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“All the money he’s spent over the years was managed by my mother. Does he really think being the top elite family is that easy?”
Considering all the support her mother had given her father and seeing her health decline while his career took off, Jasmine assumed her father would treat her mother better.
However, she was shocked when her father went to such extremes for what he considered essential-a male heir. Didn’t he understand how devastating her mother would be if he brought Asher home?
Mia had already investigated Raymond’s rise to success and discovered that he owed much of it to his wife. For a moment, Mia was speechless.
Half an hour later, Jasmine finally calmed down. She looked at Mia earnestly and said, “I need your help with something.”
Chapter 1012
“What is it?” Mia asked.
“Well, I’ve always liked Nathan. When I returned to the country, my dad tried to set us up, but Nathan didn’t seem keen on the idea. So, I was wondering if you could help me out.” Jasmine’s request caught Mia off guard.
After a pause, Mia responded, “I’m sorry. I can assist with other matters, but not this one.”
Jasmine smiled bitterly. “I understand if it’s too much to ask. Given my family’s circumstances, I realize I might not meet Nathan’s standards.”
“It’s not about your family background. My brothers have never judged anyone based on that. They just have different standards when it comes to relationships.
“They might not be as easygoing as you assume. Despite being good brothers, they might not necessarily make good partners.”
Jasmine shook her head. “You’re underestimating your brothers. With the exception of a few, they’re all virtuous. The majority of them are truly remarkable.”
Mia knew she was referring to Liam and Jason. She added, “Plus, I’d rather not involve Dominic in Nathan’s major life decisions. I can help you with anything else, but not this.”
“Okay, I get it. But could you do me a favor and set up a meeting with Nathan? I’d like to talk to him in person. If he’s willing to help…”
Mia hesitated. She knew Nathan well and understood he wouldn’t agree to meet just anyone.
Jasmine added, “I promise to deal with Luna for you and fully support you. If the Shelberts back out of this mess in the future, I’ll stand with you.”
Upon hearing that, Mia promptly agreed, “Okay, I’ll help you set up a meeting with Nathan, but I can’t promise anything.”
When Jasmine first asked for Mia’s help, she hesitated. She didn’t want to put Nathan in an uncomfortable position by agreeing to an engagement with Jasmine. Mia wouldn’t risk his happiness like that.
However, arranging a simple dinner where Jasmine could talk to Nathan directly seemed feasible to Mia. After all, getting the Shelbert family’s unconditional support for the Lane family in exchange for a casual dinner date was a good deal.
Since Raymond wanted Luna on his side, Mia knew she had to win over Jasmine.
Jasmine breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I’ll remember your help today, no matter what happens.”
Throughout this period, she reached out to her friends and relatives. She discovered that they were all loyal to her father and unwilling to listen to her.
It dawned on her that since her mother’s retirement, her social circle had shifted to align with her father’s interests. This realization left her with a profound sense of isolation and helplessness.
After chatting for a while, Mia checked the time. “It’s getting late. How about we grab dinner?”
They went to the nearest restaurant, but as Mia reached the door, she bumped into Sharon.
The next moment, Sharon stormed up to her. “Mia, we need to talk.”
Chapter 1013
Mia was surprised to see Sharon. After all, the last time they had met was at Jasmine’s charity dinner, and they hadn’t kept in touch since.
Mia hadn’t paid any attention to what had happened with Ralph and that family since it didn’t concern her. But she didn’t expect Sharon to storm toward her.
Jasmine felt awkward when she saw Sharon. She knew Sharon was Mia’s former mother-in-law and that she had invited Sharon to the charity dinner in Nord City, as her father had suggested. Raymond wanted to build rapport with the Barrett family. However, Jasmine didn’t know about her father’s connection with Luna or his plan to use Asher to win over the Barretts at that time.
If she had known, she wouldn’t have gone along with it so easily and wouldn’t have let the Barretts come near Mia to cause trouble.
Mia looked at Sharon and said, “I don’t think there’s anything left to discuss. We settled everything a long time ago, right?” Seeing that Sharon hadn’t left Nord City and appeared poised for confrontation, Mia had already surmised the topic of conversation. Sharon took a deep breath and glanced at Jasmine. She said softly, “Ms. Shelbert, could you give us a moment alone?” Jasmine nodded and looked at Mia. “I’ll go in and order first.”
Mia turned to Sharon and asked, “What do you want to talk about? I don’t have much time.” She wasn’t interested in talking to Sharon.
Sharon’s expression flickered with a mix of emotions. Then, she pleaded, “Could you help me, Mia? Ralph had been detained and couldn’t be bailed out. As one of the top elite families in Nord City, could you use your influence to get him out?”
