"I'll figure something out. I'm ready to do whatever it takes to save Sage."Regaining her composure, Mia continued, "How much time do we have left?""We prefer it to be as soon as possible, but definitely within a month.""Understood."After ending the call, Mia rubbed her eyes wearily. She had hoped to steer clear of any further entanglements with the Barrett family after departing from Xanier Island this time.However, it seemed that she couldn't evade them just yet.Without delay, she messaged Wade: "Hold off on selling the reishi mushrooms for now."The circumstances had shifted; the reishi mushrooms were now an essential component of the deal with Timothy.However, Mia was determined not to reveal Sage's existence, so she needed to devise a flawless plan."Mommy, look at the gifts I chose!" Ginger exclaimed, appearing with a bunch of plush toys, her eyes sparkling with joy.Mia forced a smile as she walked over. "Are these presents for your uncles or you?"Since they w
Timothy found himself somewhat taken aback when Ginger called him; he could almost visualize her holding her Apple watch.His typically stern demeanor unexpectedly softened at the sound of her voice."Mister, I'm about to leave, and I have a gift for you."At her words, Timothy's lips curved slightly. "Why are you getting me a gift?""Because I want to thank you for safely taking me from the airport to the hotel, so I can reunite with my Mommy! She always tells me we should know how to repay kindness."Ginger's adorable voice had a melting effect.Timothy responded gently, "Alright."After agreeing on the meeting place and ending the call, Timothy found himself smiling slightly.He had never been particularly fond of children, often finding them bothersome, but Ginger seemed to be an exception in his eyes.Caleb asked tentatively, "Tim, who called you? And what's with the gift and the restaurant meeting?"Could it be Monalize again?Last time, she even gave Timothy underwear
Mia turned to Caleb and remarked, "So, this is why Mr. Barrett was seeking reishi mushrooms?"But as far as I know, reishi mushrooms aren't capable of treating incurable diseases; they're primarily used to prevent muscle atrophy and stimulate neurons."Typically, only those with full-body paralysis or in a vegetative state would require reishi mushrooms.""Yes, Tim's grandmother has entered a vegetative state, so she needs reishi mushrooms."Timothy's grandmother?Laura?Mia's brow furrowed as she recalled the details from her investigation, realizing that it was Laura who had orchestrated her marriage into the Barrett family as a commoner.Although it initially seemed like Mia had a stroke of luck, marrying someone on their deathbed left her pondering whether it was ultimately a blessing or a curse.However, this situation also presented an opportunity.Mia nodded thoughtfully before remarking, "So, Mr. Barrett needed the reishi mushrooms for a sick family member. I had assum
Caleb remained silent and got into the car with Ginger, who was still sound asleep. He didn't want to disturb her rest with their conversation.Observing Caleb's protective demeanor toward Ginger made Luna feel somewhat uneasy.Sporting black sunglasses, Mia regarded Luna with a smirk. "What's wrong? Are you surprised to see me here? You've got some nerve showing up in front of me again. It seems the lesson from before wasn't harsh enough."Startled, Luna instinctively took a few steps back. The memory of her close encounter with a shark while submerged in the ocean felt like a haunting nightmare that she couldn't shake off.Nonetheless, upon realizing they were in Bern City and not Xanier Island, Luna straightened her posture and remarked, "Ms. Monalize, let's not get ahead of ourselves. This is the domain of the Barrett family in Bern City, not the insignificant Xanier Island.""I'm sorry, but I always carry myself confidently wherever I am. You better not try to provoke me, or
Mia approached Timothy with the box and handed it to him directly, urging, "Please prioritize saving the patient. However, considering Mrs. Barrett Senior's current condition, I'm afraid a single stalk of reishi mushroom won't be enough."Reishi mushrooms were rare commodities, typically traded only in black market auctions like those in Xanier Island. They were scarcely available on the open market.Timothy's expression grew serious. "Regardless, let's give it a shot first."With that, the reishi mushrooms were promptly taken away by the doctor.Mia couldn't help but observe the lady, whose perfume was rather strong, staring at her in astonishment. As Mia turned her head, her red lips curved subtly.Startled by Mia's smile, Shelly felt a shiver creep down her spine. She promptly stood up and hid behind Timothy, stammering, "T-Tim, who is she?"Why did this woman resemble Mia so closely? There wasn't even a hint of plastic surgery!Upon hearing the woman address Timothy as "Tim,
Mia had looked into the Barrett family's background, but all she found was information about Laura's illness. The reasons behind her vegetative state remained a mystery.What was clear, though, was that Laura's deterioration had started around the time Mia left the Barrett family four years ago.The timing of these two events sparked Mia's suspicions, suggesting a possible connection between them.Meanwhile, Shelly, still reveling in her newfound designer bag, spoke candidly, "It's all because of Tim's awful ex-wife. She's the one responsible for Grandma's condition. Initially, Grandma was recovering well from her surgery, but then everything took a turn for the worse."Upon hearing the mention of the "awful ex-wife," Mia's expression turned cold. "Is that so? Please, enlighten me. How exactly did this ex-wife contribute to Mrs. Barrett Senior's condition?"Just as Shelly was about to speak, her gaze met Monalize's, whose features bore a striking resemblance to Mia's.Shelly abru
Shelly swiftly dismissed Luna's concerns. Instead, she sounded rather pleased with herself. "Luna, I've been eyeing those shoes for a while now, and I'm quite knowledgeable about them. I'm sure you must be mistaken."Regardless of whether the shoes were large or small, Shelly was determined to acquire them.Why would Luna attempt to spoil things at such a pivotal moment?Luna was aware of Shelly's vanity, yet she was determined not to let Monalize prevail.She discreetly took Shelly aside and murmured, "Shelly, how can you be so quick to accept gifts from her? Haven't you noticed the uncanny resemblance she bears to someone?"Was Shelly that oblivious?Shelly's demeanor grew slightly uneasy as she responded, "I'm aware that Monalize resembles Mia. However, they're not the same person; it's just a coincidence that they look alike.""Shelly, you're too naive. You don't understand how dangerous she could be. She might be a cunning witch, possibly Mia resurrected, seeking revenge,"
Mia glanced at Luna, then quickly covered her mouth, faking a smile. "Shelly, let's not say things like that. We wouldn't want to upset Ms. Maynard.""Luna is incredibly understanding; she won't take offense," Shelly insisted.Mia couldn't help but notice Luna struggling to maintain her composure."I understand, but for individuals like us who casually indulge in luxury items, bags and shoes are merely superficial possessions. Ms. Maynard seems to attach excessive importance to them," Mia remarked.Shelly readily agreed, "Exactly. For people from more modest backgrounds, a luxury item could represent their entire year's salary, so they tend to attach great significance to it."A hint of bitterness flashed in Luna's eyes. Despite her inner turmoil, she forced a composed expression and inquired, "Shelly, how is Grandma Laura's condition?""They're still doing everything they can to save her. It's difficult to predict when it will all be over," Shelly replied.Glancing at the time,