Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Claude. “I’ll call once I’m done.”
Claude could tell that she was trying to alleviate the tension in the air. He didn’t wish to make a scene here either.
There were so many eyes watching on campus. Causing trouble for Mia was definitely the last thing on his mind.
After Mia left, Claude glared at Timothy. “I’ve warned you, stay away from Mia or don’t blame me for not showing mercy!”
Timothy rolled up his sleeves. His gentle facade failed to mask the dangerous intent in his eyes.” That’s my line. This will be my last time saying this¨CMia’s my wife.
“I hope your family can stay away from her or don’t blame me for not showing mercy!”
Timothy left right away.
Claude was infuriated. This was the first for him to encounter that level of arrogance. If it weren’t for Mia, he would’ve dealt with him on his own.
Maya’s heart skipped a beat when she heard Timothy. Nonetheless, it was crucial to discover Mia’s identity and to know whether the Lane family was aware of her identity.
Dashing after Claude, she groveled, “Mr. Lane, you’re seemingly close with Mia. In fact, she’s quite close with Connor as well.”
Claude halted his steps. Dropping his gaze, he asked, “What are you implying?”
“N¨CNothing, I’m just curious. Don’t you all reside in Nord City? When did you get close to Mia? How did you guys meet?”
It dawned on Claude that Maya began to suspect something. He recalled the prelude of the piano piece earlier, which was also the tune Mia learned back at the orphanage when she was young.
Since Maya was from the same orphanage, he wouldn’t be surprised if the piece sounded familiar to her. But did she begin to doubt her identity?
Nonetheless, Claude had always thought it was strange for Dominic to bring Maya back from the orphanage instead of Mia.
He never managed to locate any evidence, so his chance to probe into this appeared before him now.
Raising his brows, he retorted, “This has nothing to do with you, isn’t it?”
Maya forced a smile. “Actually, I noticed that Mia was very close with Connor, and there seemed to be something going in between them. However, it seems like he’d been dating a singer lately.
“To put it simply, I don’t think Mia’s the right match for Connor. She’s divorced, and her status is far below Connor’s. I figured I should’ve talked her out of this and get her to stop being delusional.”
Claude sneered, “You’re one to talk about status, Maya. Have you forgotten that you were an orphan, and you’re adopted into the Lane family?
“It’s not like you have a high status either. Did you have an identity crisis because you’re too used to faking one?”
Maya’s expression changed drastically. She had been leading a smooth life over these years, and she was gladly convinced that she was the real daughter of the Lane family.
Now that the real daughter of the Lane family had shown up, she couldn’t tolerate it. It was even more unacceptable for her when she realized Mia, the woman she resented most, was actually the real daughter of the Lane family.
Claude spotted the shift in her expression. She must’ve suspected something from the piece earlier, resulting in her probing into his relationship with Mia.
Nevertheless, Maya was quick to regain her composure. “You’ve misunderstood. I’m just asking out of curiosity. Why are you overreacting like I’ve done something to Mia? But does Connor know you’re very close with her?”
He snorted, “Why should I tell Connor about the woman I’m close with? Plus, isn’t Connor dating a singer lately?”
Claude tried to confuse Maya. He wanted to investigate how the misunderstanding took place. If it weren’t for Mia losing her memory due to her sickness, Maya would’ve been exposed long ago.
As Maya watched Claude leave, she struggled to remain calm. Her mind was swirling with the memory of Mia playing the piece earlier.
She had never been that flustered. Why did it have to be Mia of all people?
Fear flooded Maya’s mind. Since Mia changed a lot in her adulthood, she looked different from her childhood self.
Nonetheless, Maya could still recognize her eyes after some reminiscing. Her eyes still looked the same as they had been since she was a child.
Why didn’t she notice this earlier? If the realization dawned on her earlier, she’d seize the chance.
to get rid of Mia! She wouldn’t allow her to come in contact with the Lanes.
Maya would be in a tight corner if Mia was the real daughter of the Lane family.
However, she found it strange that no one in the Lane family suspected Mia’s identity. Connor and her other cousins had been in contact with her all this time. She felt suspicious.
Back when she was a child, she heard things regarding Mia’s family. She remembered Mia mentioning her huge house and rich parents.
Did Mia never bring this up to the Lanes?
The more Maya pondered on this issue, her anxiety grew. She wouldn’t be able to sleep well without demanding an explanation from Mia.
