Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Four years had passed, and Laura’s condition had deteriorated to the brink of death. Yet, to Luna’s dismay, Timothy had somehow obtained a stalk of reishi mushroom.
Timothy’s expression turned somber as he responded, “We still have to await the results of the treatment.”
Caleb explained, “Considering Mrs. Barrett Senior’s prolonged illness and weakened state, a single stalk of reishi mushroom can only offer limited relief.
“Finding another stalk would greatly improve her chances, but ultimately, there are no guarantees of her recovery. All we can do is await the results of the treatment and hope for the best.”
Upon hearing this, Luna discreetly exhaled a sigh of relief. It seemed the odds of Laura waking up were slim.
Finding a second stalk of reishi mushroom in such a short time was virtually impossible, especially considering the four years it took to locate the first one.
With this realization, Luna could finally ease her worries.
As long as Laura remained in her comatose state, the secrets of that fateful year would remain buried.
Meanwhile, Mia couldn’t help but ponder Caleb’s words.
It appeared that Timothy needed another stalk of reishi mushroom, and coincidentally, she had an extra one.
Even though Mia didn’t have any sick relatives, her memory loss persisted, and Sage’s delicate health remained a concern.
This compelled Mia and her brothers to keep collecting rare herbs, such as reishi mushrooms.
However, the reishi mushrooms wouldn’t directly help Sage’s condition.
Instead, Mia could use them to negotiate a deal with Timothy.
At that moment, Mia observed Timothy approaching, his gaze penetrating.
Confronted by his intense stare, Mia cleared her throat and remarked, “It seems like the reishi mushrooms arrived just in time.”
Timothy glanced at her and spoke in a deep voice, “The reishi mushrooms have been used up. Monalize, I owe you one. If there’s anything you need that I can do, just let me know.”
“Tim!” Luna suddenly interrupted, her tone tinged with panic. She couldn’t shake the worry that Monalize might make unreasonable demands, such as seeking to become heiress of the Barrett family.
With a smirk, Mia glanced at Luna and deliberately remarked, “Mr. Barrett, it seems someone has objections.”
Timothy’s expression darkened, his demeanor becoming stern. “We don’t need to pay attention to the opinions of irrelevant individuals.”
Upon hearing the word “irrelevant,” Luna’s eyes betrayed a mix of shock and embarrassment.
She nervously bit her lip, looking somewhat hurt as she spoke, “Tim, I’m just trying to look out for you. What if she makes unreasonable requests?” #
Mia couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Unreasonable requests? Ms. Maynard, what would you consider unreasonable? Asking Mr. Barrett to hand over all his wealth? Or perhaps requesting him to be my boyfriend?”
Her words landed heavily on Luna, hitting a nerve.
As Mia’s words trailed off, she sensed Timothy’s gaze intensifying. She deliberately turned to him and inquired, “Mr. Barrett, what are your thoughts?”
Timothy cleared his throat awkwardly. “Either option works for me.”
Upon hearing Timothy’s response, both Shelly and Luna were shocked.
Mia’s lips curved into a smirk. “Well then, I shall provide you with the reishi mushroom, but you must agree to date me.”
Timothy’s gaze grew complex as he responded with a deep voice, “Sure.”
Mia was genuinely taken aback by Timothy’s swift agreement. She hadn’t expected him to comply so readily, assuming he might decline or find another excuse.
Unable to contain her laughter, Mia turned to Shelly. “Looks like our relationship is progressing. Finally, I can share my bags and shoes with my sisters.”
Shelly’s eyes brightened, and she responded eagerly, “Yes, exactly! Monalize, we’re practically like family now.”
Nonetheless, Mia couldn’t help but sense a hint of resentment from someone else weighing heavily on her. As she turned around, she noticed Luna’s unfriendly gaze.
With a smirk, Mia remarked, “Ms. Maynard, what’s with the look? It’s as if I’ve stolen your man. If you and Mr. Barrett are an item, then I’ll gladly step aside!”
Timothy frowned and clarified, “Luna and I aren’t romantically involved.”
With an eye roll, Shelly swiftly clarified, “Exactly. Monalize, please don’t misunderstand. Luna is just a distant relative of our family, not Tim’s partner.”
A distant relative?
Mia was taken aback by Shelly’s explanation. She glanced at Luna with a smirk and nodded. Ah, I see. Well then, that clears things up. Ms. Maynard, please spare me that intimidating glare. It’s quite unnerving.”
Luma was utterly furious. It seemed that Monalize was an expert manipulator! She had completely fooled Timothy, who had now agreed to date her just for the sake of the reishi mushrooms. Was he completely out of his mind?
