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,
Mia couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Unreasonable requests? Ms. Maynard, what would you consider unreasonable? Asking Mr. Barrett to hand over all his wealth? Or perhaps requesting him to be my boyfriend?"Her words landed heavily on Luna, hitting a nerve.As Mia's words trailed off, she sensed Timothy's gaze intensifying. She deliberately turned to him and inquired, "Mr. Barrett, what are your thoughts?"Timothy cleared his throat awkwardly. "Either option works for me."Upon hearing Timothy's response, both Shelly and Luna were shocked.Mia's lips curved into a smirk. "Well then, I shall provide you with the reishi mushroom, but you must agree to date me."Timothy's gaze grew complex as he responded with a deep voice, "Sure."Mia was genuinely taken aback by Timothy's swift agreement. She hadn't expected him to comply so readily, assuming he might decline or find another excuse.Unable to contain her laughter, Mia turned to Shelly. "Looks like our relationship is progr
Upon seeing Luna, Mia remained unfazed.Considering Luna's jealous reaction to Timothy agreeing to date Mia, it was apparent that she wouldn't readily accept it, given her temperament.Mia calmly washed her hands, stealing a glance at Luna in the mirror. "If you have something to say, say it now. Our paths may not cross again once I leave. After all, we're from different social classes."This remark struck Luna's insecurity, prompting her to raise her voice, "Who do you think you are? You put on this facade of wealth and virtue, but who knows, perhaps you've gained your riches by cozying up to men."Mia couldn't help but express her disdain with a click of her tongue. "Luna, perhaps you should take a good look at yourself in the mirror and see how unattractive jealousy makes you."You act all high and mighty, yet why do you insist on flaunting designer labels from head to toe? Even when your clothing starts to show signs of wear, it seems you're reluctant to replace them, don't yo
Mia approached Shelly with a cheerful demeanor. "Shelly, how do you like the shoes? Have you tried them on yet? Do they fit well?"Seeing Mia, Shelly immediately set aside her phone and smiled, responding, "I've tried them on, and they fit perfectly."In truth, Shelly hadn't bothered trying them on. Since they were a gift, she didn't want to waste them even if they didn't fit properly.Mia could immediately see through Shelly's lie, but instead of confronting her, she maintained a smile and remarked, "Shelly, I bumped into Ms. Maynard in the restroom. She seemed displeased with me being with Mr. Barrett, insinuating that I'm merely a substitute for his ex-wife.""Monalize, don't let Luna's words bother you. You're not a substitute at all. Tim has always been loyal, and he has a particular taste in women. You're much better than Tim's ex-wife. You two are simply meant to be together." Shelly was overjoyed as she held onto the branded bag and shoes she had received for free. If Mon
Deep down, Timothy couldn't shake off his suspicions about Monalize.She bore an uncanny resemblance to Mia, with a mysterious background and a personality entirely distinct from Mia's.Clearing his throat, Caleb spoke up, "Tim, you're thinking she might be Mia, right? Frankly, I had my doubts too when she agreed to supply you with reishi mushrooms without asking for anything in return."Despite any animosity Mia might have toward you, she shares a strong bond with Mrs. Barrett Senior. Mia certainly wouldn't stand by if anything were to happen to her."Timothy pursed his lips. He didn't dismiss Caleb's observations. He, too, found the situation perplexing.If Monalize was indeed Mia, then everything would start to fall into place.Caleb smirked knowingly. "Ah, so that's why a certain someone readily agreed to the condition of dating. It seems he had his suspicions from the start."Timothy maintained his composure, hands tucked casually into his pockets. "You talk too much."Cal
It appeared she wasn't the heiress of the Lane family either.…Upon arriving at Ninth Manor by car, Mia's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she took in the grandeur of the villa.Dominic had impeccably executed the property's decor according to her tastes.As the bodyguard gently carried Ginger out of the car, Mia was welcomed by Wendy Anderson, the maid standing at the entrance.Without delay, Wendy carried the sleeping Ginger from the bodyguard's arms.Upon stepping into the living room, Mia was instantly struck by its familiar layout.As she surveyed the space, memories of her past design work came flooding back to her. She hadn't expected Dominic to incorporate her designs into the renovation of the villa.Nonetheless, residing in a house she had personally envisioned brought her a sense of comfort.As soon as Mia settled onto the sofa, her phone rang; it was Nicholas. In a cold tone, he asked Mia, "Have you arrived?""Yes, I just got back from the hospital." "Someone
Mia's expression betrayed a hint of surprise. She struggled to believe that Timothy had sent these gifts.On the other hand, Ginger's eyes lit up when she saw the presents. Taking small steps, she hurried toward the gift boxes, her small stature looking even tinier beside the large stuffed toy.Mia's gaze lingered on the gifts, her face reflecting a mix of emotions. What was Timothy's motive behind this gesture?Initially, Ginger was delighted as she held the gifts, but upon glancing at Mia, a hint of hesitation flickered across her expression. Reluctantly, she placed the gifts back.Mia watched as Ginger gently patted her chubby hands. Keeping a composed demeanor, Ginger asked, "Mommy, do you like these gifts?"Upon hearing Ginger's question, Mia couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. She had noticed the joy in Ginger's eyes, and her subconscious reaction couldn't be hidden from anyone.Initially, Mia had been perplexed by Ginger's sudden fondness for Timothy, but now it appeare
Sage was immediately upset upon hearing this. "Who told you and Mommy to do such a silly thing? I won't die without bone marrow." Tears welled up in Ginger's eyes as she replied, "But Mommy told me that if there's bone marrow, Sage, you'll recover." Ginger hoped that Sage could regain his health, attend kindergarten like her, and make friends with children his age.With desperation in her voice, she pleaded, "Sage, please don't tell Uncle Dominic."Seeing Ginger in tears on the video call, Sage's stern expression softened slightly. "Don't cry."Sniffling, Ginger continued, "Sage, please promise me, okay?"After a few moments, Sage reluctantly responded, "I promise."Ginger immediately stopped crying, using her chubby little hands to wipe away her tears.Despite a bit of snot hanging from her mouth, she managed to muster a bright smile as she looked at Sage on the video call.With an air of maturity, Sage let out a sigh. He knew Ginger was deliberately being stubborn and tear