Mia held no sympathy for Taylor. In her view, those scheming against others should be ready to face


    the


    consequences.


    Having settled the controversy, Mia headed to the hospital right after her ss.


    It was crucial for her to visit Laura, especially with Laura’s surgery scheduled for the uing


    weekend.


    As the elevator doors opened at the hospital, Mia unexpectedly bumped into Sharon.


    With a hint of arrogance, Sharon quipped, “Mia, you seem rather pleased with yourself. Do you really


    believe


    you could’ve navigated that college debacle alone? It’s obvious the Barrett name yed a role.”


    Mia’s expression darkened as she digested Sharon’s words. “I could have handled it myself,” she


    retorted.


    Sharon scoffed, “Enough of this charade. What have you done to manipte my son? I don’t


    understand why


    he’s taken it upon himself to handle that college situation of yours.”


    “He’s even hesitating tomit to Ms. Lane because of you. He also postponed his grandmother’s


    surgery,


    searching for another doctor and disrupting the nned schedule,” she used.


    Mia’s expression changed. “What are you talking about?”


    It was clear that she struggled to grasp Sharon’s words.


    “Still feigning ignorance? Let me spell it out for you. Maya’s brother set a condition. He would only


    proceed with Laura’s surgery if Tim agreed to marry Ms. Lane. However, Tim refused and chose to


    quietly seek another


    doctor instead.” Sharon admonished.


    A whirlwind of emotions swept over Mia as she processed the shocking revtion.


    After a momentary silence, she finally said, “I was unaware of all this.”


    Mia had always presumed that Maya’s brother would be the one conducting Laura’s surgery.


    With a derisive snort, Sharon added, “However, the doctor Timothy enlisted ended up in a car ident,


    sustaining a wrist injury. Now, he’s unable to perform Grandma’s surgery.”


    “Because of this, the surgery is now dyed. Mia, given Grandma’s kindness toward you, would you


    honestly consider using her health as leverage against Tim?” Sharon asked harshly.


    Mia responded firmly, “I have never used Grandma as a bargaining chip with Timothy.”


    Sharon shot back, “Then do the right thing. Divorce Timothy immediately so he can get engaged to


    Maya. That way, Maya’s brother can proceed with Grandma’s surgery.”


    Mia’s heart churned with turmoil. “I know what I have to do.”


    “You better.” Sharon retorted before walking away.


    Mia stood still for a long time. Sharon’s words echoed hauntingly in her mind.


    +15 BONOS


    She hadn’t anticipated Timothy’s refusal of Maya’s proposal. This is a decision that, on the surface,


    should have been straightforward for him.


    After all, Timothy and Maya seemed perfectly matched in terms of background and status.


    Gathering herself, Mia stepped into the hospital room.


    Inside, the caregiver subtly shook their head, signaling that Laura was asleep.


    Mia stood quietly by Laura’s bedside, tenderly holding her cold hand.


    RêAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    The sight of Laura’s pronounced weight loss and deteriorating condition deepened Mia’s anguish.


    Clearly, the surgery couldn’t afford any more dys.


    After checking with the hospital staff, Mia confirmed that Laura’s surgery had been postponed, aligning


    with Sharon’s information.


    The dy was attributed to the lead surgeon’s recent ident, and a suitable recement had yet to


    be found.


    Leaving the hospital, a resolute determination solidified within Mia.


    Back home, she discreetly arranged for Martha to return to the hospital, advising her to spend time with


    Laura.


    With the house to herself, Mia went into the kitchen to prepare a meal.


    Upon Timothy’s arrival, he spotted Miaing out of the kitchen, wearing an apron and carrying a


    te filled with familiar dishes.


    His gaze lingered momentarily, recalling the countless meals she had prepared during their three years


    together.


    Yet, since signing their divorce agreement, he hadn’t tasted a single dish she’d made.


    Reflecting on the campus forum incident, Timothy wondered if Mia’s actions were her way of


    expressing gratitude toward him.


    As they settled at the dining table, Timothy looked at the spread before him. “No poison, I hope?” he


    quipped.


    Mia mustered a faint smile, replying, “Rest assured, it’s entirely natural and uncontaminated.”


    As Timothy began eating, he noticed that Mia hadn’t touched her food at all.


    Arching an eyebrow curiously, he inquired, “Aren’t you going to eat?”


    “We need to talk.”


    2