Mia stood on the bustling street, watching him intently.


    Passersby couldn''t help but notice Timothy''s striking appearance, causing them to turn their heads.


    Under the dim streetlight, Timothy''s gaze appeared somewhat uneasy as he responded, "Mia, are you truly that self-absorbed?"


    As soon as the words left his mouth, Timothy immediately regretted them, pursing his lips.


    Mia nodded. "Well, Mr. Barrett, if you''re not interested in me, please stop being around me or making these kind gestures. It might give me the wrong idea that you''re developing feelings for me."


    Timothy''s throat tightened. "I do these things because... because I want topensate for neglecting you over the past three years."


    It seemed that Mia wasn''t the stereotypical gold-digger he had once imagined.


    Mia''s eyes showed a subtle fatigue, her mouth carrying a hint of bitterness. She replied with a feigned nonchnce, "Compensate? So, what do you think I''mcking right now?"


    Considering Mia''s position as the heiress of the Lane family, Timothy believed shecked nothing and was well-provided for.


    He pursed his lips, responding, "This is different."


    But Mia pushed back, saying, "There''s nothing different. When the Barrett family turned me away, Mr. Barrett, there was no trace of guilt from you. It was just your family''s condescension and oppression.


    "Now, as the heiress of the Lane family, I have everything I could want. So, when you suddenly im it''s out of guilt that you want topensate me, who would believe such a story?"


    Timothy frowned. "Do you think I''m treating you this way because of your status? Is that the impression you have of me?"


    "Then what, Mr. Barrett? If you genuinely regret your actions, then act like a decent ex-husband! Stop pretending as if you don''t exist."


    Timothy''s expression turned grim. Mia had previouslypared a responsible ex-husband to being essentially nonexistent.


    After Mia spoke, she turned and walked away.


    Within moments, Antonio''s car pulled up beside her. "Ms. Mia, are you ready to leave?"


    Without a word, Mia bent down and entered the car.


    She leaned back in her seat, mulling over Timothy''s words. They struck her as utterly absurd.


    The notion of himpensating her felt unnecessary. She didn''t need it at all.


    Timothy stood alone on the roadside for a while before eventually entering his car.


    He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Grandma, I need your help with something…"


    Mia rode back to campus in Antonio’s car.


    Throughout her afternoon study session, she found it difficult to focus, with Timothy''s actions weighing heavily on her mind.


    As Mia prepared to pack up and head home for dinner, she received a call from Jeremy. "Hello, is everything alright?" she answered.


    "Hey Mia, are you at the campus right now?"


    "Yes, I''m in the study hall."


    "Be careful. Ramona is heading to the university to look for you. I made a mistake by mentioning our lunch in the group chat.


    "Ramona insisted on reaching out to you, but I didn''t give her your phone number. Despite that, I have a feeling she might still turn up on campus."


    Mia frowned. "I understand."


    After ending the call, Mia slung her backpack over her shoulder and exited the study hall.


    Departing from campus early would likely spare her from crossing paths with Ramona.


    Nheless, trouble seemed to have a knack for finding her, regardless of her efforts.


    Approaching the university''s main entrance, Mia spotted Ramona standing outside.


    Ramona hurried over with tear-stained eyes, her previous arrogance reced by a sense of desperation.


    She cried out pitifully, "Mia, I must confess, it was all my fault at the ss reunion! My jealousy drove me to spread false rumors intentionally to hurt you.


    "Please find it in your heart to forgive me this time! I promise I won''t repeat such actions!"


    Observing Ramona''s remorseful attitude, Mia remained unmoved.


    Memories of Ramona''s bullying and intimidating behavior at the restaurant rushed into Mia''s mind, triggering recollections of their school days.


    Mia responded with a cold chuckle, "And why should I?"


    Her words pierced the air, catching Ramona off guard. It seemed this turn of events was not what Ramona had anticipated.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.