Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“Mom, why do you insist on having Tim sign this so prematurely? Don’t you have enough trust in him?”
“It’s not that I don’t trust him, but rather, I don’t trust other people. I’m well aware of the thoughts circulating among all of you.
“Irrespective of what unfolds between Mia and Tim down the road, Mia’s child is the designated heir of the Barrett family, and no one can change that.”
Sharon remained hesitant. “But what if it’s a girl?”
“Regardless of whether it’s a boy or a girl, it doesn’t matter!”
Laura’s unexpected proposition just before her surgery caught everyone off guard, particularly Sharon. Helplessly, she gazed at Timothy and pleaded, “Tim, could you go have a conversation with Grandma?”
Sharon was firm in her stance, discouraging Timothy from signing the document. The situation seemed to be a trap.
Originally, the plan was for Timothy to finalize his divorce with Mia after Laura’s surgery. However, by signing this document, there was a potential risk.
Mia could resort to cunning tactics to evade the divorce and possibly even contemplate conceiving a child with Timothy, creating a complex and undesirable situation,
Sharon was resolute in having Maya as her daughter¨Cin¨Claw, and she couldn’t allow Mia to impede her plans.
As Timothy took hold of the document, he uttered in a steely tone, “Grandma, I disagree.”
Mia felt an immediate sense of relief. It was imperative that the document remained unsigned.
Sharon promptly added, “Exactly, Mom. Signing it now wouldn’t be appropriate.”
Laura fixed her gaze on Timothy and sternly inquired, “Why do you disagree?”
“Grandma, I’m ready to put my signature on it, but I prefer to wait until you’ve emerged from the operating room. I won’t sign it before then.”
Mia was taken aback by Timothy’s unexpected response, observing his profile with disbelief as she tried to discern his expression.
The fact that Timothy had agreed was beyond Mia’s comprehension.
Sharon’s expression shifted to one of unease as she heard the news. “Tim, how could you possibly agree to this?”
If he were to give his consent at this moment, what implications would it have for Maya’s future? Would her future son not be deemed worthy of inheriting the Barrett Group?
Timothy remained indifferent, disregarding Sharon’s concerns.
He casually placed the document beside Laura, remarking, “If there are so many unresolved issues, perhaps you should personally address them.
“Depending solely on paperwork might not be the most effective approach.”
The atmosphere grew strained as Laura and Timothy locked eyes, each unwilling to yield.
The escalating tension hung thick in the air.
The two formidable figures of the Barrett family confronted each other, and those present dared not utter a word.
Mia held Laura’s hand and gently spoke, “Grandma, I believe Tim has a good point. Let’s wait until
T
after your surgery to discuss this. We have enough time, and there’s no need to rush at the
A
“No, it has to be signed immediately. Otherwise, I won’t proceed with the surgery,” Laura abruptly expressed her frustration.
Timothy pursed his lips tightly and retorted, “Grandma, perhaps this isn’t the time to be so stubborn.”
“At my age, can’t I be a little wilful? Just sign it. It’s such a straightforward matter. Are you seriously going to disagree with me on this?”
Observing Laura growing agitated, Mia hastened to console her.
Retrieving the document, she handed it over to Timothy, urging him, “Please, sign it.”
Mia raised her gaze to meet Timothy’s. His eyes were subtly squinted, holding a profound and mysterious depth.
Locked in a silent exchange, Mia placed the document into his hands, saying, “For Grandma’s sake, please sign it. If you don’t, she won’t consent to the surgery.”
Laura let out a disdainful snort. “Exactly. If you refuse to sign it, I won’t proceed with the surgery. Even if you manage to get me into the operating room, I’ll find a way out.”
Mia stood alone, aware of Sharon’s piercing gaze. If looks could kill, she would have been dead by now.
Ultimately. Timothy conceded, taking the document and affixing his signature to it.
