"Just because I was once an orphan doesn't mean I still am. I have a family now!""Hmph, stop with the lies. Are you seriously trying to convince me that you randomly stumbled upon an affluent family, turning you from an orphan into a wealthy heiress overnight?"Mia nodded. "Why is that so hard to believe?""Hahaha, Mia, your excuses are getting ridiculous. Have you been indulging in too many soap operas? Such scenarios only play out in TV dramas, not in reality. Snap out of it!"At that moment, a Porsche pulled up nearby, and a sharply dressed man stepped out. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, exuding an aura of urban sophistication.Ramona's face lit up when she spotted him. "Jeremy, over here!"Jeremy approached them with a warm smile. "Why are you two waiting at the entrance? Aren't you tired? "You could have simply mentioned my name, and they would have escorted you directly to the private room."Taking advantage of the moment, Ramona commented, "Jeremy, did you get a new car?
Mia flashed a slightly awkward yet polite smile. "Compared to your accomplishments, Jeremy, mine seem insignificant."Ramona couldn't resist interjecting, "Even if Mia snagged the first prize, what's the big deal? I heard she ditched college for some guy, so now she probably only has a high school diploma."What reputable company would hire someone with just a high school education?"Jolene chimed in, "Exactly. These days, having a solid education is crucial for securing job opportunities."Ramona adopted a seemingly caring tone as she spoke, "Mia, I genuinely feel sorry for you. You had such good grades back then, even securing a spot in a top-tier university."But it's such a shame that you dropped out for a guy. If only you had a degree from a prestigious university now, along with this award, finding a good job would be a breeze.""Who said Mia only has a high school diploma?"Just then, Gina barged through the door and confronted Ramona directly."Mia has been diligently p
Mia glanced over with a steely gaze. "He's the family chauffeur.""Chauffeur? Haha, Mia, are you kidding me? Just a moment ago, she was talking about discovering her family and how wealthy they are! I mean, who would buy into that?"Ramona found it hard to believe Mia's claims about her family's wealth.Gina retorted without hesitation, "Oh, Ramona, is it too much for you to handle that Mia found her biological parents, and they happen to be rich? Whether you can accept it or not, that's the truth!""Where's the evidence for that? Just because you claim Mia's biological parents are affluent, how can we trust it?" Ramona demanded.Mia pulled Gina aside, whispering, "Don't worry about it. Let them believe what they want."Just then, Taylor stepped in, redirecting the conversation, "I reckon everyone's feeling hungry. How about we order some food?"Jeremy quickly joined in, adding, "Absolutely, let's celebrate Mia's family reunion with some extra dishes today."While the rest of t
Mia was surprised by the waiter's unexpected courtesy toward her, considering Jeremy was the one treating them.Glancing at the waiter, she stated, "I don't need anything else, thank you."With that, the waiter departed the private room without acknowledging Jeremy nearby.Ramona quickly commented, "What kind of service is that? Such arrogance! Does he assume Mia is treating us today?"Her remarks were met with laughter from several classmates.To salvage the situation, Jeremy quickly interjected, "The waiter is just being polite. I've been to this restaurant several times, and I simply wanted everyone to order what they preferred. "However, when it comes to settling the bill, it's on me.""Jeremy, you're just as charming and handsome as ever, nothing has changed,"Upon hearing Ramona compliment Jeremy and flirt with him on purpose, Mia's appetite immediately diminished.She glanced at Gina and Taylor seated beside her; they seemed to be engrossed in conversation.Silently,
After Mia posed her question, she noticed a faint blush on Gina's cheeks. Indeed, this was the primary reason Mia had come to the reunion today—solely to accompany Gina.Just then, Jeremy raised his glass, declaring, "Everyone, I propose a toast. I appreciate each of you for gracing us with your presence tonight. Here's to a prosperous future and abundant wealth!"Abstaining from alcohol, Mia decided to pour herself a glass of lemon water instead.Ramona quickly pointed out, "Mia, everyone else is drinking, but you're sticking with water. What's the deal? Why aren't you trying to be sociable?"In a composed manner, Mia explained, "I haven't been feeling well lately and can't consume alcohol. I apologize."Given her pregnancy, it was evident that alcohol was off-limits for her.Ramona expressed her disapproval, questioning, "What do you mean by 'you can't drink'? Are you purposely trying to be different and draw attention to yourself?"Interrupting Ramona, Jeremy intervened, asse
Upon hearing Ramona's words, Mia was momentarily stunned.She shot Ramona a glare and countered, "Did you ingest garbage before leaving your house today? Your breath reeks terribly!"Feeling offended, Ramona responded sharply, "Is your anger a reaction to feeling embarrassed? Did I touch a nerve? Could it be that you're juggling two relationships at once?"If the gentleman who escorted you here discovers you're involved with another middle-aged man, he might reclaim all those designer labels you were flaunting!"Without hesitation, Mia delivered a firm slap across Ramona's face, causing her hand to tingle from the impact.Ramona was left momentarily dazed, feeling as though she were seeing stars, with half of her face numbed by the force of the slap.The entire room fell into silence.After a moment of stillness, Ramona let out a piercing scream. "Mia, how dare you strike me! Who do you think you are to lay your hands on me? My father will never let you get away with this!"Jol
Mia didn't want to listen any further. She turned to Gina and uttered, "I'm heading out. Feel free to continue chatting."She couldn't bear it any longer. Indeed, her brother's words rang true from the previous night; these class reunions were simply gatherings where everyone engaged in boasting and comparisons, devoid of any real significance.As Mia exited the restroom and waited for the elevator, she noticed tears streaming down Ramona's face.Ramona hurriedly intercepted Mia's path, pleading, "Mia, please, let's not dwell on petty matters. We're all adults here. This time, I'll admit it's my fault! I apologize!"Witnessing Ramona's distressed state, Mia turned to Gina with a puzzled expression. "What's going on?" Gina responded curtly, "Ramona just received a call from her family, informing her about their impending bankruptcy due to her conflict with Mr. Russ. "Frankly, I believe she brought it upon herself; some individuals simply lack restraint."A nearby classmate inte
The corner of Mia's lips twitched involuntarily; she couldn't help but wonder if Ramona's reasoning had been impaired by their earlier altercation.As time passed, the rain outside persisted, pouring heavily without any signs of stopping.However, Antonio hadn't arrived yet. Mia had just begun relying on him for transportation today and hadn't had the chance to obtain his phone number. She couldn't understand why Antonio hadn't appeared.Without hesitation, Ramona insinuated with a mocking tone, "See, I told you so. Mia likely feels guilty and scared about letting that elderly man pick her up. She's probably afraid that we'll expose her!"Frowning, Mia directed her gaze at Ramona. "Ramona, haven't you learned anything?"Initially, Mia had contemplated informing her brother about the situation.Despite her dislike for Ramona, she had no desire to bring financial hardship upon her family. However, it appeared that Ramona needed to be taught a lesson."With nothing left to lose, wh
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,