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At this point, Mia was certain that it was Timothy. She wasn’t sure before, because how could he possibly know when Sage was discharged? But now she knew who was the one leaking information to him. ?
It turned out she had a little traitor beside her.
Timothy’s voice came from the other end of the line. “I did. Does he like it?”
“He doesn’t! What’s so special about the one you bought? My brothers each bought him a telescope, and they’re all from top-notch brands. Why would he even care about the one you gave?”
Still upset, Mia continued, “Do you think you can bribe a child with expensive stuff? It’s not like they have a shallow mindset, and we’re well off as well. We can easily afford the ones you buy.”
“I just wanted to make it up to Sage. I merely bought a gift for him to celebrate his discharge from the research institute. That’s all,” Timothy said solemnly.
“But you know he doesn’t like you. So just why are you doing this?”
Sensing the grievance in his tone, Mia finally recomposed herself after lashing out at him.
She wasn’t against Timothy getting in touch with their kids. He was their father, after all. But she hated how he secretly contacted them.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have done this behind your back,” he muttered.
Noting his sincere apology, Mia couldn’t bring herself to be mad at him anymore.
She began, “In the future, don’t call Ginger so late. Do you know kids can’t stay up late?”
“I’m usually aware of the time and I would coax her to sleep. Today is just an exception.”
Mia faltered. “I’ll let you off the hook today.”
“Wait. What’s going on between you and Nicholas?”
Mia raised her brows. “Why do you ask?”
Loosening his tie, Timothy said, “As your ex-husband, can’t I ask about your relationship status? Who you’re going to date matters to the kids as well. As their father, I should be concerned about this issue.”
“Mr. Barrett, I didn’t expect you to be so nosy,” Mia remarked.
Timothy’s expression stiffened. “Well, it turns out I’m nosy.”
“Are you jealous, Timothy?”
This was an intentional question. She knew his arrogance would prevent him from admitting his true feelings.
“Yeah, I am jealous.”
Mia was stunned. His answer caught her off guard.
“Mia, I’m being serious. I want to court you again and salvage our relationship—“
Before Timothy could end his sentence, the call ended abruptly.
He stared at his phone in a daze. Then, he texted Mia.
“I won’t give up.”
Sitting on the edge of her bed, Mia saw the text he sent. She didn’t bother to reply to him.
As she scrolled through their conversation, it was evident that he sent more messages than she did. She basically didn’t reply much.
This reminded her a lot of how she used to treat Timothy five years ago. Now, their positions had reversed.
It felt satisfying, indeed. She had to make him feel the agony he used to put her in back then. In fact, this was far from enough since she suffered for five whole years.
Mia went back to Ginger’s room and realized that she was already sound asleep She seemed content with her limbs sprawled out on the bed. Placing the Apple Watch on the table, she tucked Ginger in
Frankly, she didn’t blame Ginger for contacting Timothy in secret. She had always been kind, and it was only natural that she would be curious about her biological father.
The next day, Mia went to work.
As soon as she arrived at the company, Peyton approached her and said, “Ms Lane, these are the proposals from the companies that intend to work with us. You can have a look.”
“Put them here.”
Mia glanced at the proposals. Would one of them belong to the Barrett Group?
Noticing Mia’s expression, Peyton immediately said, “Ms. Lane, there are no proposals submitted by Barrett Group. It seems like they’re quite self aware.”
Mia chanced a glance at him. “Did I ask you?”
That wasn’t what she intended to know. She couldn’t care less whether Timothy wanted to work with her.
She was just reminded of how
Sharon, Shelly, and Luna felt so proud for being able to host banquets at Aide Castle a few days ago at the banquet. She found it really amusing. She bet those three women would be seething when they returned home.
What they valued so much turned out to be worthless to her instead.
Peyton continued, “But someone from Yellow Island actually submitted a proposal. We weren’t even closely acquainted with them before.”
Mia found it strange as well. Not only were they, not closely acquainted, but did the Yellow
Islanders forget how Louisa barged into the research institute and caused a scene? They ended up having a feud with the Lane family. It was a well-known fact that she wasn’t just a Lane, but she was also the owner of Aide Castle.
What did the Yellow Islanders want?
Just then, she received a text from Jasmine.
“My mom’s planning to divorce my dad.”
Mia was taken aback when she read the message about the divorce.
After all, everything had seemed fine just before.
In a flurry of worry, Mia immediately dialed Jasmine’s number. “What exactly is going on?” she asked.
“Just a few days ago, there was this huge scandal about my father having an illegitimate daughter. When he found out, he immediately accused me of being the one who leaked it.
“I tried to explain, but he wouldn’t even listen. He ended up slapping me. And to make matters worse, my mom walked in on the whole scene.”
There was a palpable weight in Jasmine’s words, as if she were grappling with a profound loss.
She continued, “After that, my mom couldn’t take it anymore. She confronted my dad and decided to divorce him.
“So now, my mom and I are staying with my grandparents. And to add insult to injury, my dad has brought Luna and that little brat back home.”
Jasmine’s words were accompanied by eyes filled with desolation, speaking volumes in their silent despair.
Indeed, Raymond’s transformation had blindsided her completely.
It appeared that only daughters truly understood their mothers’ struggles, while men could only empathize with the struggles of their own gender.
Mia, too, found herself caught off guard by the turn of events. “What’s your plan now?” she asked.
“I suspect my dad will soon throw a welcome party for Asher at the Aide Castle Hotel. I have something special planned for them on that day,” Jasmine revealed. “What’s your strategy?”
“Don’t worry, I won’t push too far. Since I haven’t fully taken over the company yet, I still need my father around. Besides, I’ve already convinced my grandparents, so Luna won’t be a factor when the time comes,” Jasmine reassured Mia.
Understanding Jasmine’s approach, Mia continued, “But do you think your mother will go along with this plan?”
“My mother actually proposed an early divorce to divide the assets, aiming to protect me from any losses. However, I’m adamant about not allowing Luna and that little brat to inherit any of it.
“My mother earned every penny through her hard work, so why should these leeches receive a share? I certainly won’t stand for it,” Jasmine declared resolutely.
“Got it. I’ll ensure someone keeps you updated on the banquet arrangements. But Jazzy, there are certain matters where I can’t lend a hand. After all, I am the owner of the manor,” Mia said.
“I understand. I won’t ask for your intervention, but I also won’t pursue any alternative actions. Instead, could you assist me in brainstorming a theme?” Jasmine proposed. “That’s doable,” Mia replied.
As Jasmine outlined her suggested theme, Mia couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. It seemed the situation had taken a grim turn.
After ending the call, Mia turned to
Peyton and instructed, “Begin investigating recent activities on Yellow Island. I’ve heard rumors about the Prime Minister’s daughter being in Nord City. Find out what’s happening.”
Mia couldn’t shake the feeling that the residents of Yellow Island were up to something.
Their seemingly altruistic aid to Sharon in rescuing Ralph raised questions. It seemed unlikely they acted without expecting something in return.
Recalling Sharon’s haughty demeanor at the banquet, Mia’s expression hardened.
“Have the lawyer notify the authorities in Bern City,” she ordered. “Inform them of Mrs. Barrett’s departure from Bern City without valid reason and advise them to take appropriate action.”
Indeed, Sharon had overstayed her welcome in Nord City.
Had she forgotten that Mia had granted her only a brief period? Did she genuinely believe she could now wander without restraint?
As anticipated, Mia soon received an enraged call from Sharon. “Mia, you’re the one who ratted me out, aren’t you?”