Heath swallowed nervously. Timothy indeed had plans for the evening. However, given the current situation, Heath knew he couldn't acknowledge it.He quickly replied, "There aren't any plans tonight."Timothy nodded solemnly and he shifted his gaze to Jeremy, his dark eyes carrying an overwhelming intensity.Just as Jeremy was about to reply, Mia swiftly intervened, "Even though Mr. Barrett is available, it's unlikely he would join us for street food."Given his wealthy background, he tends to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and has a palate for refined tastes."Jeremy felt a cold sweat forming on his forehead. He couldn't help but wonder why Mia seemed to hold such strong opinions about her ex-husband.It seemed as though Mia was subtly hinting that she wasn't keen on dining with Timothy.Timothy's gaze narrowed. "Well, I've grown weary of Michelin-starred restaurants. I'd like to experience street food for a change."Jeremy reluctantly nodded. "Since you have the time, le
Mia was taken aback by the slippery floor and exclaimed in alarm."Watch out!""Mia!"Both Timothy and Jeremy reacted swiftly, extending their arms to catch her.Instinctively, Mia reached out and grabbed onto them. She couldn't help but notice a muffled grunt from Timothy, a clear indication of pain.Looking down, she realized she had inadvertently grabbed Timothy's injured right hand from the night of the accident during the heavy rain.Timothy had shielded her during an abrupt stop in the car, injuring his arm in the process. It seemed his arm hadn't fully healed yet.Mia promptly released Timothy's arm and reached for Jeremy's arm to steady herself; she wanted to avoid any further injury to Timothy's hand.However, Timothy perceived this scene differently.Observing Mia let go of his hand and lean toward another man, Timothy's gaze hardened, and his mood turned sour.Timothy cast a displeased glance at Jeremy. Why did it consistently seem as though men were always appeari
"There's a student entrepreneurship event happening at the university today, so I thought I'd check it out to see if there are any promising projects worth investing in. After all, I'm now taking on the role of an investor.""How did your inspection go? The entrepreneurship events at Halvard University have always been quite popular. I remember some alumni projects receiving investments and eventually becoming listed companies, right?""That's correct, and interestingly, those projects were ones our company invested in. We've always had a good rapport with your university."In the past, there was a graduate from the Design School who initiated a business venture, which we subsequently invested in. Unfortunately, he was later apprehended by the authorities for various violations and economic crimes. It's a real pity."Mia suddenly remembered—wasn't he referring to Felix's studio?Contemplating the fate of Felix's studio, she couldn't shake off a hint of melancholy. Had it not been
Upon hearing Timothy's words, Mia looked at him with surprise. "Why are you asking about that?"Timothy turned to her, explaining, "You once mentioned that I didn't understand you well enough. I'm trying to learn more about your past."Mia felt utterly bewildered. When had she ever made such comments?Perhaps she had in the past, but that was prior to their divorce. Now that they were no longer married, she couldn't be bothered about such things.Jeremy chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Barrett. Mia and I were classmates in high school. Mia was renowned for her exceptional academic performance, which earned her the favor of our teachers, who took special care of her."Mia couldn't help but interject, "That's only because my family wasn't well-off. The teachers felt a sense of responsibility toward me.""Mia, you shouldn't say that. Don't take Ramona's comments at the reunion to heart. She's just envious and superficial."Back in school, she couldn't handle the fact that you were academically
With that, Timothy handed over a business card with Heath's name on it.Jeremy's face lit up with surprise as he took the card.This was no ordinary gesture—it was an olive branch extended by none other than the CEO of the prestigious Barrett Group.The opportunity to secure investment from Timothy held the promise of a bright future for Jeremy.That day's lunch suddenly felt incredibly worthwhile.Observing Jeremy's appeased expression, Mia couldn't bear to watch any longer. She rose from her seat and exited the private room, making her way to the restroom.Contemplating the situation, Mia couldn't deny that having influence and authority could be advantageous.Upon her return to the private room, Mia noticed that only Timothy remained, with Jeremy nowhere in sight.She casually inquired, "Where's Jeremy?""He had to attend to something and left early," Timothy responded, fixing his gaze on her intently. "It's just as well he's gone. I have something important to talk to you
Mia stood on the bustling street, watching him intently.Passersby couldn't help but notice Timothy's striking appearance, causing them to turn their heads.Under the dim streetlight, Timothy's gaze appeared somewhat uneasy as he responded, "Mia, are you truly that self-absorbed?"As soon as the words left his mouth, Timothy immediately regretted them, pursing his lips.Mia nodded. "Well, Mr. Barrett, if you're not interested in me, please stop being around me or making these kind gestures. It might give me the wrong idea that you're developing feelings for me."Timothy's throat tightened. "I do these things because... because I want to compensate for neglecting you over the past three years."It seemed that Mia wasn't the stereotypical gold-digger he had once imagined.Mia's eyes showed a subtle fatigue, her mouth carrying a hint of bitterness. She replied with a feigned nonchalance, "Compensate? So, what do you think I'm lacking right now?"Considering Mia's position as the h
Ramona hastily spoke up, "Mia, as classmates, I implore you to forgive me this once! I assure you, I won't make the same mistakes again."My family's business has collapsed, and my dad has been detained. If things persist like this, we'll be in serious trouble!""While you were bullying and spreading false rumors to hurt others, did you ever stop to consider the potential consequences of your actions?"Seeing Ramona's speechless reaction, Mia's expression hardened. "I'll say it again, I won't forgive you."As Mia started to walk away, Ramona fell to her knees, pleading, "Mia, please forgive me! I'll apologize in our class group chat and on social media. I swear I'll never do it again!""Let go of me! Who do you think you are, bullying people and then expecting forgiveness just because you apologize? Do you think the world revolves around you?"Mia would never forget the constant ostracism she endured from Ramona during their school days.With Ramona now spreading rumors at their
Mia pondered for a moment before responding, "I shouldn't have anything going on. Grandma Laura, is there something you need my help with?""Well, after narrowly escaping surgery and enduring a tough recovery, I've decided to hold a small celebration. I'd love for you and your brothers to join. Are they available?"Mia was surprised by Laura's invitation to her brothers.The moment felt almost surreal; it was hard to believe!Mia hesitated before saying, "Um, Grandma Laura, I'll need to check with my brothers first. I'll let you know."After the call ended, Mia found herself lost in thought even as she ate breakfast.She couldn't help but wonder how to bring up the matter with her brothers.Around noon, Mia suddenly felt a discomfort in her stomach, as if something were kicking inside.Concerned, she headed straight to the hospital to find Connor.Upon receiving Mia's call, Connor anxiously waited for her, wheeling a chair along."Mia, please sit in this wheelchair. How long
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,