Mia was surprised to learn that Timothy wasn't actually that spiteful, although he was friends with Caleb.Still, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she had met him before. She just couldn't remember."Mommy, when will my watch be fine?" Ginger took out the watch that fell into the cup.The bodyguard ensured her that it would function again once the water dried out.Mia took the watch. "How did you drop it into the cup?""The bad lady wanted to steal my watch and it fell into the cup." Ginger balled her fists angrily when she brought it up.Mia knew that Ginger was referring to the pretentious lady right away.She handed it to Wade. "Fix it."Ginger's eyes didn't leave her watch for one second. She stood on her toes, requesting, "Grandpa Wade, could you make it quick?""Don't worry, Ms. Ginger. I'll return it to you as soon as I have it fixed." He walked away with it."Are you in a rush to use it? I never see you cherish it so much." Mia sat behind Ginger to tie her mes
Timothy recognized the woman in red at first glance.Following that, another kid in a red cocktail dress showed up in pigtails, looking bright and cute.Holding Ginger's hand, Mia headed to a private lounge on the second floor. The view was better there and the rooms were catered for the regulars.Timothy watched her vanish from his sight. The surrounding men were still gushing about her figure and some of their words crossed the line.Timothy's swept his gaze in their direction. His gaze was so scary that it zipped their lips almost instantly. They didn't say anything further.Timothy withdrew his gaze. While staying in his seat, he eyed the private lounge on the second floor again.Luna, who was sitting behind him, happened to notice his gaze. It irked her. Luna had an inkling of that woman's background.According to the sources, that woman was Monalize, a regular at Xanier Island.She normally hung out with men. People had lost count of the number of men she hung out with.
Mia wore a solemn expression. It seemed like Dominic had personally contacted Tanner after learning the news of the attempted kidnap. Otherwise, Tanner wouldn't offer an apology this quickly.She merely spared a fleeting glance at the gold bars brought by Tanner.She returned her attention to Ginger. "Anything you'd like for an apology gift?""Can I request for anything?" Ginger asked.Tanner quickly explained, "Yes, as long as I can afford it."Tilting her head, Ginger gave it a serious thought. She raised the bidding number. "I want this."He paused and gazed at Mia, unable to understand Ginger's words. Mia stroked Ginger's hair. "If my daughter raises the number, could you give her the item?""Not a problem." A weight lifted off his chest.The items on auction were worth more or less the same as the gold bars. If Ginger took a liking to something worthless, he wouldn't lose anything!He quickly left, and the room became silent."Mommy, why is that uncle so happy?" Gi
Caleb's ego took a blow.The question was—why was he the victim? Caleb had nothing to do with Mia and Ginger. Only Mia, according to the men's guess, might have something to do with Timothy.Caleb's frustrated expression lightened Mia's mood.Ginger tiptoed and witnessed how Mia taught her irresponsible "father" a lesson. "Nice job, Mommy! This shouldn't be the end of it. There should be a part two!" she cheered."He's not that stupid to take the bait twice." Mia had no intention of fooling Caleb again either.Caleb completely lost his mood. His spirits were low for the rest of the auction. Nothing seemed to pique his interest anymore.Mia's spending habit provoked jealousy in Luna. Compared to Mia, who could spend as much as millions so easily, Luna couldn't even spend 100 thousand dollars at the auction.Luna spoke to Caleb, who was sitting in front of her, "Caleb, why don't you clear things up with the lady on the second floor? What if she keeps picking on you? That won't
The naïve Ginger shook her head.Mia smiled. "Steal the thing he wants and he'll remember you forever.""B-But—""No buts. You're going to give him the reishi mushrooms as a present anyway. It's the same. He'll be able to save ten million dollars too! Isn't that great?"Ginger thought that Mia had a point and so she quickly raised her number to be noticed by the auctioneer.The auctioneer saw the special number and knocked down the hammer. "Sold! Congratulations to the guest on the second floor. The reishi mushrooms are yours."A tumult broke out.Furious, Caleb sprang to his feet. "What's going on? I thought the bidders have to bid a price and three chances are given to others before the bid ends, no? You knocked down the hammer way too fast. This is not fair!"People are joining in the protest. "It is indeed unfair."Timothy looked at the second floor, his eyes met Mia's. She was propping her chin while smirking triumphantly.His expression was gloomy as he began to think a
Mia and Ginger went to Tanner to redeem what he promised in case he would take his word back and trick them.Timothy's gaze darted to the box in Ginger's arms. The reishi mushrooms should be in there.He offered, "I need the reishi mushrooms. Name a figure."Ginger grew guilty. When she was going to say that it was a present for him, Mia preempted, "Sorry, but they're sold to us. It's not for sale and we don't need money."Unable to contain his emotions anymore, Caleb stepped forward. "If there's anything, you can just come right at me. Tim needs the reishi mushrooms to treat someone. I hope you can understand our situation. Let's get along."Mia stomped on his foot. "Who wants to get along with you, jerk!"She didn't want to waste her time here. When she was going to leave with Ginger, Luna blocked the way.Standing by the stairs, Luna said, "Ms. Monalize, the reishi mushrooms are important to Tim and this is between you and Caleb. You shouldn't drag outsiders into the fray."
Caleb was quick enough to pull Luna over. The heel attack would've resulted in a bloody scene!Mia and Ginger left without looking back. The spectators remained watching. No one offered a hand.Luna was fuming in anger. "Caleb, I just wanted to help the kid contact her family. I didn't mean anything else!""I know. Now, get up first. Don't sit on the floor." Caleb helped her up. He didn't expect Monalize to be that feisty!Timothy spared a glance at Luna when he took the flight of stairs down. "You should go to the hospital."Luna's eyes lit up in hope. "Tim, hear me out. I can explain.""You know what you did. The bodyguard witnessed everything. Do you want to confront him?" His tone was a tad impatient.She finally zipped her lips. She regretted not covering her tracks better.Caleb gave a baffled look. Luna quickly made up an excuse. "I was anxious at that time. I saw her as my daughter and scolded her."He sighed, "Why did you do that? That little brat is not easy to d
Mia opened her suitcase, wondering what she should wear for her date later that evening. Her eyes ran through her options as she replied to Wade, "What is it?""Ms. Mia, Mr. Dominic told me to inform him when you meet your ex-husband."Her hands paused. "Why are you telling me this?""Because I respect your decision."That answer elicited a smile from her. "You sure have a way with your words. Don't worry. I'm not interested in my ex-husband. Dominic is just worried that I might lose control of my emotions when I meet my ex-husband. Look at me now. I'm completely fine."Four years ago, she managed to narrowly avert losing her babies in an accident, albeit at the cost of her memories with Timothy.A sigh escaped from Wade. There was something he hadn't said—"You've got the wrong person, Ms. Mia. Mr. Barrett is your ex-husband!"She noticed his troubled expression. "You're overthinking. You can contact my doctor. Ask him if I'm doing good lately."He figured that it was a good id
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,