Ch. 1151..1160
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1151-Mia paused briefly before replying, "It's not about that. I simply haven't considered being in a relationship. Besides, I've always found fulfillment in my independence.""Even with a successful career, it's challenging for a woman to navigate alone. How do you intend to manage without a partner at home?""Ms. Lane, please don't take our directness the wrong way. We genuinely care about your well-being. The gentlemen we're recommending are highly regarded and sought after."It's only because of our close relationship with Aunt Patricia that we're bringing them to your attention. After all, finding good men nowadays is quite a challenge."Upon hearing this, Patricia interjected, "Alright, that's enough. Women need to be self-reliant these days. After enduring a painful divorce, do you seriously expect Mia to jump back in and sacrifice everything just to please a man?"The neighbors hesitated for a moment, their expression faltering. "You know, it might not be fair to generalize like that," they began tentatively. "Wasn't Ms. Lane in a happy marriage before? "Sometimes, differences in social backgrounds can complicate things. It's important for Ms. Lane to find someone with a similar background to ensure a stable and fulfilling life."Patricia's demeanor shifted, a touch of irritation creeping into her expression. "Given Mia's exceptional qualities, who isn't she compatible with?"I can't dictate her choices, but from my perspective, having a job, raising children, and finding happiness in life are what truly matter. These days, men aren't always the most reliable," she countered. At that moment, Mia gently nudged Patricia's hand. "It's getting late, we should head back now. The kids need to shower and get to bed," she suggested, steering Patricia away from the gossiping group. As they walked away, Patricia offered Mia some advice, "Try not to take what those two say too seriously. They're known for their loose tongues in the neighborhood, always ready to spread gossip. And those men they were talking about? Well, they're hardly exemplary."One of them, just before getting married, had the nerve to demand his pregnant fiancée to sign a prenup, stripping her of any financial entitlements and denying her a share in their mortgaged house. Sadly, she felt pressured and decided to have an abortion."Mia's eyes widened at the revelation. "Didn't we hear something similar in the news before?""Quite possibly. The circumstances are sadly familiar. The woman had a promising future, but her partner's family was unreasonable. Divorce was undoubtedly the right decision."Then there's the other divorcedman, a classic mama's boy. He was caught cheating and even turned violent when his wife confronted him. It's no surprise they ended up going their separate ways."Now he's living it up, enjoying his decent job and savings. Ironically, it was his ex-wife who supported him financially while he pursued his Ph.D. He's hardly someone to admire if you ask me."Mia couldn't help but find the real-life drama more captivating than any fiction.Seeing Patricia's indignation, Mia offered a reassuring smile. "Their words won't bother me.""Mia, are you really not considering getting into a relationship?""For the moment, it's not a priority for me. I'll think about it when I meet someone who truly matches what I'm looking for."In truth, Mia hadn't devoted much thought to these matters. After all, matters of the heart weren't something she approached casually.Patricia offered Mia a comforting pat on the hand. "That's understandable. Relationships do require time. Just focus on being financially secure, and everything else will come together."Mia felt grateful for Patricia's empathy. Intrigued, she asked, "How's Uncle James doing in the hospital?""It's been the usual routine, but his condition is deteriorating day by day. The doctors are advising us to prepare ourselves emotionally."Honestly, if it weren't for Dominiccovering his medical expenses,Uncle James wouldn't have made it this far. But at times, I can't help but feel that his continued existence only serves to prolong his suffering.""Aunt Patricia, please don't say that. What if Uncle James wakes up? Grandma Laura recovered, so there's still hope.""Unfortunately, it's not quite the same. I appreciate your efforts to comfort me, but I've come to terms with the reality. My main concern now is for you.""I'm fortunate to have the support of my brothers, and I'm financially stable. Frankly, I'm in a much better position than many others."
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1152-Soon after, Mia and Patricia arrived home with the children, ready to freshen up and get ready for bed.
As Mia settled onto the plush mattress, she took a quiet moment to observe Sage and Ginger, peacefully asleep beside her. Gazing out the window, she found herself absorbed in the vibrant cityscape outside the constant motion of cars and people. After all these years, returning to such tranquility was beyond anything Mia could have imagined.
With Sage and Ginger snugly tucked in beside her, Mia's heart brimmed with gratitude for the happiness she now embraced.
The next day, Mia prepared to take Sage and Ginger to the hospital to visit Laura, feeling hopeful that today might be the day Laura finally woke up.
Shortly after they finished breakfast, a knock echoed through the house.
Curious, Patricia headed to the door. "Who's there?" she called out.
To Mia's surprise, their neighbor from the previous day stood outside, holding a generous array of fruits.
