Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Feeling a bit uneasy, Mja obediently set down the bowl and asked, “Sure, what do you want to discuss?”
Dominic spoke up. “Eva and I have been thinking about this for a while. Would you consider coming back to Nord City and living with us?”
Eva, seated beside Mia, looked at her and Patricia reassuringly. “Don’t worry, if you choose to return with us to Nord City, the entire family will move together.
“We’ll make arrangements for James to be transferred to another hospital. Once in Nord City. everyone will be well taken care of.”
Upon hearing this, Mia instinctively glanced at Patricia, who appeared indifferent.
Given that Mia was carrying Timothy’s child, she did contemplate returning to Nord City for childbirth due to safety concerns.
However, Patricia had spent her entire life in Bern City, and asking her to uproot herself completely might not be an easy decision.
Patricia hesitated for a moment and said, “I need some time to think about this.”
Mia tenderly held Patricia’s hand. “Don’t let my influence sway your decision. I’ll be by your side.
no matter where you are.
“As we agreed before, I’ll take care of you and Uncle James in your old age. That promise remains steadfast.
Following the tragic incident with James and Patricia’s only child, Mia became the last remaining member of their family.
Recognizing that Patricia had raised her as her own and sacrificed everything for her, Mia knew
Patricia wouldn’t stand in her way if she chose to return to Nord City.
However, Mia had no intention of leaving Patricia behind.
Dominic interjected. “There’s no need to rush into a decision. We have ample time to work things out.
“Mia, after what happened with your adoptive parents, Eva and I feel a sense of guilt for not
Mia shook her head, stating firmly. “This isn’t your fault. I’m certain that, after this incident, Bob and Mary won’t dare to cause trouble again.”
Dominic nodded, his gaze steely. “You’re right. They won’t be able to bother you in the future.”
This time, Mia’s adoptive family was destined to face severe consequences. They would likely spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
Shortly afterward, the rest of Mia’s brothers all arrived at the house. Seeing that she was safe, they finally felt a sense of relief.
As Mia yawned, everyone began to disperse.
Dominic led his brothers out of the house, his expression stern as he turned to Jason. “We need to handle Mia’s relationship with her adoptive parents more effectively this time.”
“Don’t worry, Dominic. I’ve already dispatched someone to reach out to them. If they want to safeguard their son, Ted, they’ll have to agree to the adoption termination terms.”
Initially, the Lane brothers hadn’t given much thought to Bob and Mary, concentrating solely on building their relationship with Mia.
However, they were taken aback by the audacity of Bob and Mary’s actions. This time, they were. determined to address the issue at its core.
Retreating to her room, Mia lay down to rest, reflecting on the harrowing experience of her kidnapping. It all felt like a dream.
Shutting her eyes, Mia found herself in yet another dream¨CTimothy descended gracefully from a helicopter, clad in camouflage attire.
He stood assertively beside a van, extending his hand toward her in silence.
As she glimpsed his outstretched hand, her heart raced.
The following day, Mia awoke, the dream from the night before lingering in her thoughts. She swiftly splashed her face with cold water, determined not to be influenced by Timothy’s acts of kindness.
After all, Mia and Timothy hailed from entirely different worlds.
Mia needed to keep a tight rein on her emotions, particularly since she intended to keep Timothy’s child a secret from him.
If he were to uncover the truth, he might insist on her getting an abortion, as he had previously expressed his unwillingness to have children.
Contemplating this, Mia fully awakened. She gently placed her hand on her lower abdomen.
Despite the circumstances, Mia remained steadfast in safeguarding her baby and ensuring a safe delivery.
After freshening up and changing into a new set of clothes, Mia received a call from Connor. “Mia, it’s time for your prenatal check¨Cup at the hospital. Make sure to come in when you can.”
“Alright, I understand. I have classes today, but I’ll find time to drop by later.”
Checking her schedule, Mia realized that her upcoming days were densely packed with classes.
With textbooks in hand, she headed off to college. Although only a weekend had passed, it felt like an eternity.
Fortunately, everything had settled down without major issues.
Mia made her way to the lecture room for her class. Soon after, Riley approached, announcing,”
Students, there’s a mandatory event this afternoon.
“Vista Properties is establishing a foundation to sponsor inspirational scholarships at Halvard
University.
“In the future, students demonstrating academic excellence may qualify for scholarships offered by Vista Properties. Let’s all put in the effort and strive for success!”
Vista Properties?
Mia couldn’t help but reminisce about the redevelopment of her old neighborhood¨Ca project intricately tied to Vista Properties. Why did it seem that this corporation kept showing up in her life?
However, it was Maya’s brother who owned the company.
The last time, Maya went to the extent of threatening Mia regarding the redevelopment of her old neighborhood.
Nonetheless, Mia was not one to easily succumb to intimidation.
Riley intercepted Mia’s thoughts, saying, “Mia, Vista Properties is assembling a project team, and given your exceptional abilities, our class is considering recommending you to join the team alongside a member of the academic affairs committee.
“Students from various universities will also be part of the project. It’s an opportunity for Halvard University to shine..
“Additionally, you could leverage the position to encourage Vista Properties to increase investment in our college, providing more equipment and creating additional employment opportunities.”
Mia hesitated before responding. “Ms. Matterson, can I take some time to think about it?”
Though she might have entertained the idea of another company, Mia felt a sense of unease when it involved Vista Properties.
She preferred to steer clear of any association with Maya.
Despite Vista Properties’s reputation for fairness, Mia couldn’t forget Maya’s behind¨Cthe¨Cscenes manipulation during the last Fleur International Design Competition in which she participated.
Although the outcome had been favorable, Mia didn’t want to invest her time in unnecessary complications.
“Mia, this is an exceptional opportunity.
“Considering your previous success as the first¨Cplace winner in the Fleur International Design
Competition, opting out of this project team might reflect poorly on Harvard University.
“Could you please share any concerns or reservations you may have? If there are challenges, the college is prepared to assist in resolving them.”
Mia grappled with a sense of exasperation, struggling to find the right words to articulate her reasons.
It wasn’t that she feared Maya. But rather, she found the situation simply bothersome.
Taking a deep breath, Mia eventually conceded, “Alright, I agree to be a part of this project team.”
She decided to confront the challenge head¨Con.
After lunch, Gina, who had no afternoon classes, joined Mia in attending the ceremony for the establishment of the scholarship foundation by Vista Properties.
As Mia and Gina stepped into the venue, Mia immediately smelled a pungent fragrance. She didn’t need to guess to know its source.
Aside from Shelly, no one else would embrace such a potent scent.
She turned around, confirming her suspicion as she saw Shelly, accompanied by Maya.
Gina immediately frowned. “Mia, isn’t this the bothersome woman we ran into at the mall last time?”
Mia nodded, realizing that fate had its own plans.
Unexpectedly, Mia found herself face¨Cto¨Cface with Maya sooner than she had anticipated.
The tension between them was unmistakable.
With an air of triumph, Shelly interjected, “Mia, today’s event is organized by Vista Properties. Maya’s family conglomerate. She is in charge and will be delivering a speech later on.”
Maya also took on a condescending posture. She had yet to retaliate for the slap Mia gave her during their last encounter.
Mia raised an eyebrow and retorted with an icy tone, simply saying, “Okay.”