Shelly's words were cutting and venomous, hitting Luna's sore spot with precision. The latter was rendered speechless. She raised her head, and when she noticed Sharon, her eyes lit up. "Aunt Sharon."Sharon, who was planning to leave the scene unobtrusively, didn't expect Luna to call out to her.Biting the bullet, Sharon stepped forward. "Luna, don't be petty. It's just a dress."People who attended the event were rich. Minor disputes occasionally broke out, but no one had ever caused a scene to demand compensation. It was a petty act.Only then did Luna notice the kind of look people were giving her. Almost instantly, she wore her typical fragile expression. A man couldn't take it anymore. "Jeez, this pretty lady is on the verge of crying. It's not like it's a huge sum of money. Just give her the money.""Well, it's not like I cannot pay for it," Mia finally spoke up."Monalize, you don't have to entertain her."Ignoring Shelly, Mia stared at Luna. "If I pay for your dress,
The situation turned awkward again.Mia wanted to see how Luna would clean up the mess."Say something, Luna Maynard. Through cash or Apple Pay?" Shelly added fuel to the fire. Luna's fists clenched tightly. One million dollars? She couldn't even cough up 38,000 dollars!People began judging in whispers, "Why is she silent? Didn't she say that she's going to pay for it? Well, she has finally realized she can't afford it.""I know, right? This lady looks familiar. Who brought her over?""I think it's Mrs. Barrett. They sat together at the beginning."Many of them looked at Sharon. A rich lady commented on purpose, "Mrs. Barrett, did you bring her along? She's kinda embarrassing, though."Sharon was equally embarrassed as well. She strode to Luna's front and lowered her voice, chiding, "Look at what you've done. You're humiliating!"Luna didn't have the nerve to say anything back.Sharon raised her voice, saying, "Luna, be forgiving. It's not a big deal. Go and get changed.
"Of course I'm on Timothy's side." Shelly was all puffed up. If Timothy married Monalize, Shelly's life would be free from worries. She wouldn't need to read Sharon's mood anymore.A furious Sharon watched the duo leave. What happened today was an utter embarrassment.Sharon went to the restroom, where Luna was washing her dress. "What's wrong with you today, Luna Maynard?" Sharon vented."Sorry, Mrs. Barrett. It was all my fault. But I swear I argued with Ms. Monalize for Tim.""For my son? Why?"Mixed feelings sat upon Luna's brows. "Mrs. Barrett, didn't I tell you yesterday that Ms. Monalize has a sick daughter at the hospital? I've only just found out myself, and Tim has been busy—""Enough. Stop beating around the bush. Go straight to the point." Sharon's patience was running thin.Luna swallowed her displeasure before recounting, "Ms. Monalize's daughter has leukemia and has the same blood type as Tim. He agreed to donate his bone marrow if they were a match.""What?
Sharon contemplated including Monalize on the guest list before saying, "That's a good idea."Luna responded, "Isn't it? That way, we can let her know what the Barretts think."Sharon snorted. "You're right. Although she's from a rich family in Nord City, the rich ladies in Bern City are not bad either. They're at least better than her, a divorced woman with a kid. What a burden."Sharon recalled how haughty Monalize was because she was a VIP. Monalize clearly knew that Sharon was Timothy's mother. Yet, Monalize didn't pay her the due respect. It was so rude of Monalize. Luna lowered her gaze, concealing the malice that darkened her eyes. She vowed to make those who scorned her to bow before her. Those affluent individuals—Sharon, Monalize, and that greedy Shelly—would inevitably face her retribution.…Mia followed Shelly to a nearby café.Shelly was wreathed in smiles. "Ms. Monalize, did you catch Luna's expression when she faced that humiliation? Wasn't it priceless? She p
Mia returned to the hospital, anticipating the test results due the following day. The sheer thought of it made her nervous. Despite her certainty that it would be a match, Mia couldn't find peace of mind until the results were confirmed.Timothy arrived just as Mia and Ginger were dining together. Ginger's eyes lit up with excitement as she asked, "What's in that box?" Two imposing bodyguards carried a sizable box into the room, its contents evidently substantial."You'll find out soon," Timothy replied cryptically.Mia was curious as well. What kind of gift had he bought for Ginger?The bodyguards set the box down and unveiled its contents, revealing a miniature princess castle. Mia couldn't contain her amazement. "Wow! It's stunning!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with disbelief."Did you go out of your way to get it?" Mia asked, surprised by Timothy's gesture."I stumbled upon it while I was out. It gets dull just sitting in the room. I thought this might keep her enterta
Mia's heart raced upon hearing that. Timothy embodied everything she found attractive—an austere man who effortlessly stirred her emotions with his reassuring words.Mia smiled. "Okay. Since you've put it that way, there's no reason for me to decline, is there?"Her gaze followed his toward the patient's room, and her smile waned slightly. "But I'll go alone. Ginger should rest here at the hospital."She didn't want to involve Ginger in the potential conflict. Mia felt fully capable of handling the Barretts on her own."The test results will be available tomorrow night. She'll be back on her feet soon.""I believe so too," Mia responded, though her feelings were a mix of hope and apprehension. This drama would soon come to an end. If Timothy turned out to be a match for Ginger's bone marrow, surgery could be arranged promptly. Then, Mia could finally take Ginger away.As Timothy departed from the hospital, Peyton approached Mia. "Ms. Mia, Mrs. Barrett's birthday celebration wil
Shelly retorted, "Don't feed me that courtesy speech. I'm not naïve enough to fall for it. Tim and Monalize will marry and have a baby. That's when we'll have the true heir. The illegitimate child will be sent away in the end."Luna's expression turned icy. At that moment, Sharon stormed down the stairs. "Shelly, what nonsense are you spouting? Asher is part of our family, too. Why would we send him away?""We'll see," Shelly replied dismissively, heading upstairs without a care.Luna approached Sharon with coffee. "Please don't be upset, Mrs. Barrett. That's just how Shelly is."Sharon snorted. "What is she so smug about? Despite cutting ties with certain family members, she and her mother still live in the Barrett residence. If it weren't for Tim's generosity, I would have kicked them out long ago. Shameless!"Sharon's anger still simmered from the fashion show debacle, where Shelly sided with an outsider, putting Sharon in an uncomfortable position.It was infuriating."Mrs
Mia glanced at the bodyguards, not expecting this to happen. Timothy was supposed to pick her up, but an urgent work matter had arisen for him. They would be late if he were to pick her up afterward, given that Aide Castle was located in the suburbs. As such, Mia decided to head to the private resort on her own. She smiled. "I don't have an invitation card.""Miss, this is a private event. You can't enter without an invitation card," explained the bodyguard politely.The incoming guests witnessed the scene.Intentionally, Mia inquired, "Is the privacy policy this stringent at Aide Castle? Can't there be some flexibility?""Apologies, miss. Our private resort places a high value on guest privacy. If you've forgotten your invitation card, you may wait in the waiting room," the bodyguard replied, earning a satisfied smile from Mia. The staff appeared to be well-trained professionals.Some guests praised the bodyguard's handling of the situation.Luna, watching the spectacle unfo