"Hello, Aunt Patricia. I spoke to a friend yesterday about our conversation. When his son saw a photo of Ms. Lane, he was genuinely impressed. He's willing to meet her and is completely accepting of her having children."
Patricia's expression darkened instantly. "Please, take your things and leave. Mia isn't interested in a blind date."
Despite Patricia's clear dismissal, the neighbor set the fruits down and hurried away.
Fuming with indignation, Patricia exclaimed, "Who does that?"
Stepping forward, Mia gently grasped Patricia's arm. "Don't worry. We'll ask the property management to handle this. I'm taking Sage and Ginger to the hospital now. Call me if anything comes up." "Okay, go ahead."
Patricia's irritation deepened as her eyes lingered on the neglected fruits.
Meanwhile, Mia brushed off the incident and proceeded to take Sage and Ginger to the hospital.
Curious, Ginger looked up at Mia and asked, "Mommy, are you going to meet someone?"
"Don't worry about what the adults say. Mommy isn't going on any blind dates." Mia reassured her.
With Sage and Ginger in tow, she made her way upstairs to the intensive care unit.
Outside, Mia spotted Timothy sitting on a bench, his laptop perched on his thighs, with a pile of files scattered around him.
It was evident that he had spent the entire night there.
Mia certainly empathized with the demands of Timothy's job. She knew them all too well herself.
Without hesitation, Ginger dashed over and settled into the chair beside Timothy. "Is Great-Grandma Laura awake?" She bubbled with excitement.
Timothy's demeanor softened at
Ginger's presence. "She briefly regained consciousness, which is a positive sign. The doctors are optimistic that she'll awaken again later. Fortunately, her condition seems to have stabilized," he reassured.
Mia nodded in relief. "That's good to hear."
Observing the dark circles under Timothy's eyes, Mia wondered if he had slept at all in the past few days.
She wrestled with the urge to broach the topic but ultimately decided against it.
Turning to Heath, Mia asked, "Has he had anything to eat?"
Heath seized the opportunity to voice his concerns. "Ms. Lane, I'll be honest. Since Mr. Barrett's return, he hasn't rested at all. He's constantly
in
Meetings with hospital staff or
buried in work. He's hardly touched his meals. Could you perhaps talk to him?"
Mia's expression shifted uncomfortably. "I might not be able to convince him, but go ahead and bring the food over. Maybe someone else could persuade him to eat."
With Ginger's innate empathy in
mind, Mia hoped she could make a difference in this situation. After all, Ginger had a knack for showing
kindness even to strangers on the
street.
Recognizing Mia's intention, Heath quickly organized for food to be delivered.
Ten minutes later, a cart arrived, filled not only with meals for adults but also with sweets and snacks that children adore.
Ginger's eyes gleamed with excitement as she took in the spread before her, her enthusiasm palpable. Meanwhile, Timothy gave Heath a look of approval, expressing his gratitude for his consideration. Turning to Ginger, he said, "Feel free to grab whatever you want. I need to attend a video conference."
With that, Timothy efficiently opened his laptop and began organizing the meeting.
In the midst of this, Ginger reached for a piece of fried chicken and offered it to Timothy, her voice soft and innocent as she suggested, "You should try some of this."
Watching this scene unfold, the executives in the video conference were collectively taken aback, their astonishment apparent in their reactions
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1153-Caught off guard by Ginger's unexpected act of kindness, Timothy hesitated for a moment.
Should he accept the food graciously or politely decline?
However, when he saw the genuine concern in Ginger's eyes, he found himself unable to refuse.
Reluctantly, he lowered his head and took a bite of the chicken she offered.
Ginger's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Uncle Heath mentioned you haven't eaten yet. Skipping meals isn't good, you know. Here, take the pasta, and I'll have this."
With a determined effort, Ginger reached out, offering the bowl of spaghetti to Timothy.
Timothy let out a sigh, a hint of resignation evident in his voice. "I'll grab something to eat after the meeting," he conceded.
"Mommy says that work is never-ending, but meals are important," Ginger interjected.
Drawing closer to the screen, she cast a glance at the executives on the other end of the video call. "He needs to eat now, so please bear with us for a moment, alright?" she added in her sweet, childlike voice. The executives were taken aback by the unexpected appearance of this adorable little girl with her hair tied up in sky-high pigtails.
Who was she?
Could she possibly be Timothy's daughter, a secret kept hidden until now?
Nonetheless, they had never heard any mention of Timothy having a child before.
Still, the way Timothy doted on her just moments ago hinted at a special bond between them.
The executives found themselves in an awkward silence, unsure how to react to Ginger's unexpected involvement. Sensing their hesitation, Ginger began to feel a bit impatient.
