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
After giving it some thought, Sharon remained convinced that the VIP membership card wouldn't deceive anyone.Reaching for the cup on the table, she hesitated slightly before saying, "She... She probably hasn't gone far. If you hurry, you might still catch up to her."Shelly stomped her foot in frustration. "Aunt Sharon, you've really gone too far this time. Monalize was only trying to learn about your preferences."She would have gladly used her VIP membership card to please you, and who knows, she might have even given it to you.""Did she actually say that?" Sharon asked.Shelly maintained a stern expression. "At first, she was simply trying to understand your tastes. But instead of being welcoming, you approached with skepticism and doubt about her identity."Now you've driven her away. How do you expect her to please you after this?"Sharon's expression instantly hardened, and she felt a twinge of regret. After all, the VIP membership card had been a source of frustration f
"Hey Monalize, please don't get upset. Aunt Sharon can be a bit critical of people who aren't as well-off, and she tends to prefer those who are wealthy."She simply wants Tim to marry into a family of equal status, and at the same time, she doesn't want to feel overshadowed by her future daughter-in-law."That's why she made those remarks earlier, to assert her position over you. It's not that she truly questions your identity!" Shelly explained hastily. Mia's expression hardened. "But I've never faced such treatment before.""Monalize, you don't need to heed Aunt Sharon. After all, our household belongs to Tim. As long as Tim accepts you, you don't need Aunt Sharon's approval. With your family backing you up, Aunt Sharon won't have any power over you."Shelly was worried that if Monalize ended her relationship with Timothy, she might lose the privileges she enjoyed.Upon hearing Shelly's explanation, Mia's eyes gleamed with a hint of mockery. "I didn't expect Mrs. Barrett to t
Mia broached the topic on purpose.After all, given that Timothy brought up Shelly and was aware of Mia's extensive purchases for her, he likely also learned from Shelly about the incident with Sharon.Having accepted numerous gifts from Mia, it seemed probable that Shelly exaggerated the situation and complained to Timothy about it.On the call, Timothy remained quiet for a moment. "It appears she may have mistaken you for my ex-wife.""Wow, is Mrs. Barrett's relationship with your ex-wife really that bad? Having a mother-in-law like that must make being your wife pretty tough."Timothy couldn't help but frown in response; it felt like Mia was taunting him.Standing in the hospital corridor, Timothy gazed at the dark sky outside. His voice carried a heavy tone as he responded, "You don't need to take my mother's words to heart.""Mr. Barrett, do I appear like someone who would be affected by irrelevant remarks? Typically, if there's a conflict, I react immediately."Mr. Barret