Chapter 563

+16 BONUS

Upon hearing Timothy’s words. Mia looked at him with surprise. “Why are you asking about that?”

Timothy turned to her, explaining. “You once mentioned that I didn’t understand you well enough. I’m

trying to learn more about your past.”

Mia felt utterly bewildered. When had she ever made such comments?

Perhaps she had in the past, but that was prior to their divorce. Now that they were no longer married,

she couldn’t be bothered about such things.

Jeremy chimed in. “Yes, Mr. Barrett. Mia and I were classmates in high school, Mia was renowned for her exceptional academic performance, which earned her the favor of our teachers, who took special

care of her.”

Mia couldn’t help but interject. “That’s only because my family wasn’t well–off. The teachers felt a sense

of responsibility toward me.”

“Mia, you shouldn’t say that. Don’t take Ramona’s comments at the reunion to heart. She’s just envious

and superficial

“Back in school she couldn’t handle the fact that you were academically successful, beautiful, and favored by the teachers. Her jealousy led her to slander and undermine you during the reunion.”

Timothy’s demeanor turned cold. “Was Mia bullied at the reunion?”

Jeremy swiftly clarified, “Mr. Barrett, we had a classmate named Ramona Tilbert who envied Mia. resulting in tension between them.

“Fortunately, Mia now has the support of her family, and Ramona is facing the consequences. Her family’s business is now struggling to meet payroll, and her father faces allegations of financial

misconduct.”

Mia was surprised by the rapid turn of events. It seemed that Claude hadn’t updated her on this matter.

Timothy’s brow furrowed slightly once more. He was aware that Mia’s family had the situation under control, leaving no need for his intervention.

Nonetheless, this left Timothy feeling somewhat frustrated.

The meal surprisingly remained pleasant, largely thanks to Jeremy’s efforts to mediate.

+15 BONUS

As Mia dabbed her mouth with a napkin, Jeremy took out his phone and proposed, “Mr. Barrett, Mia, it seems fate has brought us together. How about we take a selfie?”

Mia was taken aback. “A selfie?”

She didn’t see the need for it.

Jeremy persisted. “Mia, ever since the last reunion, everyone has been eagerly anticipating another get-

together, especially to see you.

“Why don’t we capture this moment? It’ll be a great way to make everyone envious of you and your

husband.”

“Correction, he’s my ex–husband now.” After her remark, she noticed a subtle change in Timothy’s

expression, though she didn’t believe her statement was out of line.

“Mia, even though you’re divorced, we’re all still friends, right?”

Jeremy paused, observing Timothy’s reaction; he didn’t seem offended. Taking a chance, he cautiously

inquired, “Mr. Barrett, what do you think?”

Timothy’s lips slightly parted. “I don’t mind.”

Sensing Jeremy’s gaze, Mia nodded and said, “Since he’s fine with it, I don’t mind either.”

“Great! I’ll stand in front, and on the count of three, we’ll say cheese!”

Jeremy seized the moment, snapping a selfie of the trio. He positioned himself in front, with Mia and Timothy standing closely behind him.

Once the photo was captured, Mia turned to Jeremy and said, “Just be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with their privacy being exposed.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t casually spread this photo around. It’s just meant for our classmates.”

Upon hearing this. Timothy raised an eyebrow and added, “I understand you’re scouting projects at the university. If you require financial assistance in the future, you can reach out to my assistant, Heath, at

this number.”