Timothy promptly directed his attention to the executives, his tone firm. "She's addressing all of you."
One of the executives, who was also a parent, promptly replied, "Of course, we can wait for him to finish his meal before we continue with the meeting."
A smile of joy spread across Ginger's face at the accommodating response. "Thank you, big brother," she chirped sweetly.
The executive couldn't resist returning Ginger's bright smile after her endearing address. "You're welcome," he replied warmly.
However, his smile faded into a nervous grimace as he caught sight of Timothy's intense glare.
Out of the blue, Timothy opted to end the video call. He didn't want Ginger to inadvertently get caught up in adult matters.
Reluctantly, Timothy picked up his
plate of food, Despite his initial lack
of appetite, he eventually
succumbed to Ginger's attentive gaze. Slowly but surely, he reached
for the utensils and began to enjoy the meal.
Observing the scene, Mia couldn't help but smile knowingly. She had predicted this very outcome.
After all, Timothy was easily swayed by Ginger's requests.
Meanwhile, Sage couldn't resist stealing a glance at Timothy and Ginger. Meeting Mia's gaze, he asked, "Mommy, did you instruct Ginger to do that?"
In a low voice, Mia confided, "No, Sage. You understand Ginger's character better than anyone. She's always caring, even toward strangers on the street.
"Mr. Barrett hasn't had a break for
days because of Great-Grandma Laura, and he's been carrying all the
continueses at work. If he
to neglect eating, bis
health will decline."
"Mommy, you seem really concerned about him," Sage observed.
Mia's expression shifted slightly, betraying a hint of unease. "I'm not particularly worried about him. It's just that, currently, Mrs. Barrett Senior depends on him a lot for support. If anything were to happen to him, Mrs. Barrett Senior would be greatly affected."
Despite Mia's attempt to deflect, Sage seemed to understand her underlying concern. "Mommy, what about you and Uncle Nicholas? What did you talk about that day?"
Mia hesitated for a moment before replying, "That's grown-up business. You don't need to worry about it."
Seated nearby, Mia closely watched Ginger as she supervised Timothy's meal.
Before long, Laura finally regained consciousness.
Without hesitation, Mia and her children swiftly changed into sterile gowns before entering the ward.
Upon seeing the silver-haired Laura, Mia approached and gently took her hand. "Grandma Laura," she called out, her voice trembling with emotion.
Laura looked at Mia, then at Sage and Ginger, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Gently wiping away Laura's tears, Mia whispered, "I kept the truth from you before. The children have always been here."
At that moment, Ginger and Sage stepped forward. "Hello, Great-Grandma Laura," they greeted her respectfully.
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1154-At that instant, Ginger presented a bouquet of fresh peonies. "Great-Grandma Laura, these flowers will surely help you feel better," she said sincerely. Laura regarded the sweet, sincere Ginger with a weak nod. Then, her gaze shifted to Mia, as if she had something on her mind that she wanted to express. Leaning in closer to Laura, Mia asked softly, "What is it you want to say?"
"I-I'm just glad you're okay," Laura murmured.
Hearing Laura's words, Mia's eyes instantly filled with tears.
To her surprise, Laura still remembered what had happened five years ago. It seemed she understood it had been a calculated move directed at her.
Mia held Laura's hand tightly as she spoke, "Grandma Laura, you must recover quickly. Sage and Ginger are growing up so fast and becoming increasingly mischievous. They need your guidance." Laura managed a gentle smile and nodded in response, acknowledging Mia's words.
For Sage, witnessing his cherished family member in such a vulnerable state was a deeply moving moment.
With determination evident on his face, Sage stepped forward and urged, "Great-Grandma Laura, you have to stay strong."
As Sage stood before her, Laura was deeply moved by his resemblance to Timothy, which caused a lump to form in her throat.
Finding comfort in the knowledge that Timothy now had children of his own, Laura felt reassured, knowing that even if she were to pass away, Timothy wouldn't be left alone.
Nonetheless, their visiting time was restricted as Laura needed to rest.
Shortly after, Mia escorted Sage and Ginger out of the hospital room, with Timothy quietly trailing behind.
Though his face remained stoic, his eyes betrayed a depth of emotion.
Addressing Timothy, Mia reassured him, "I'm confident Grandma Laura will get better. During her recovery, the children will stay by her side until she's well enough to leave the hospital." After so many years, the intricacies of Mia's relationship with Timothy remained obscure.
Despite this, Mia understood that the bond between Laura and her children was not one she could simply sever.
Ginger's expression turned solemn as she held Timothy's hand, softly urging him, "Don't forget to eat on time, okay?"
Timothy managed a strained smile in response. "I'll make sure to do that."
