Upon hearing this, Mia's heart raced—this was precisely why she had come to Bern City.She calmly responded, "It's not necessary at the moment. I've arranged for a family doctor to tend to her. Some rest should do the trick."Mia pondered whether it would be too conspicuous to act now.Perhaps it would be wiser to lay the groundwork for a few days beforehand.After ending the call, Mia let out a sigh of relief and cast a glance back at Laura resting on the hospital bed.Unable to resist, she sent a message to Nicholas: "Is the reishi mushroom still available?"It seemed she might need to procure another stalk of reishi mushroom.As Mia settled into the car, her assistant Peyton Mosby, seated in the passenger seat, relayed some concerning news, "Ms. Mia, the systems of the Barrett Group crashed abruptly today."There are whispers of a potential hacking breach. However, the official statement from the Barrett Group attributes it to a system malfunction, without acknowledging any
"Shelly, Ms. March has a good relationship with Vior. She frequently shops here with her sister Aubrey. We might not stand a chance if we compete with her for the latest dress.""Hmph, why should I be afraid? Today, not only will I prevail, but I'll also ensure that the bitch won't dare to set foot in Vior again," Shelly retorted.With determination in her stride, Shelly hastened toward the Vior store, eager to publicly embarrass Blair.With Monalize's VIP membership card in hand, Shelly had the authority to reserve the entire store and remove unwanted individuals.The mere thought of this scenario filled Shelly with anticipation. She made a mental note to share the experience on social media later.Observing the spectacle from a distance, Mia couldn't help but smirk. Beside her, Peyton passed over a tub of popcorn—the perfect snack for such a dramatic display.With a triumphant air, Shelly confidently entered the Vior store, her chin held high as she surveyed her surroundings. S
Upon hearing this, Shelly immediately felt angry and embarrassed. "Why do you need to verify my card? Your store manager knows I'm coming today. Just call her directly," she hissed.Irinna, not wanting to upset Shelly, turned around and made the phone call.Meanwhile, Blair mocked Shelly, saying, "Shelly, don't you possess a VIP membership card? Why not just present it? It's unfair to take it out on the staff.""It's obvious you don't have a VIP membership card. You're just trying to act important. Maybe it's a good thing the store manager isn't here. If she were, she'd expose your lies, and that would be even more embarrassing," Caroline chimed in.Fuming with embarrassment, Shelly shot Irinna a glare. "Have you finished making the call? Get your manager here immediately!"Irinna set her phone down and addressed Shelly, saying, "I'm sorry, Ms. Barrett, but I couldn't get in touch with Ms. Gianna. Would you mind waiting for a moment?""Get these two women out of here for me, righ
Shelly's face lit up with a triumphant expression. "See that, Blair? How's that for a reality check? Now, both of you, leave!""I used to think you were impressive, but it turns out you're just leeching off someone else's VIP membership card. You might as well change your name to Miss Mooch-a-lot. Let's go!" Blair mocked.After Blair changed out of her dress, she turned and walked away.Standing in place, Shelly grinned smugly as she quipped, "Well, if you're so fond of piggybacking, why not get your own VIP membership card like Aubrey's? Then you can piggyback all you want."Next to Shelly, her sidekick Jennifer Clarke added, "Exactly. Blair has been mooching off Aubrey's card all this while. She has no right to say anything.""Yes, these days, it seems like almost everyone has an older sister, right?"After expressing her frustrations, Shelly nestled closely to Mia."Monalize, you've been so nice to me. I've always looked up to those with older siblings. Blair has been showing
Observing Shelly's appalling behavior, Luna realized the necessity of taking action; she couldn't afford to remain passive any longer.Glancing at her son, Asher, Luna knew that the current situation couldn't persist. Even if she disregarded her own well-being, she had to consider Asher's future.Luna swiftly dialed a number, her tone shifting as she spoke, "Mrs. Barrett, there's something I'm hesitant to disclose. It concerns Tim. He's brought back a woman from Xanier Island."On the other end of the line, Sharon remained composed. "I'm aware of this. The woman appears to be a young lady from a wealthy family in Nord City, and she and Tim seem compatible. You're familiar with Tim's romantic affairs; they're beyond my control."At the mention of "compatible", Luna's expression turned cold. Without hesitation, she remarked, "I understand, but that woman bears a striking resemblance to Mia.""What?" Sharon exclaimed, instantly abandoning her beauty regimen.Sitting upright, Sharon
This arrangement would bring Asher even closer to the Barrett family.Luna's scheme had been advancing seamlessly until her unexpected encounter with Monalize during her trip to Xanier Island, which threw everything into disarray.However, she wasn't about to give up easily.After concluding the call, Sharon swiftly glanced at Shelly's post, confirming the selfie and its caption.With a disdainful snort, Sharon remarked, "Future in-law? I have no clue about her background, yet she has the audacity to try and cozy up to Tim."Sitting beside Sharon, her sister Veronica Hopkins cautiously inquired, "Sharon, what's going on?""Veronica, Luna just called me and mentioned that Tim brought a woman back from Xanier Island. Apparently, she's not just a gold-digger but also looks remarkably similar to Mia. Why do I always seem to come across echoes of Mia?""Sharon, I trust Tim to be smart enough not to fall for a gold digger," Veronica said."You don't understand. Tim was completely inf
Shelly's eyes gleamed with anticipation. She knew Mia would surely ask her about the Barrett family's preferences.Considering Mia's desire to wed into the Barrett family, earning Sharon's approval was undoubtedly important.Without hesitation, Shelly replied, "Monalize, you have nothing to worry about. With your captivating beauty, remarkable family background, and your generous nature, Aunt Sharon is sure to take a liking to you."After all, Sharon had always shown a preference for daughters from affluent families as potential daughters-in-law.As long as there was a match in social status, there shouldn't be any significant obstacles.A hint of sarcasm flickered in Mia's eyes. It seemed her ex-mother-in-law was also somewhat superficial. Well, that at least made her easier to handle.Mia continued, "But with Luna in the equation, I still have some reservations. After all, she has been by Mr. Barrett's side for so many years.""Hey, Monalize, didn't I mention before? Tim has n
Mia discerned the underlying message in Sharon's words. It was evident that Sharon wanted to assert dominance over her, insinuating that Mia shouldn't entertain any romantic notions with Tim.With a cold expression, Mia stood up abruptly. "Since Mrs. Barrett doesn't seem to like me very much, I'll excuse myself."With that, she retrieved her designer handbag and departed, unwilling to tolerate even a hint of injustice.Shelly hurriedly approached Mia, saying, "Monalize, please don't be upset. That's just Aunt Sharon's personality. She's simply reminding me; it has nothing to do with you."With a dignified demeanor, Sharon commented, "Monalize, it seems like you have quite a fiery temper, getting upset over just a few words. That kind of attitude might not be the best fit for Tim.""Exactly," Veronica interjected. "Considering my nephew Timothy's status as the heir to a prominent family, it's essential for his future wife to embody grace and elegance. Above all, she must show utmos
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,