Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Maya off the hook.
In the days that followed, Mia dedicated herself to practicing the piano and designing the layout for the hall decorations.
Despite being constantly busy, she managed to slip away to the hospital during lunchtime to visit Laura.
She had made a promise to Laura to visit often, and she couldn’t afford to break that promise. Otherwise, Laura might become suspicious.
With a basket of fruits in hand, Mia entered the hospital room to find Laura awake. Mia smiled and approached her. “Grandma, you look much better today.”
Laura, no longer connected to a ventilator, spoke softly, “You look tired. Have you been busy lately?”
“There’s been a lot going on at college recently, but it’ll be over soon. I know how to take care of myself,” Mia reassured her.
“Remember, you’re taking care of two people now, so be sure to prioritize your health,” Laura reminded
Mia.
Upon hearing Laura’s advice, Mia nodded obediently. After spending some time chatting with Laura and eating lunch together, Mia left the hospital room.
However, as she reached the elevator outside, a woman emerged from the adjacent emergency exit¨Cit was Maya.
She sneered, “Mia, you’ve only managed to establish yourself in the Barrett family by deceiving Mrs. Barrett Senior, haven’t you? I didn’t know you were so skilled at sweet¨Ctalking her.”
Maya continued with her mockery. “Why don’t you consider working for those health supplement companies? You’d definitely be their top salesperson.”
Mia remained composed. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you. It’s not a good look.”
“Mia, your moment of glory won’t last. After all, that old hag won’t be around much longer. Let’s see who stands by you then. You can’t stay in the Barrett family forever,” Maya shot back.
Mia raised an eyebrow. “Even if you were to strip naked in front of Timothy, he still wouldn’t marry you. He even called off your engagement. Don’t you think you’re being absurd?”
Maya’s expression soured. “Mia, I’m a wealthy heiress. You can’t possibly compare yourself to me.”
Mia replied nonchalantly, “You’re right, I can’t match your shamelessness.”
With that, Mia entered the elevator and left.
Frustrated, Maya stomped her foot. She had intended to visit Laura in the hospital, but the security guards intercepted her, preventing her from getting close.
On the other hand, Mia was able to effortlessly enter the hospital room.
Maya couldn’t help but boil with frustration.
Nonetheless, she found solace in the anticipation of Mia’s upcoming embarrassment at the college’s music show.
Maya couldn’t wait to watch Mia stumble awkwardly through playing the piano on stage.
After leaving the hospital, Mia hailed a taxi and headed back to campus.
As Mia was on her way, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Jason.
“Mia, there have been some significant developments in Felix’s case. The fraud charges against him have been substantiated.
“It looks like he’ll be facing several years behind bars. As for Janice, who pushed you, she’s been sentenced to a year in jail as well.”
Upon hearing this, Mia pursed her lips slightly. “I understand. But what about the case where Felix had his leg broken?”
Mia’s curiosity intensified as she pondered how Timothy had navigated the ordeal.
Jason hesitated for a moment before replying. “There wasn’t enough evidence for that matter, so it didn’t proceed. Timothy isn’t implicated.”
“I see.” Mia replied, knowing full well that Timothy wouldn’t face any repercussions.
“Jason, I appreciate your assistance. I’ll treat you to coffee later as a token of my gratitude. But for now, I need to rest for a while before my afternoon lectures,” Mia said as she stifled a yawn.
“Sure thing. Mia. Take care and don’t overwork yourself,” Jason replied.
After ending the call, Jason reviewed the investigation results before him, which showed the following headline: “Mia Bowen is married to Timothy Barrett.”
This news was difficult for Jason to digest, and he spent the entire morning trying to process it.
It suddenly made sense to him why the relationship between Mia and Timothy had always seemed peculiar.
It also explained why Timothy had promptly mobilized resources to locate Mia when she was abducted by Bob and Mary.
Furthermore, it shed light on why Mia had been evasive when he asked about her relationship with Timothy outside the police station last time.
Jason straightened his tie before dialing Connor’s number. “Are you busy? I need to ask you something.