With a nod Mia prepared to leave
with Sage and Ginger. Just as they were about to depart, Heath approached Timothy, his voice barely audible as he spoke, "We've located Luna."
Upon hearing this, Timothy's expression hardened. "Where is she?"
"She's managed to infiltrate the cleaning staff, likely aiming to get close to Mrs. Barrett Senior," Heath informed him.
Exhaling sharply, Mia remarked, "After all this time, we finally have a lead."
Timothy's lips formed a tight line as he commanded, "Apprehend her."
"We can't do that. To hold Luna accountable, we must have concrete evidence," Heath countered.
"But I can't jeopardize Grandma's well-being," Timothy insisted firmly.
"No one said Grandma Laura had to be in danger. We can have someone impersonate her. But we must proceed with caution. If it's too obvious, Luna will detect the trap," Heath suggested.
After a moment of consideration, Mia decided to play along with Luna's charade.
With everything arranged, Mia left the hospital with Sage and Ginger as usual.
Nonetheless, an unsettling sensation gnawed at her, as if someone's gaze lingered on her from behind.
It unmistakably felt like Luna.
However, unbeknownst to Luna, a trap awaited her at the hospital.
As Mia led her children back to Patricia's house, she felt Sage's questioning gaze upon her.
"Do you think this plan will really catch the bad person? Is there anything we can do to help?" Sage's curiosity surfaced.
"We won't need to intervene. He's got it all under control." Mia reassured Sage.
However, despite Mia's trust in
Timothy's ability to manage this trivial
Matter, she still harbored.net
concerns about his potential lack of restraint.
Arriving home with Sage and Ginger, Mia noticed the door was slightly ajar, and voices could be heard coming from inside.
As she pushed open the door, she saw their nosy neighbor, Diane Hemingway, chatting with a middle-aged woman and an unfamiliar man.
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1155-Upon laying eyes on Diane, Mia swiftly discerned the motive behind her visit.
Despite Patricia's clear refusal earlier that morning, why did she still decide to show up in the evening?
Diane was in the company of two others, one of whom was a man.
The way he gazed at Mia left no doubt as to his identity.
Still, Mia couldn't help but ponder Diane's apparent lack of discretion in this situation.
"Ah, Ms. Lane, welcome home. We've been anticipating your return for quite a while," Diane greeted warmly as she stood up.
"This is the friend I was telling you about, along with her son. Isn't he quite dashing? I assure you, I have nothing but good intentions; Aunt Patricia and I are quite close, after all."
Mia remained unfazed, her eyes fixed on Sage and Ginger. "Both of you, go back to your rooms."
"Oh, that won't be necessary," Diane interjected. "They've brought gifts for the children-luxurious chocolates, the kind favored by the affluent."
Meeting Diane's gaze, the middle-aged woman, Pamela Baker, assumed a touch of superiority. "Certainly, feel free to help yourselves. After all, you probably haven't tasted such delicacies before. They're quite expensive."
Mia glanced disinterestedly at the candies arranged neatly on the table. Despite their fruit-flavored labels, she doubted their exorbitant cost.
After all, Sage and Ginger were accustomed to Eva's homemade candies, crafted from only the finest ingredients.
Unperturbed, Mia calmly declined, "No, thank you. These sweets aren't exactly nutritious. I'd rather the children not indulge in such snacks."
With a touch of innocence, Ginger gazed up at Mia and added, "Mommy, Uncle says we shouldn't eat these unhealthy candies. They'll damage our teeth."
Meanwhile, Sage maintained a serious demeanor as he quipped, "Candies of this quality wouldn't even be considered at our home."
With each comment from Sage and Ginger, Diane and Pamela's expressions grew increasingly uncomfortable.
Displeased, Pamela snapped, "Noah, why are you still seated there?"
It was evident that someone as temperamental as Pamela might not fit well into their family dynamic.
In the next moment, Noah Young, the man in question, approached Mia, extending his hand eagerly.. "Ms. Lane, it's a pleasure to meet you must say, I have a very
positive first impression of you.
"I believe there's much to gain from us getting acquainted. You'll find that despite your ex-husband, there are still good men in this world."
Noah's words sent a wave of discomfort through Mia. She had never encountered such shameless audacity in a man before.
She withheld her hand, giving Noah only a fleeting glance. "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in pursuing a relationship or participating in a blind date."
Unfazed, Noah continued, "Even if it's not a blind date, we can still get acquainted. It won't do any harm."
Mia decided to be direct to convey her stance. "I'm not interested in getting to know you. It's late, so I kindly ask that you leave now."