Observing Timothy’s authoritative signature, Mia handed the document to Laura. “Grandma, Tim has signed it. Is everything resolved now?”
Satisfied, Laura took the document and placed it in front of Mia, declaring, “Now you sign it too.”
“Grandma, you only requested Timothy’s signature a moment ago. I never agreed to sign it,” Mia replied.
Her words left everyone present in disbelief. They didn’t expect Mia to make such a statement.
Timothy narrowed his eyes, curious about Mia’s intentions.
Having persuaded him to sign the document just moments ago, Mia’s sudden refusal left Timothy puzzled.
Taken aback, Laura questioned, “Mia, why are you reluctant to sign it?”
After all, Laura had fought so hard for Mia’s rights. Why then was Mia being so stubborn?
Mia tenderly clasped Laura’s hand and expressed, “Grandma, with Tim having already signed the document, the paperwork is technically finalized.
“I’d prefer to sign the document with you present after your surgery is completed. Would that be alright?”
Laura was momentarily stunned, realizing that Mia’s decision to postpone her signature was
Laura’s eyes welled up with tears as she asked, “Why are you being so foolish?””
“Well, they say foolish folks have their share of luck. The baby and I will eagerly await your return from the operating room.”
Mia recognized that everything Laura did was with her best interests in mind, and it seemed like Laura was meticulously preparing her will.
Despite this, Mia held onto the hope that Laura would safely recover from the operation.
Timothy looked at Mia in surprise, his emotions suddenly becoming complicated. He hadn’t anticipated that Mia’s recent decision was driven by a genuine concern for Laura.
Shortly afterward, the medical team arrived on the scene.
Wearing a white coat, Connor entered the room and observed that the entire Barrett family was gathered. His attention was drawn to Mia. Indeed, he had anticipated her presence today.
Adhering to the customary protocol, Connor initiated the routine examination for Laura, and the process proceeded seamlessly:
He instructed, “Escort Mrs. Barrett Senior to the operating room for the surgical procedure.”
Mia turned her gaze toward Laura and offered reassurance, “Grandma, remember that all of us are eagerly anticipating your return.”
Laura sighed softly, choosing not to broach the subject of the document again.
She lay obediently on the hospital bed, surrounded by doctors and nurses, and was gently wheeled out.
Connor shot a cold glance at the Barretts. If it weren’t for Mia, he wouldn’t have agreed to perform this surgery.
Sharon smiled and addressed Connor, “Dr. Lane, we’re counting on you for Mrs. Barrett Senior’s surgery later. After all, we’re practically becoming one big family. There’s no need for formalities.” Connor replied curtly, “I’m sorry, but I don’t consider myself a part of the Barrett family.”
Witnessing Connor confront Sharon, Mia couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
Sharon’s expression tightened. She hadn’t anticipated Connor being so straightforward,
Could it be that Connor harbored lingering resentment because Timothy called off Maya’s engagement the last time?
What might unfold next? Would the Lane family consent to Maya marrying into the Barrett family?
Shooting a cold glance at Timothy, Connor redirected his gaze toward Mia and informed, “The surgery today is expected to be prolonged.
“I recommend that family members wait outside until we finalize suitable arrangements. You can take turns being with Mrs. Barrett Senior.”
Mia understood that Connor had spoken those words with her well¨Cbeing in mind, advising her to look after herself.
Mia had foreseen the prolonged duration of today’s surgery. Having secured permission from her university, she was determined to remain at the hospital for the entire day.
Connor exited the hospital room soon after.
The Barretts also emerged and, likewise, left the elevator, making their way toward the operating room.
Since patients were instructed to utilize the exclusive elevator, this was the route they had to take.
Surprisingly, they came across Maya waiting at the elevator entrance
Upon spotting Maya, Sharon displayed a hint of surprise. “Ms. Lane, I didn’t expect to see you at the hospital today.”
“Given that Mrs. Barrett Senior is undergoing surgery today, I believed it was important to pay her a visit.