Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“How was your sleep last night?” Connor inquired.
“Fine,” Mia responded.
“It might be wise for you to find another place to stay for now. With Edna and Karen around, I’m concerned about your well¨Cbeing, especially considering your pregnancy.
“If anything were to happen to you, I wouldn’t know how to face Dominic,” Connor added earnestly.
Mia foll silent for a moment. “I understand. I’ll have a conversation with Aunt Patricia about finding another place to stay. Plus, once my exams are finished, I’ll be able to leave.”
“Mia, when do you intend to tell Dominic about your pregnancy?” Connor asked.
Mia hesitated for a moment before replying. “What do you think?”
Connor’s expression grew uneasy. “Maybe it’s best to hold off until we’re back in Nord City to bring it up.
You know how Dominic reacted last time when I kept Timothy’s relationship with you a secret,” Connor suggested.
“Thank you, Connor, for everything you’ve done for me. I honestly don’t think I’d have made it this far without your support,” Mia expressed her gratitude.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re my sister. I’ve got your back,” Connor reassured Mia.
As Mia sat in Connor’s car on the way to campus, she suddenly remembered something. “By the way.
what are you planning to do about Maya?”
“That crazy woman? We’ll just hand her over to the police. The Barretts will also have to take responsibility. This will be a legal nightmare for Maya.”
Mia acknowledged with a nod, yet she couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling brought on by the sudden shift in her newfound identity.
“Mia, please don’t sympathize with Maya. She’s lived a comfortable life as the Lane family heiress all these years, which was far more than she deserves.
“Despite this, she remains unsatisfied. She even attempted to conceal your identity and have Dana take your place,” Connor explained further.
“She wanted Dana to replace me?” Mia exclaimed in disbelief.
“That’s correct” Connor affirmed. “Yesterday, during our interrogation of Maya’s secretary, he confessed everything. It turns out the piano piece you performed was taught to you by the orphanage director.
“At that time, you were the only one who knew how to play it. So, Maya used that piece to track you down, but Dana stole it from you.”
“Oh, I recall now. I did teach Dana how to play that piano plece during that time. I didn’t anticipate it would lead to this.” Mia confessed.
Indeed, the frailty of human hearts became apparent when confronted with temptation.
As Mia entered the university, a heavy weight settled in her chest. She struggled to comprehend why
Dana would want to replace her.
Sitting in the study hall, Mia couldn’t help but notice the numerous glances directed her way, which left her feeling unsettled.
It appeared that news of yesterday’s Incident in the university hall had circulated, and now her identity was widely known.
Mia felt uneasy under the scrutiny.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated with a message: “Come downstairs!”
It was from Timothy.
Mia headed to the corridor and glimpsed at a car parked below. It seemed Timothy had indeed arrived.
“Either you come down, or I’ll come up.”
Mia couldn’t help but frown, pondering Timothy’s intentions.
Having already drawn considerable attention at the university, Mia was wary of inviting more scrutiny.
Certainly, given her current position as the Lane family heiress, Timothy wouldn’t risk acting against her.
Moreover, Mia now had the support of her six brothers.
With these considerations, Mia grabbed her bag and descended the stairs, swiftly slipping into the car to avoid being noticed by others.
Timothy cast a glance at her. “Do all pregnant women dash about like you do?”
Mia’s unease became evident. “What’s on your mind? Just say it outright. I’m rather busy, you know.”
“Start driving.”
As the car began to move, Mia’s apprehension grew. “Timothy, where are you taking me?”
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to harm you.”
*I’m warning you, if you try anything with me, my brothers won’t let you get away with it!”
Mia had never felt so empowered by her six brothers¡® support, sensing she held the upper hand. Straightening her posture, she locked eyes with Timothy, her gaze wide and determined.
Observing Mia’s smug demeanor, Timothy couldn’t resist poking her dimple, finding it rather annoying.
“What are you doing?” Mia quickly moved aside. “Where are you dragging me off to? I still have exams to prepare for, you know.”
“Even with your newfound status as the Lane family heiress, are you still worried about a simple exam?”
Timothy remarked sarcastically.
“Hmph! No matter my family background, I am still the same person. My aspirations remain unchanged,”
Mia declared.
Timothy regarded Mia earnestly, his eyes clear and steadfast. He couldn’t deny that Mia possessed qualities he both admired and lacked.
Appearing somewhat flustered. Timothy averted his gaze. “I’m planning to take you out for a meal,” he stated.
“I’m not interested,” Mia replied firmly, refusing his offer outright.
“What kind of food are you craving, or is there a specific activity you’d like to try?” Timothy inquired.
Mia gazed at him incredulously. “Mr. Barrett, are you suddenly showing such interest because you’re aware I’m the heiress to the Lane family? Do you regret divorcing me and wish to reconcile?”
Timothy furrowed his brow. “Is that what you assume?”
Nevertheless, hadn’t he persistently tried to mend their relationship? After all, it was Mia who insisted on divorcing and leaving the Barrett family!
Mia scoffed coldly. “Mr. Barrett, are you familiar with the expression?”
“What expression?”
“An ideal ex¨Chusband should be as good as dead!”
As soon as she finished speaking, Rodger in front slammed on the brakes, barely containing his laughter.
Timothy’s expression immediately grew grim. Lowering the car window to welcome the cool breeze, he spoke firmly. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Stop the car, I want to get out!” Mia exclaimed. She had no desire to remain in Timothy’s presence any longer, but Rodger didn’t comply.
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Taking out her phone, Mia asserted, “You won’t stop the car? Then I’ll need to call my brothers backup. I’ll let them know you’re kidnapping and extorting a young, attractive woman!”
Timothy paused, his gaze shifting downward to Mia. “Grandma is being released from the hospital. She’s eager to see you.
“Grandma Laura?” Mia asked.
“With your identity exposed in the university hall yesterday, do you think my mom and Shelly won’t inform Grandma once they return home?” Timothy elaborated.
Mia finally grasped the situation. “Why didn’t you tell me about visiting Grandma Laura sooner? How can I go see her empty¨Chanded?”
“There’s no need for that.” Timothy reassured her.
“No, I insist on bringing something. If you won’t allow it, I’ll jump out of the car!”
Their gazes met briefly, and Timothy eventually gave in.
Soon, the car pulled up at a shopping mall.
Mia stepped out of the vehicle and proceeded toward the mall. With a grasp of Laura’s preferences, she made a beeline for the store.
With her newfound wealth, Mia decided to indulge a bit.
She selected a few silk scarves that she thought would suit Laura’s complexion perfectly.
As Mia approached the checkout counter, someone behind her handed over a card and said, “Put it on mine.”
Mia grabbed the card and turned to see Timothy standing there. “What’s this for?”
“I’m not the type to let women pay.” Timothy replied.