Nonetheless, Mia couldn't bring herself to stay any longer. Ignoring Timothy's words, she swiftly opened the car door and dashed away.Observing her departure, Timothy eventually averted his gaze, leaning back against the seat with his legs spread apart.He loosened his tie, feeling the cool air embrace him.Unable to resist, he reached for a cigarette, taking a deep drag in an attempt to calm the turmoil within him.His eyes wandered to their former marital home nearby, brimming with deep contemplation.…As Mia left in her car, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.However, as she recalled the incident with the little boy, she couldn't shake off the deep embarrassment she felt.Her initial intention had been to playfully tease Timothy, diverting his attention to avoid raising any suspicion on his part, especially at such a critical moment when she wanted to avoid any unexpected complications.However, she hadn't foreseen ending up in a situation so awkward and potentially d
Mia couldn't help but observe Timothy, fully engrossed in his work beside her. His demeanor appeared more mature and handsome than usual.Upon hearing Timothy's mention of the video conference, Mia discreetly positioned herself in the corner without uttering a word, almost as if trying to blend into the background.Timothy's voice turned cold as he addressed the team, "The data is incorrect once again. How was the research conducted? Do you believe we can mislead our clients with such flawed data?"Even if we manage to deceive them temporarily, the final sales figures will reveal the truth. How will we justify this to our clients?"Timothy's tone was stern and commanding, causing the employees to remain silent out of fear of his reprimand.Scanning the room, Timothy continued, "Oh, what a shocker! Not a comment from anyone, huh? If the data submitted tomorrow remains flawed, I expect all of you to tender your resignations and report to HR."One of the employees hesitantly spoke u
Upon hearing Timothy's question, Mia responded cautiously, "Well, I plan to bring Ginger back to Nord City once you're admitted to the hospital.""Tomorrow, then?""Yes, because Ginger also needs to prepare for the bone marrow donation process in the vacuum chamber." As Mia spoke, she couldn't help but notice Timothy's intense gaze fixed on her.Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Mr. Barrett, you're well aware that once Ginger enters the vacuum chamber, her fate hinges on your bone marrow donation. Without it, she faces a grim outcome.""Since you're so skeptical, why not have Ginger undergo her treatment in Bern City? The hospital there also has a vacuum chamber."This way, we can proceed with the treatment in person, and you won't have to worry about me backing out halfway.""No, that's not an option," Mia firmly declined.After all, Ginger couldn't stay in Bern City; it would risk exposing their secret.Timothy's gaze intensified. "Why not?""Because, well, as I've men
"Mia, there's no use pretending any longer."In that instant, Mia felt her heart leap into her throat. Her mind raced as she tried to pinpoint where things had gone wrong.Why would Timothy confront her so abruptly? Had he stumbled upon some incriminating evidence?"Well, if you don't say anything, I'll take it as a yes." Mia forced a smile. "Mr. Barrett, even though I resemble your ex-wife, we are not the same person.""Then how do you explain this?" Timothy took out his phone and swiftly sent a photo to Mia's WhatsApp.Upon opening the message, Mia's breath caught in her throat as she saw a photo of herself and Patricia together in the living room.It appeared that her secret had been exposed.No wonder Timothy had been behaving oddly since yesterday."Mia, do you have any further comments?"Upon glimpsing the photo, Mia casually set her phone aside and remarked, "I don't really have anything to say about it."Timothy leaned back, his gaze penetrating. "Aren't you going t
Mia's heart skipped a beat; she hadn't expected Timothy to suggest leaving Ginger in Bern City for treatment.It caught Mia completely off guard.Recalling the photo Timothy had just shown her, it became apparent that Timothy must have had suspicions about her identity, prompting him to suggest leaving Ginger in Bern City for treatment.It was clear that he didn't buy her explanation earlier.However, Mia realized it wasn't the right time to confront Timothy, especially considering the risk of him refusing to donate bone marrow if things got heated.She didn't want to escalate the situation any further.After a moment of contemplation, Mia simply nodded and replied, "Okay."Observing Mia's swift agreement, Timothy narrowed his eyes slightly. He had assumed that proposing such a condition would provoke a reaction from her.However, to his surprise, she agreed without hesitation.What kind of scheme was she plotting?Both Mia and Timothy kept their thoughts to themselves. Mia c
"Alright then, let's have dinner together this evening," Mia said, glancing at Timothy with a nuanced expression. "Remember not to overwork yourself. Pursuing wealth endlessly isn't the answer, after all."Timothy squinted slightly, a playful tone in his voice as he said, "Are you actually concerned about me?""Don't you like being cared for, Mr. Barrett?"Despite this, Mia found herself increasingly frustrated. She knew that if Timothy worked overtime, it could potentially delay the bone marrow donation.In truth, Mia couldn't care less about her contemptible ex-husband's well-being!She believed that investing emotional energy in men only led to disappointment.After leaving the restaurant and getting into the car, Heath began to brief Timothy on their work progress. "Mr. Barrett, the folks over at Aide Castle have responded, stating they will consider the collaboration."We've sent over the proposal, but they've mentioned that a decision will only be made after their boss rev
Mia couldn't help but sigh. "Ginger overheard from a nurse that she might lose her hair during the procedure, so she refuses to take injections or medication."Timothy frowned in response. "Does it really cause hair loss?""Yes, it's a potential side effect. As you're aware, she's preparing to enter the vacuum chamber, but she's been having tantrums the entire time. I've been trying to comfort her but without success."Mia managed a bitter smile, looking visibly exhausted.Noticing this, Timothy intervened, "I'll go and have a chat with her."With that, he opened the door and stepped into the ward.Observing his departure, Mia swiftly composed herself before following him into the room.Inside, Ginger was huddled up, tears still lingering in her eyes, her long lashes clumped together from crying.Observing Ginger's distressed expression, Timothy's heart instantly softened. "Why the tears? Are you feeling scared?""I'm not scared at all!" Ginger retorted, stealing a glance at h
Looking down, Mia's voice trembled with sorrow as she continued, "I've always felt this heavy guilt about Ginger. She never really had a father figure in her life, and now she's dealing with this illness."Hospitals are the last place she wants to be. I just wish I could take all her pain away and bear it for her."As Mia finished speaking, Timothy suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace, his eyes reflecting regret.Mia remained silent, her lips pressed together. In reality, she had chosen her words carefully, aware that Timothy probably already suspected Ginger's true identity as his daughter.Her words were meant to appeal to his sympathy.After a moment, Timothy's voice resonated above her, "She'll be back on her feet soon. The doctors have assured me that once I donate my bone marrow, Ginger's recovery will be swift."And if there are any further complications, I'm ready to cooperate with whatever procedures are necessary."Given that Ginger was his daughter, Timothy felt a
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,