Pamela's anger surged upon hearing Mia's response. "Ms. Lane, why the arrogance? Remember, you're divorced with two children! How do you expect to compete with a younger woman?
"Just because your ex-husband was wealthy, do you think you can still attract another rich man? Sadly, you may have already passed your prime."
Mia responded bluntly, her expression unyielding, "If that's the logic you're using, then by your son's age, you should be considered worthless by now."
"What's with the attitude?" Pamela snapped.
"I've already rejected your
matchmaking attempts, yet here you
are shamelessly intruding without
invitation. What kind of attitude do
you seriously expect from me?" Mia shot back.
Following Mia's assertive reply, Diane quickly interjected, "Ms. Lane, please don't say that. I'm just worried about you."
"And you," Mia addressed Diane.
"You're precisely what I'd anticipate from being her friend. It's evident you both follow the same script, completely unable to grasp a straightforward refusal." S
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1156-Diane was taken aback by Mia's pointed words.
Turning to Patricia, she pleaded, "Aunt Patricia, please, I was only trying to assist her. After all, it's incredibly challenging for a woman to raise children on her own."
Patricia rose from her seat, her tone resolute. "I believe Mia is correct. I made it clear this morning that she's not interested in any blind dates. Besides, Mia is financially independent. She doesn't need to depend on any man."
"But you don't have to be so harsh about it," Diane countered.
"Then how should I put it? Look at the man you're introducing-he's a mama's boy who doesn't even earn as much as Mia. How can he possibly measure up to her?"
Upon hearing Mia being insulted, Patricia's gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a fiery temper.
However, Pamela was not ready to back down. "Tsk, tsk. Isn't your niece just a designer? If she's earning that much, who knows where all that money is coming from? "Women like her without notable connections must be relying on other means to secure projects."
Patricia's voice simmered with anger as she roared, "What are you implying? Mia earns an honest living with her talents! Who are you to pass judgment on her? "Just because your son struggles to make ends meet, do you think everyone else is in the same predicament?"
"But who can truly say what's happening here? After all, it's common knowledge that designers don't amass that kind of wealth.
"You should be thankful that my son is willing to overlook your niece's past. He's essentially doing her a favor by considering this match.
"However, if she genuinely turns over a new leaf and they end up married with twins, well, though with some hesitation, I might just offer them my blessing."
Patricia countered sharply, her hands resting firmly on her hips, "Oh, come on. Show some decency, will you? Talking about twins-have you ever considered your son's role in this?
"You keep claiming your ex-daughter-in-law couldn't conceive, yet she underwent a medical examination and was in perfect health. Maybe the issue lies with your son."
Enraged, Pamela lunged at Patricia, her fists swinging. "Shut your mouth, you old hag! Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?"
Seeing Patricia being attacked, Mia hurried forward to intervene. However, Noah swiftly shoved Mia aside, causing her to crash into the sofa.
Upon hearing the commotion, Sage
and Ginger rushed out to see what was happening. At the sight of the chaos, Ginger became overwhelmed with fear and began to cry
uncontrollably.
Without hesitation, Sage seized a nearby object and charged at Noah, but Noah's strength far exceeded his own.
Seeing Sage about to be overpowered, Mia's heart leaped into her throat. "Stop right there!" she exclaimed.
At that critical moment, several individuals burst through the front door.
Timothy strode forward, using one foot to shove Noah away before scooping Sage into his arms.
Lowering his gaze to Sage, concern and urgency tinged his voice. "Are you alright? Where did he hurt you?"
Sage stared at him blankly for a moment before exclaiming indignantly, "He hit Mommy!"
Timothy turned his attention to Mia, swiftly approaching her. "Are you hurt?"
"It's nothing serious, just minor injuries. Aunt Patricia also got hurt," Mia replied, moving forward to help Patricia to her feet. "Are you okay?"
With visible wounds on her face, Patricia gently held her waist, indicating a possible sprain sustained during the altercation.
Meanwhile, Pamela picked herself up from the ground, shooting a sly glance at Mia and Timothy.
"Well, well if it isn't the sugar daddy
himself. My suspicions earlier seem to be justified. How else could a designer like her be earning s much?"
Upon noticing Timothy's striking appearance, Noah felt a pang of insecurity.
Unable to contain his bitterness, he addressed Timothy directly, "Don't be deceived by this woman. While she's cozying up to you, she's also trying to go on a date with me."
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1157-Mia's expression twisted into a scornful grimace upon hearing Noah's words. It appeared that the world was becoming increasingly populated by peculiar individuals. Who would have imagined that men could play the victim card so shamelessly?
Despite Mia's astonishment, what caught her off guard even more was Noah's audacity in addressing Timothy so boldly.
Did he truly believe that using such petty tactics to sow discord would yield any results?
