Just as Shelly was on the verge of turning around, Mia swiftly Interjected, “Let’s discuss matters calmly,


    there’s no need to be impulsive.”


    Mia was determined not to be entangled with her adoptive parents again, having finally distanced


    herself


    from her old neighborhood.


    Despite any resentment that Bob and Mary might harbor, Mia was aware that they couldn’t exert any


    control


    over her.


    She was adamant about preserving the tranquility of her current life.


    Wearing a smug expression, Shelly continued to drive forward.


    Before long, Mia noticed the Barrett Group nearby. She hadn’t anticipateding here.


    Parking her car in the designated spot, Shelly proudly remarked, “Mia, this ce is unfamiliar to you,


    isn’t it?


    Allow me to give you a guided tour this time.


    “Back when you were the Barrett family heiress, you didn’t consider this building worthy of visiting.


    However,


    I’ll dly show you around now. Don’t bother thanking me!*


    Mia gazed at Shelly impassively and remarked, “Actually, there’s a question I’ve been meaning to ask.”


    Shelly arrogantly tilted her head back, inviting. “Go ahead, ask.”


    “How


    do you keep up that haughty attitude?” Mia quipped.


    Shelly became furious. “What do you mean?” she shot back.


    “The way you just spoke, one would think you’re the CEO of thepany or something.” Mia


    sarcastically


    remarked.


    Expressing frustration, Shelly stomped her foot. Yet, upon realizing she still needed Mia to apany


    her for


    the meeting with Timothy, she begrudgingly swallowed her pride.


    “Enough of the nonsense. Hurry up and follow me.”


    Mia remained silent and followed Shelly into the elevator.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    She observed Timothy’s customary workce, which exuded opulence, fitting for a major corporation.


    Shelly headed straight for the top floor and addressed the people in the secretary department,


    demanding. Where’s Timothy?”


    “Mr. Barrett is currently in a meeting, and it hasn’t finished yet. If you


    to wait in the guest room for the time being.”


    matters to discuss, you’re wee


    Struggling to maintain herposure, Shelly insisted, “I’ll just go to Timothy’s office and wait.”


    “I apologize, Ms. Barrett, but entering Mr. Barrett’s office in his absence is not permitted. I hope you


    Feeling embarrassed, Shelly turned away.


    +15 BONOS


    Mia hadn’t anticipated Timothy’s stringent rules. Despite being a member of the Barrett family, Shelly


    didn’t appear to enjoy any special privileges here.


    Wearing a sly expression; Mia remarked, “See, I was right.”


    With a hint of unease, Shelly retorted, “What’s with the scrutiny? You weren’t even considered worthy


    of being here in the first ce. Timothy has always been a principled person.”


    Mia remained silent, and the two proceeded to the conference room.


    th


    However, to their surprise, the room wasn’t empty. Maya was present.


    As the three women convened in the conference room, a subtle awkwardness permeated the air.


    Observing Shelly and Mia together, Maya’s eyes betrayed a hint of wariness. “Shelly, why are you with


    her?”


    Did Shelly decide to align herself with Mia?


    Mia hadn’t anticipated Maya’s presence either, and evidently, both Shelly and Maya were receiving the


    same


    treatment.


    w was an


    Well, unwavering workaholic after all.


    Shelly appeared somewhat tense and hastened to rify. “Maya, don’t get the wrong idea. I brought


    Mia here to meet with Timothy regarding my credit card issue.”


    Hearing this, Maya recalled the suspension of Shelly’s credit card following the Wilhelmina incident.


    Nheless, she hadn’t anticipated Shelly to be so incapable, giving in and seeking help from Mia


    within a


    few days–what a pushover!


    Maya swiftly put on a facade of sisterly affection and remarked, “Shelly, haven’t I told you before? If you


    ever


    find yourself short on money, you can alwayse to me.”


    “But Maya, I can’t keep depending on you all the time. It doesn’t feel right,” Shelly protested.


    “What’s the harm in that? We’re practically family now. Take my card and feel free to use it. Buy


    whatever your like.”


    As Maya handed her credit card to Shelly, a twinge of regret surfaced within her. Nevertheless, to


    secure Shelly’s allegiance, she felt she had no other option.


    Reluctantly. Maya had to make a sacrifice for the sake of a greater goal.


    Feeling somewhat touched, Shelly epted the credit card. “Thank you, Maya. Oh, wait, I should refer


    to you as my sister–inw now.”