. "Let's go together, Ms. Lane. You didn't know how cool it was when your six brothers got out of the car together. I can guarantee that all the ladies there swooned at the sight of them."Shelly was equally head over heels for them. All of them were so good-looking that she didn't know who to date.Smiling proudly, Maya glanced at Shelly and withdrew her arm. "Shelly, I'd like to speak to my family in private. I'll introduce you to them later."The smile on Shelly's face vanished. "What do you mean, Ms. Lane? You promised me that you were going to introduce me to your brothers here so that I could get married to one of them.""I did say that, but Timothy is giving me the cold shoulder. I'm kinda exhausted. I have something to talk to my brothers about this time. It's untimely for you to be there with us.""Fine." Shelly gave in unwi
Mia saw Maya walking into the makeup room with another woman. Mia recognized the woman. She was the one from the Music School who was close to Maya!Mia's gaze landed on Maya only to realize that Maya's dress wasn’t just similar to hers—they were wearing the exact same dress!Didn't they say there was only one piece of the design in Bern City?Mia bought it from the store itself. Could it be that Maya was wearing an imitation?At the same time, Maya noticed Mia's dress as well. The cutting fit her curves and the fabric was made of fine material. To think that Mia had purchased the only dress available, Maya could turn into a green-eyed monster at any moment now.However, she doubted it because Mia shouldn't be able to afford it.The moment Maya showed up, all eyes were alternating between their dresses.Someone muttered, "Who's wearing imitation?"Maya striked first by accusing, "Of course it's Mia! How could I wear imitations?"Still, her eyes betrayed her guilt. She didn
Gina walked over, and her gaze on Maya was contemptuous. "When Mia was reported anonymously, Timothy personally went to Mr. Shaw's office to prove they were husband and wife. Now, people in school are talking about Mia's relationship with Timothy."Furious, Maya gritted her teeth. She did hear that in passing. Fortunately for her, the news hadn't been revealed to the public yet—only words circulating within the campus.The woman beside Maya rebutted, "Rich folks are always acting. I bet Mia's going to be driven out of the house. Timothy's going to divorce her. There's nothing to be proud of."Gina lost it. "You're being rude and that's completely rubbish.""Did I get it wrong? If the Barretts truly cared for Mia, why would they keep their relationship under the radar? Besides, she worked as a part-timer when she returned to school. Have you seen someone who's married to a rich family still working as a part-timer?"Gina was frustrated as she couldn't refute that statement. "That's
Mia looked at Maya calmly. "It's precisely because my family bought it for me that I can never allow you to accuse me of using an imitation."Maya guffawed. "Your family? Can they afford it?"She wasn't buying it. According to her investigation, Mia’s adoptive family was too poor to afford branded items.Mia replied, "Whatever. But I'm surprised that you, Maya Lane, are wearing an imitation. Is that bag fake too?"The word fake triggered Maya so much that she raised her squeaky voice. "How dare you! This bag is real!"Gina chimed in, "But your dress isn't."Maya failed to manage her expression. "Stop pretending, Mia Bowen. I know how you got that dress. If it isn't Timothy, you must've asked for it from another man. Let me guess. Is it Connor?"Maya was aware that Mia was close to Connor.Mia was stunned but remained composed. "It's not him, but you're close."It wasn't Connor but Eva who had bought the dress for her. Maya was close to the right answer."I knew it! How could
"About what?""Mia's dress—"An impatient Sharon interrupted, "Dress, dress, dress! Ms. Lane, is this how you always compare yourself to others?"That response was surely not something Maya had expected.Mia smiled. "Maya, do you know why your trick isn't working? Because Mrs. Barrett was there when I bought the dress.""What?" Maya's face fell at the reality check.In other words, the dress Mia was wearing was real!Mia glanced at the displeased Sharon. "Am I right, Mrs. Barrett?"Sharon's face went red. "Yes, are you happy now, Mia Bowen?""Not bad." Mia gave a nonchalant nod."You're able to wear the dress thanks to your family. Do you have to show it off that much? You're acting like you're the one loaded with cash."Mia wasn't angered at all. "It's a gift from my family. It's normal to show it off." Words failed Sharon as her anger reached its limit. She regretted coming.Only then did she notice Maya's dress. "Why are you wearing the same one? It looks weird, though
Suddenly, Maya had a bad feeling about this.Puzzled, Sharon said, "You didn't know? Mia found her biological family. She bought the dress with her family at the mall. Her family even owns a VIP membership card at Vior. They could choose whatever they want from the limited edition collection."She then turned to Mia to voice her doubt, "Why didn't you buy the bag together? They're a set."Mia paused as Timothy's gaze was on her. She answered calmly, "I didn't like it."His brows furrowed. Did she not like the bag or the fact that it was a gift from him?Maya screamed, "No! Impossible! How could you have found your family? This has to be a false alarm!"If the Lanes had found Mia, they would've announced it to everyone.It didn't seem like the Lanes had found Mia yet. Otherwise, why would Dominic and the others come when Maya made Dana lie that she was the true Ms. Lane?Mia couldn't follow Maya, so she asked, "Maya, why are you so sure about that?""I'm sure of it! I'm sure
That was the only way to explain the situation.Maya's heart sank to her stomach. She turned back, glancing at Mia before returning her focus to Sharon. "What do you mean they're Mia's family?""Didn't you keep asking who bought Mia the dress? It was your sister-in-law!" Sharon's words were like cold water pouring over Maya's head.Maya's legs were shaking. "No way. How could this be?"Since when did the Lanes find Mia? Why didn't Maya know anything?She didn't even know that Eva took Mia shopping!Eva walked toward Mia with a smile. "Mrs. Barrett, there's no two Ms. Lanes. There's only one this entire time.""Wasn't it Maya?" Sharon couldn't get it."She's adopted. She's not the true Ms. Lane. Everyone in Nord City knows that, but I don't think the people in Bern City do."There was too much information for Sharon to take in at the moment. "So, it's Mia?"She covered her mouth as soon as she said that. Her eyes on Mia betrayed guilt. Maya was the adopted child while Mia wa
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,