Chapter 542

“Just because i was once an orphan doesn’t mean I still am. I have a family now!”

“Hmph, stop with the lies. Are you seriously trying to convince me that you randomly stumbled upon an

affluent family, turning you from an orphan into a wealthy heiress overnight?”

Mia nodded. “Why is that so hard to believe?”

“Hahaha, Mia, your excuses are getting ridiculous. Have you been indulging in too many soap operas?

Such scenarios only play out in TV dramas, not in reality. Snap out of it!”

At that moment, a Porsche pulled up nearby, and a sharply dressed man stepped out. He wore gold–

rimmed glasses, exuding an aura of urban sophistication.

Ramona’s face lit up when she spotted him. “Jeremy, over here!”

Jeremy approached them with a warm smile. “Why are you two waiting at the entrance? Aren’t you

tired?

“You could have simply mentioned my name, and they would have escorted you directly to the private

room.”

Taking advantage of the moment, Ramona commented, “Jeremy, did you get a new car? I remember

you had a BMW last time, and now you’re driving a Porsche. Quite the upgrade, huh?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. My family helped me out with some money to upgrade my car. There’s no way I could

afford a new one with my income.

“By the way, it’s a pleasant surprise to see Mia here today after all these years. You still look as lovely

as ever, Mia, not a day older.”

Mia smiled gracefully in response. “Thanks for the compliment.”

Standing nearby, Ramona couldn’t conceal her jealousy. She hadn’t anticipated Jeremy’s immediate

attention toward Mia upon his arrival.

After all, women possessed a keen intuition. Despite the passing years, it

appeared Jeremy still harbored feelings for Mia.

Jeremy instructed, “Let’s head inside, everyone. Don’t linger outside.”

Mia stayed quiet, joining the group as they made their way toward the restaurant.

As she entered, a sleek, new luxury car pulled up by the roadside.

Timothy lowered the car window and glanced toward the restaurant, a flicker of confusion crossing his

gaze.

Moments ago, he thought he glimpsed Mia among a group of people.

Seated in the passenger seat, Heath cautiously began, “Mr. Barrett, our reservation today isn’t at this

restaurant. It’s the one further ahead.”

“Got it,” Timothy replied, shifting his gaze away and rolling up the car window.

Upon entering the private room, Mia found herself amidst several classmates, although Gina had yet to

arrive.

Ramona swiftly claimed the seat beside Jeremy, eagerly inquiring about his work.

Mia quietly seated herself beside them, listening attentively. It was then that she discovered Jeremy’s

employment at a financial firm, boasting a substantial income.

As the waiter served tea, Jeremy poured a cup for Mia, commending her, “Mia, I heard you won first

place in a design competition. That’s truly impressive! Congratulations!”

“Thank you, it’s just a stroke of luck,” she modestly replied.

“Don’t underestimate yourself. Luck often reflects skill just as much.”

Ramona couldn’t help but interject, “Did Mia truly win an award in a design competition, or was it one of

those that almost anyone could achieve?”

“It’s the Fleur International Design Competition, hosted by the renowned Lane family in Nord City. It

takes place every three years and carries considerable prestige.

“With Mia securing first place, she now holds a golden opportunity to join any top–tier company in the

industry.” @

Upon hearing this, Ramona couldn’t help but feel envious. 5