Mia wasn’t surprised by her request. She had guessed Sharon wanted to talk about Ralph, but she couldn’t tell if Sharon was feigning ignorance or genuinely clueless. How could she have the audacity to ask for such a favor?
n
So, Mia responded indifferently, “I won’t help you with this. Your brother conspired with the Bowl net famity to spread lies about us Why would I help an enemy?” S
“Mia, my brother was misled, too. He didn’t know about their bad reputation in Nord City.”
“Do you know what you’re talking about? Or do you think I’m gullible enough to be swayed by a few words?”
Mia took a few steps forward, then glanced back at Sharon.
“Remember, I’ve given you a week. If you’re stin Nord City by then, the police will escort you back. Think about whether you’ll have the courage to face everyone in Bern City after that.”
“Mia, how can you be so cruel? Do you really want to see me dead?”
“Yes, if that’s what it takes for you to face reality. I’m not a saint or a good person. I gave you a chance, and if you don’t take it, that’s on you.”
Mia was ready to leave. She didn’t want to talk to Sharon anymore.
“Mia, are you trying to push me over the edge? If you’re upset, take it out on me, not my family.”
“Hey, what’s all the commotion about? I didn’t expect to walk in on a spectacle while grabbing a bite.”
Luna, dressed in designer clothes and carrying a branded bag, sauntered over. She looked at Sharon and Mia smugly.
Chapter 1014
At that moment, Mia and Sharon finally saw that Luna was no longer the broke girl they once knew.
Mia turned and spotted Luna. She couldn’t believe how small the world was. After all, she had just randomly picked a restaurant for dinner and ran into her here. Suddenly, she lost her appetite.
When Sharon saw Luna, her expression changed drastically. She snarled, “How dare you show your face here! Shouldn’t you be rotting in jail?”
Luna shot back with a hint of contempt, “Why are you even allowed out of Bern City? If you can be here, why can’t I?”
She scoffed at the thought that anyone still saw her as the same old, helpless Luna.
Sharon sneered. “Luna, I’m not blind to how you’ve risen through the ranks by attaching yourself to an older man. Your shady past isn’t something you can sweep under the rug, no matter how hard you try.
“And let’s not pretend I’ve forgotten your attempt to marry my son by claiming that child was his. The only reason you were ever accepted into our family was because I believed Asher was my grandson. Now that it’s clear he is not related to my son, how can you still be so shameless?”
Sharon had been trying to find out who was behind Luna’s move to Nord City. It gnawed at her that Luna was living freely and extravagantly while she had to keep a low profile and could only stay for a week. Sharon still harbored resentment over Luna’s cunning schemes in deceiving her with Asher, which nearly caused Ginger’s death.
Luna casually touched her limited-edition designer bag and said, “Who said Asher isn’t related to your family?”
Sharon retorted, “Keep making up stories if you want, but Tim has already admitted that Asher isn’t his child. So, what connection could he possibly have with us?”
Seeing Luna’s haughty attitude, she off jeered, “First, you tried to pass your son as a Barrett, but when that plan flopped, you dug up his real father to assist in your relocation to Nord City. Am I right?”
Luna laughed and said, “It looks like Timothy hasn’t told you the truth yet. It’s pathetic how you’re still being kept in the dark.
“Mia, I’m sure you’re aware of the relationship between Asher and the Barrett family, right?” Luna asked.
Mia hesitated and stayed silent.
Sharon turned to her and asked, “What is Asher’s relationship to the Barrett family?”
Mia responded, “That’s a question for Timothy, not me.”
Sharon looked at Luna again and demanded, “What is your son’s relationship with us?”
Luna smoothed out her clothes. “I meant to tell you sooner. But honestly, seeing how completely clueless and helpless you are right now, I think I’ll hold off on sharing for a little while longer.”
Sharon was furious and lunged at Luna, who swiftly pushed her to the ground.
Luna shot Sharon a smug glance. “You think you can still boss me around? I’m not the same person you used to pick on. You old hag, this is Nord City, not Bern City. Things work differently here.”
Chapter 1015
When Mia saw Sharon being pushed to the ground, she was stunned. She never expected Luna and Sharon to get physical.
Sharon, accustomed to a life of privilege and entitlement, had never been treated like this before, especially by Luna, whom she had always looked down on.
Sharon fumed as she spat, “How dare you hit me! Do you know who my son is?”
“I know who your son is. But even if he were here, I’d still defend myself. You started it, so this is just self-defense. What, should I just stand here and let you hit me? Dream on, you old hag.”
Sharon countered, “How dare you call me an old hag? When you were trying to worm your way into the Barrett family, you groveled for years.
“Now, you’ve shown your true colors. I knew you were just after our money. I’ll expose your true colors to Tim.”
“Go ahead. I don’t have to rely on your family anymore. Report me to whoever you want. Honestly, an old hag like you is lucky to have a son like Timothy. Otherwise, someone would’ve knocked you off ages ago.”
Luna’s biting remark left Sharon gasping for air. Sharon covered her chest as she struggled to find a retort.
