Chapter 183

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 become 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 anticipated coming here.

Parking her car in the designated spot, Shelly proudly remarked, “Mia, this place 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 gladly 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 the company or something.” Mia

sarcastically

remarked.

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

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.

She observed Timothy’s customary workplace, 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 welcome

Struggling to maintain her composure, 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 place. 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 clarify. “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.

Nonetheless, 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 always come 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 accepted the credit card. “Thank you, Maya. Oh, wait, I should refer

to you as my sister–in–law now.”