A girl came to Maya just then. With a servile expression, Hailee said, “Ms. Lane, thank you for recommending me to join the audition for the musicians.
“I met Mr. Jenkin earlier, and he liked my performance.”
Maya flashed a faint smile at her. “Congrats.”
“Oh yeah, Ms. Lane, I have good news for you. I found the person playing the nursery rhyme.”
Maya wasn’t surprised. She already knew who it was. She snapped. “You don’t have to state the obvious. She was literally performing on stage earlier. Didn’t you hear her?”
“Ms. Lane, you’re mistaken. Mia isn’t the one you’re looking for¨Cit’s someone else.”
Maya’s eyes widened in shock. “What? Is it someone else?”
A surge of joy filled her chest. She’d be delighted if it wasn’t Mia. Anyone other than Mia she could tolerate.
In a hushed tone, Hailee said, “Ms. Lane, I can bring you to her. The reason you haven’t been able to find her is because she isn’t from the Music School. She’s from the Literature Department.
“Her name’s Dana McQueen, and she’s an orphan. Her studies have been supported by scholarships and financial aid.”
“Where is she? Bring me to her now.”
Utterly bewildered, Maya felt an urgent need to identify who was the real daughter of the Lane family. She saw Dana once she came outside.
She was dressed plainly, sporting a pair of black¨Crimmed glasses. Given her homely appearance.
she seemed to have no issues with blending in the crowd.
Maya knew Dana wasn’t the real daughter of the Lane family at first glance. She was too ordinary, and she certainly didn’t look like a Lane.
In fact, Mia looked more convincing as the daughter of the Lane family. Nonetheless, Maya desperately wished that Dana belonged to the Lane family.
Decisively, Maya spun around and looked at Hailee. “Thanks for helping me to find my childhood friend. I need to talk to her in private now. I’ll treat you to a meal next time.”
“No worries! It’s my honor to be at your service, Ms. Lane. I’ll excuse myself now.”
Dana sneaked a glance at Maya after Hailee left. Based on her expensive clothes and Hailee’s servile attitude, she seemed like someone significant.
After all, it was rare for the usual arrogant Hailee to act in this manner.
Confused, Dana asked, “How can I help you?”
Maya took out her phone and played an audio clip. “Are you the one playing this piece in the music room?
“Yeah, I am.” Still feeling quite perplexed, she inquired, “Ms. Lane, you mentioned that you’re looking for your childhood friend?”
“That’s right. I visited that orphanage in the past, and a friend from the orphanage helped me out when I was lost.
“I haven’t lived in Bern City for years. I toiled my way here to find my childhood friend, but I couldn’t seem to find her given how drastically things have changed.
“The only clue is this piece¨Cshe’s the only one who knows how to play it.”
Dana immediately thought of Mia. She taught her this piece, after all. Though they came from the same orphanage, Mia was no longer around when Dana arrived since she was two years younger than Mia.
Nonetheless, Dana had always been fond of Mia. A smile spread across her face. “I know where she is.”
She was certain that Maya was looking for Mia. Fate must’ve favored Mia. She thought such stories were only fictional, yet it was now happening right before her eyes.
Maya interrupted her in haste once she saw her expression. She feigned a hint of sorrow in her tone as she spoke, “I really want to find that friend. I’m eager to know how she’s doing now. I will definitely help her out if she’s struggling.”
Dana’s envy for Mia intensified. However, Maya grabbed her hand the next instant. “I know it’s you. You must’ve resented me for not coming back to you after so many years. The distance was an issue.
“Moreover, my brothers didn’t allow me to return to Bern City because I almost got lost at the orphanage. Thus, I could only come for you now.
*Rest assured, you’re still my best friend. Tell me whatever you need, and I’ll help you out. I can even help you to publish your book or adapt the stories you wrote.”
Looking at Maya, Dana was tempted by her promises. Publishing her book? Adapting her stories?
Did that mean she would rise to fame quickly and become rich?
A hint of desire flickered in her eyes. As an orphan, people always pitied her. She had always wanted to prove herself. Once she succeeded, she would no longer need their sympathy,
It was up to her to decide when such a great opportunity was offered to her.
Dana hesitated. She was well aware that it was Mia who taught her the piece, and it would only be a matter of time for Maya to find out about the truth.
She probed warily. “But another girl played the piece in the hall as well. Why are you certain that it’s me instead of her?”
Maya’s lips twitched into a grin. Dana had finally got to this question, indicating that her interest was sparked.