Mia responded with a cold smirk but opted to stay silent.
Observing the unfolding scene, Pamela's voice resounded, echoing Noah's sentiments. "Absolutely! Did you know Ms. Lane has been divorced?
"I heard she married a wealthy man before, but it didn't work out due to their different backgrounds.
"She was left high and dry, even abandoning her own children. Please, don't be fooled by her facade. She's nothing but two-faced."
Timothy's expression instantly darkened upon hearing Pamela's words.
Directing his gaze at her, he countered, "Her ex-husband never looked down on her, and he certainly didn't abandon their two children. Those who are ignorant should keep their mouths shut and refrain from spreading unfounded gossip."
Pamela's defiance flared. "Sir, I wasn't fabricating anything just now. Everything I said is true. If you don't believe me, you can ask around.
"Everyone in our neighborhood knows that her niece was previously married to a wealthy man. After their divorce, Ms. Lane was left to raise her two children by herself.
"I've heard she was doing quite well abroad, but she still returned empty-handed. Who knows if she came back because some sugar daddy abandoned her overseas?
"Anyway, her true circumstances remain a mystery. None of us know her backstory or what she's been up to all these years abroad."
Ginger's anger surged upon hearing this. "You're not a good person at all! You can't speak about my Mommy that way!" she exclaimed tearfully.
Witnessing Ginger's distress, Timothy signaled to Heath with a determined look. "Go deal with them," he commanded.
With a nod to Joe, Heath approached Pamela and delivered a series of forceful slaps to her face, leaving her staggering.
Observing the confrontation, Noah was visibly taken aback. "Hey! Why are you resorting to violence? That's against the law, you know?"
Heath remained composed as he
addressed Noah, "It was you and your mother who initiated the disrespectful remarks and slandered Ms. Lane. We reserve the right to pursue legal action, so be prepared to receive a formal notice from our lawyer."
Upon hearing Heath's assertive tone, Noah felt a flicker of unease.
With his background in the financial industry, he had encountered many affluent individuals who often had security personnel like Heath in their entourage.
Despite his hesitation, Noah summoned his courage and insisted, "But what my mother said isn't untrue. These are widely known facts."
"What do you mean by 'widely known facts'?" Timothy snapped as he stepped forward.
Fixing his gaze on Noah, he added, "Your mother claimed that my ex-wife was ousted and that I neglected our two children. How do you possess such detailed knowledge of the Barrett family's affairs?" Noah was utterly bewildered, stammering nervously, "A-Are you... her ex-husband?"
Standing nearby, Patricia interjected,
"Yes, this man here is Mia's
ex-husband. Just compare yourself to him, and you'll understand why Mia wouldn't choose you. It's like reaching for something far beyond your capabilities. Do you honestly believe you measure up? Content
Witnessing Pamela's bruised face, Diane felt a sudden urge to flee, fear coursing through her veins.
Hastily clarifying, she added, "Aunt
Patricia, this is all a terrible misunderstanding. I had no idea. they would behave this way. If had known their true nature, I would never have arranged this meeting.
"Just look at Ms. Lane's ex-husband-he's so handsome, charming, and incredibly considerate. Indeed, only someone truly exceptional like him could be a suitable match for Ms. Lane."
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1158-Who would've guessed that Mia's ex-husband was so striking and wealthy?
After her divorce from him, Mia certainly wouldn't settle for just anyone.
Timothy's expression turned icy as he questioned Diane, "Did you arrange for my ex-wife to meet him?"
Under Timothy's penetrating gaze, Diane recoiled, her words faltering, "I, um, couldn't help but notice Ms. Lane's remarkable strength in raising two children on her own-it's quite an accomplishment, isn't it? I simply thought introducing her to someone might lighten her load."
Mia's expression turned scornful as she glanced at Diane. "I manage perfectly well on my own, and I've never relied on a man to ease any burdens. However, it appears that some individuals have less than honorable intentions, wouldn't you agree?"
Perhaps Mia's financial stability and orphaned status, combined with Patricia's gentle and easily influenced nature, made them a prime target for exploitation.
Addressing Patricia, Mia advised, "Moving forward, it's important to be more selective about who you befriend.
"Some people are only interested in exploiting your kindness, assuming you're an easy target. Do they seriously think no one in our family can see through their schemes?"
Mia had heard whispers about certain nosy neighbors in Patricia's neighborhood who had a knack for taking advantage of others.
Knowing Patricia's hesitation to turn people away, they would often prolong their visits whenever her family's doctor arrived, hoping to receive complimentary check-ups. Each time this happened, Patricia felt too embarrassed to speak up.