“I’m available at the moment. What is it? If it doesn’t concern Mia, can we discuss it after I’m done with work tonight?” Connor replied.
“It’s about Mia. What’s her connection with Timothy? Jason inquired.
Upon hearing this, Connor said bluntly. “You’ve discovered it, haven’t you?”
It made sense. Considering Jason’s profession as a lawyer, it was likely that he would have discovered Mia’s relationship with Timothy sooner or later..
Jason frowned. “So, you knew about this. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I stumbled upon it accidentally, and Mia pleaded with me to keep it confidential. How could I refuse her?
“Connor clarified.
Jason let out a weary sigh. “She must have endured some sort of injustice within the Barrett family to have ended up seeking a divorce.”
“You think I’m oblivious to this? Mia is undeniably determined; she has her own plans. We’ve only recently started fostering a stronger connection with her as her older brothers.
“If we intervene too assertively, it could trigger her rebellious tendencies,” Connor replied.
Jason’s expression turned stern. “What did Mia receive in the divorce settlement? Money, stocks. properties¨Cwhat are her assets?”
Connor found himself somewhat perplexed. “I can’t say for certain, but considering Mia’s financial standing and her character, she likely didn’t request much.”
As an exceptional lawyer with a flawless reputation, Jason couldn’t bear the thought of Mia going through a divorce and walking away with nothing!
He was determined not to let Timothy escape the consequences of divorcing her.
Connor furrowed his brows upon hearing Jason’s words. “You should talk to Mia about this before jumping to any conclusions. What if Mia isn’t on board with your plans?”
“I’m capable of handling this situation myself; Mia doesn’t need to concern herself with it.
“After everything she’s been through, being alone and mistreated by the Barrett family, I refuse to stand by and do nothing. I can’t let her accept that fate,” Jason asserted firmly.
If Mia were to walk away from the marriage with nothing, then what was the purpose of Jason being at lawyer?
“What I’m trying to say is, our family is financially secure, and Mia will soon be returning to live with us in Nord City. There’s no need to create unnecessary complications.
“Besides, Mia has made it clear she wants to distance herself from the Barrett family,” Connor reasoned.
“This isn’t about getting caught up in anything; it’s about advocating for what Mia rightfully deserves.
“Otherwise, Timothy might assume that he can treat Mia however he pleases. Allow me to handle this matter; I’ll discuss it with Mia.” Jason insisted.
As the leading lawyer in Nord City, Jason believed that if Mia were to go through a divorce and end up with nothing, unable to secure what rightfully belonged to her, then his position was essentially meaningless.
Previously, Mia had no one to depend on, but now she had support.
Why should she endure such mistreatment?
As Mia sat through her afternoon lectures on campus, she was struck by an unsettling feeling, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint the cause.
Later on, she forwarded the design drafts to the university officials via email.
Given Anthony’s demanding attitude and the added complication of dealing with Maya, the task at hand was far from simple.
Mia wasn’t confident her design plans would be approved; she had a sense that they might be sent back for further revisions.
Upon receiving the design drafts, Anthony promptly forwarded them to Claude along with the message: Mr. Lane, what are your thoughts on this design plan?”
Claude briefly glanced at the designs and responded sharply: “Why are you showing me this? Are you out of your mind? Who is responsible for this design?”
“Mr. Lane, didn’t you specifically request the university officials to send the design plans to you for your evaluation?” Claude questioned.
He added, “I concur with your assessment. I also find this design rather immature and believe it will impede our team’s progress. That’s exactly why I suggested replacing Mia in the first place.”
Wait a minute!
Claude immediately sat up straight and swiftly dialed Anthony’s number. “Wait, are you saying these design plans are from the university?”
“Yeah, they’re from a student named Mia Bowen,” Anthony confirmed.
To Claude’s astonishment, it turned out that Mia was the one behind the drafts!
He hastily interrupted, clearing his throat. “You know what, upon closer inspection, I realize I might have missed its merits earlier.