Luna couldn’t help but feel slighted by Shelly for not supporting her in this crucial moment, instead choosing to appease Monalize.
Luna wished she could expose Monalize’s hypocritical facade right then and there, but in front of Timothy, she had to suppress her emotions for the time being..
Mia couldn’t help but notice Luna’s changing expression. If she pushed Luna a bit more, perhaps Luna would show her true feelings.
Just then, Timothy approached Mia. “It’s getting late. Let me take you to the hotel to rest.
“It’s alright. I have a villa in Ninth Manor. I’ll go there later. I’m not accustomed to staying in hotels.”
As Mia’s words trailed off, Shelly interjected loudly, “Villas in Ninth Manor don’t come cheap. Even with money, you can’t easily acquire property there.”
Mia smiled in response and said, “It’s just a modest house, nothing too extravagant. It’s my first time staying there; it used to be vacant.
In reality, Mia owned several properties, all of which were gifts from Dominic.
Shelly became increasingly convinced that Monalize was a prominent socialite. If she could establish a close relationship with her, she would surely receive more lavish gifts.
Glancing at Timothy, Mia suggested, “You should stay at the hospital and attend to Mrs. Barrett Senior. I’ll have the driver take me.”
Without waiting for Timothy’s response, Mia turned and swiftly walked away.
However, instead of leaving immediately, she slipped into the restroom.
Emerging from the stall, she found Luna waiting for her outside with a grim expression.
Upon seeing Luna, Mia remained unfazed.
Considering Luna’s jealous reaction to Timothy agreeing to date Mia, it was apparent that she wouldn’t readily accept it, given her temperament.
Mia calmly washed her hands, stealing a glance at Luna in the mirror. “If you have something to say, say it now. Our paths may not cross again once I leave. After all, we’re from different social classes.”
This remark struck Luna’s insecurity, prompting her to raise her voice, “Who do you think are? You put on this facade of wealth and virtue, but who knows, perhaps you’ve gained your riches by cozying up to men.”
you
Mia couldn’t help but express her disdain with a click of her tongue. “Luna, perhaps you should take a good look at yourself in the mirror and see how unattractive jealousy makes you.
“You act all high and mighty, yet why do you insist on flaunting designer labels from head to toe? Even when your clothing starts to show signs of wear, it seems you’re reluctant to replace them, don’t you think?”
Mia’s gaze was sharp, instantly penetrating Luna’s hypocritical facade.
Approaching Luna, Mia scrutinized her appearance from head to toe. “It’s quite obvious that you also have a fondness for vanity and luxury brands.
“However, despite your financial constraints, you maintain an air of indifference, pretending not to care about money. Don’t you think you’re quite the actor?”
Luna’s expression immediately flared; it seemed as though Mia had pierced through her facade. She clutched her boutique luxury handbag tightly, a flicker of resentment passing through her eyes.
Although she took pleasure in her wealth, she couldn’t afford to openly display it.
Mia responded with a cold sneer. “Move aside, you’re blocking my way.”
Luna awkwardly stepped back twice before meeting Mia’s gaze. “Don’t think resorting to such tactics to win Tim’s affection will guarantee a smooth path to becoming his girlfriend, or even marrying into the Barrett family. You’re just a stand¨Cin, after all.”
“Tsk tsk, what a shame. You’ve been with Timothy for so long, yet you couldn’t even secure
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a position as his backup.” Mia fired back.
Mia herself remained unfazed by Luna’s insinuation about being a substitute, now realizing that she was Timothy’s ex¨Cwife. Hence, such remarks were unlikely to sway her.
Even if she had been unaware, Mia wouldn’t have been phased by the term “stand¨Cin.” After all, she was typically the one who left men with lasting regret and longing; none had the ability to hurt her.
Observing Luna’s frustration and inability to retaliate, Mia’s mood lifted.
“Ms. Maynard, I have a suggestion for you: why not consider plastic surgery? Maybe then you’ll have a chance as a stand¨Cin.”
“That’s it! This is Bern City; don’t push too far, or there will be consequences,” Luna retorted sharply.
Mia’s gaze turned cold. “I’m warning you, think twice before you act. Next time, it won’t just be a matter of swimming with sharks; I’ll personally ensure you become their prey. Mark my words!”
Haunted by memories of being thrown into the sea, Luna spoke with a hint of fear, “This is Bern City; the Barrett family won’t tolerate such behavior.”
“Now that I’m Timothy’s girlfriend, whose side do you think he’ll be on?” Mia countered, raising her eyebrows slightly and wearing a playful smirk. With that, she turned and exited the restroom.
As Luna observed Mia walking away, she felt a surge of anger. She was driven to the point of wanting to break something.