With the family doctor simply obeying Dominic's instructions and never voicing objections, this inadvertently emboldened these neighbors further.
Despite Patricia's clear rejections of Diane's matchmaking attempts, Diane persistently introduced people to her doorstep, disregarding boundaries and showing a lack of respect. Hence, Mia firmly resolved to directly confront these troublesome neighbors, determined to shield Patricia from any further exploitation.
Nodding in agreement, Patricia confessed, "Mia, I never anticipated they would be so bold as to behave in this manner."
In the past, everyone had maintained a relatively harmonious relationship, making it challenging for Patricia to assert herself.
However, what Diane did today was utterly unacceptable. While Patricia could endure mistreatment directed at herself, witnessing Diane manipulate Mia was a boundary she refused to tolerate.
After expressing her frustration, Patricia turned to Diane and declared, "Leave at once, and never set foot in our home again!"
Upon hearing this, Diane's pride
suffered a visible blow. "What makes your family so exceptional anyway? You're just a widow, after all! leame here with sincere intentions, thinking it was a gesture of respect.
"However, it seems you hold yourself in quite high regard, don't you? Is it simply because your niece's
ex-husband is wealthy? Well, it's net
unfortunate they're divorced now, so what significance does it have for you?"
QUMS
Adding fuel to the fire, Noah joined in after Diane's outburst. "Exactly! With my mom being assaulted so severely, I'll definitely press charges against you. Just wait and see!"
Unfazed, Heath calmly handed out his business card. "No problem. Feel free to contact me anytime."
Noah's eyes widened in astonishment as he read Heath's title on the card. "Y-You're the secretary to the CEO of Barrett Group?"
Heath remained composed as he looked at Noah. "Is there a problem with that?"
Noah glanced back at Heath before turning to Timothy beside him. "And who might this be?
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1159-Upon learning that Heath was the CEO's secretary, Noah deduced that the man beside him must be a high-ranking executive in Barrett Group. Heath reaffirmed, "I am the CEO's secretary, so naturally, this gentleman here is my boss, Mr. Timothy Barrett, the CEO of Barrett Group."
Noah's face visibly drained of color upon hearing Heath's revelation.
Though he felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing Timothy, Noah struggled to recall where they might have crossed paths before.
However, with Heath's clarification, Noah's memory was jogged. Timothy was indeed the CEO of Barrett Group.
He had glimpsed him once from afar during a brief encounter in a certain business circle.
After all, elite families like the Barretts were well out of Noah's social sphere.
Just then, Noah's legs momentarily weakened, nearly causing him to lose his balance. With a hesitant stutter, he turned to Mia and asked, "I-I-Is she Mr. Barrett's former wife?"
Timothy's gaze turned cold as he responded to Noah, "My ex-wife is not someone you need to concern yourself with."
As Noah's legs gave way, he knelt on the ground, pleading, "Mr. Barrett, I was unaware that Ms. Lane is your ex-wife! It was a mistake on my part, and I inadvertently offended her. Please, don't stoop to my level and hold it against me!"
Bewildered by Noah's sudden display, Pamela interjected, "Noah, a man's dignity is priceless. Why are you kneeling before him?"
Noah rushed to explain, "Mom, he's the heir of the Barrett family-the most prominent family in Bern City! If I offend him, it won't just be me; our whole family will suffer.
"Besides, your friend seems rather dubious. Is she deliberately trying to sabotage me by arranging this blind date?"
The thought of offending Timothy filled Noah with dread.
Given Mia's former status as Timothy's wife, how could someone like Noah possibly compare to him? To make matters worse, it was clear that Timothy still harbored feelings for her.
Pamela seemed to have caught on, tightly gripping Diane's arm. "You're utterly ruthless! You promised to introduce Noah to a wealthy, easy-to-please woman, someone without family ties to worry about. "Yet, surprise, surprise, this so-called bachelorette turns out to be the ex-wife of the Barrett Group's CEO! Do you realize the mess you've thrown us into?"
Noah's act of kneeling certainly underscored the gravity of the situation.
If he were genuinely impacted by this, it would unquestionably pose considerable challenges.
Feeling unsettled, Diane stumbled
over her words, hastily blurting out, "I-I had no clue that Mia's
ex-husband was the CEO of Barrett Group, the prominent tycoon in Bern City Aunt Patricia never mentioned
it. swñovel.net
They only knew Patricia's niece's ex-husband was well-off, but they had no idea about the depth of his riches, merely presuming him to be a reasonably successful businessman. Who could have fathomed he hailed from the wealthiest family in the city?
Indeed, it seemed unimaginable for an ordinary person to even contemplate such a scenario.
But considering Mia's status as an orphan, how could she have possibly married into such an esteemed family?
Patricia's disdainful snort cut
through the tension. "I didn't bring it
up because I prefer to maintain a
low profile, and I didn't want to bring
any trouble Mia's way. That's the only reason-not some excuse for
you to slander her."
Nonetheless, it was remarkable how judgmental people could be nowadays. The more someone strived for modesty, the more others seemed to look down on them.
Diane's expression betrayed her
discomfort, "If you had been straightforward from the beginning, we wouldn't be caught up in this confusion now. At first, your silence led me to think you were shy or overly sensitive."
Patricia could feel her frustration escalating. "Are you suggesting that this is my fault?"
"What other explanation is there?" Diane retorted.
Watching Patricia's struggle to counter the argument, Mia realized that Patricia's character hadn't evolved much.
Otherwise, she wouldn't be so easily manipulated by others.
With a cold stare fixed on Diane, Mia quipped, "That's rather amusing. I clearly recall both Aunt Patricia and I rejecting your advances last night.
"And again this morning, when you shamelessly showed up to deliver something, Aunt Patricia turned you down once more. If audacity could be a meal ticket, you'd never go hungry."
Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1160-Diane's cheeks reddened with embarrassment, and she paused, searching for her words.
After a moment, she spoke hesitantly, "So, what do you propose we do? If you're not interested, then perhaps it's best to leave it at that. There's no need for any physical confrontation, is there?" "It was you who spoke rudely and entered our home without permission. Plus, she's the one who started the physical confrontation just now. We were simply defending ourselves," Mia retorted. Realizing the tide was turning against her, Pamela quickly cried out, "Noah, I'm having a terrible headache! Please, take me to the hospital!"
Noah promptly grasped the situation and prepared to escort Pamela away, but Joe blocked their path.
With a stern look at Noah, Heath questioned, "Do you plan on leaving without offering an apology?"
In response, Noah turned to Mia with a remorseful demeanor. "I apologize, Ms. Lane! Today has been filled with misunderstandings, and it seems we've all been affected by them. Please forgive us! Let's all agree to put today behind us, shall we?"
Mia's brow furrowed slightly. "Your apology should be directed toward Aunt Patricia, not me."
Following Mia's words, Noah promptly offered his apology to Patricia as well.
Known for her gentle nature, Patricia chose to remain silent.
Once Pamela and Noah had departed, only Diane remained at the scene.
Shifting his focus to Diane, Heath remarked, "You must make a decision-apologize or face potential legal consequences. The choice is yours."
Initially, Diane had believed she could dismiss the situation as before. However, Heath's resolute stance left her with no option but to swallow her pride and offer a begrudging apology.
Patricia's patience wore thin as she urged, "Please, leave now. Do not come back to trouble Mia again."
Despite her reluctance, Diane had no other recourse but to depart dejectedly.
With the troublemakers gone, the living room gradually returned to a state of calm.
Upon catching sight of Timothy, Patricia instinctively called out, "Mr. Barrett?"
Timothy nodded in acknowledgment as he met Patricia's gaze. "Apologies for the delay," he remarked.
In response, Patricia added, "You can put Sage down now. Everyone has left."
In that instant, Timothy suddenly
realized that he had been cradling Sage in his arms all this time. He had been so engrossed in managing the situation that he had forgotten about Sage resting against him.
Mia's gaze also fell upon Sage nestled in Timothy's embrace. The resemblance between father and son was remarkable, especially noticeable when they were together. Their family bond was unmistakable at a glance.
Feeling slightly self-conscious, Sage gently eased himself out of Timothy's embrace. Despite his stoic demeanor, a hint of emotion flickered in his eyes.
During the earlier altercation, Sage was undeniably furious. Given his small stature, he realized he wouldn't be able to confront Noah alone.
However, Timothy's unexpected intervention completely changed the situation. Timothy not only confronted Noah but also defended Mia, ultimately resolving the conflict.
When Sage was briefly cradled in Timothy's arms, he experienced a peculiar yet oddly comforting sensation, one entirely unfamiliar to him.
Lost in contemplation, Sage remained silent.
Meanwhile, Timothy shifted his attention back to Mia and Patricia after gathering himself. "Are you both okay? Aunt Patricia, do you
think you should consider going to the hospital for a check-up?" Content
Patricia waved her hand dismissively. "I'm fine; it was just a small scuffle with some hair-pulling. I fought back too, and that old hag got hurt as well. "Growing up in the countryside, I'm accustomed to dealing with these kinds of situations. I didn't mean to cause any trouble for either of you."
Mia let out a sigh of relief upon seeing Patricia unharmed.
She then turned to Timothy and asked, "What brings you here?"