Chapter 114
The call ended, and Mia received a Starbucks voucher from Nathan short after. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
However, she put up a wry smile. Her pregnancy meant bidding farewell to her beloved coffee.
Ten minutes ticked away before Mia got the information Nathan had sent. True enough, the name tied to the IP address was none other than Taylor.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Nathan inquired, “Do you want me to reveal this person’s identity?”
Mia responded firmly. “No need, I’ll take it from here.”
The campus forum buzzed with the incident, and quickly became the talk of the college.
With no afternoon classes, Mia headed straight to the studio.
Just as she took her seat, Felix emerged from the office, saying, “Mia, I heard about the forum chaos. Remember, a clear conscience is your best defense.”
“I’m aware,” Mia replied calmly.
Having unraveled the culprit’s identity, Mia had a plan in mind to tackle the situation.
Upon learning of the incident, Wilhelmina immediately forwarded the link to Shelly, shooting her a cold glance.
Quick to react, Shelly shared the news with Sharon, saying, “Aunt Sharon, see for yourself. It appears Mia is causing a stir at college once again.”
“Typical Mia, always stirring up trouble,” Sharon said, annoyed.
She headed to the Barrett Group, anger fueling her every step.
Confronting Timothy, she exclaimed, “Timothy, come take a look. Mia’s embroiled in a scandal on campus.
“There are photos of her with some random man. If this gets out, what will it do to our family’s reputation?”
Timothy furrowed his brow in concern, reading the forum’s headlines intently.
Yet, as he scrutinized the photo, his expression noticeably softened. “Mom, this is all just hearsay.”
Sharon retorted, “How can you dismiss it? Have you seen that photo?”
Timothy replied with certainty, “I have. That car in the picture belongs to me.”
For a moment, Sharon was rendered speechless. Eventually, she managed to ask, “Tim, are you being honest?”
“Absolutely,” Timothy affirmed.
Collecting herself, Sharon straightened her attire before saying, “Regardless, Mia seems to have a knack for stirring up trouble just when we least need it.
“And speaking of timing, the doctor you enlisted met with an accident. Have you thought about your next steps?” Sharon added.
+15 BONOS
“Considering Connor’s recent departure from the Red Cross, Maya mentioned he might have some availability. Have you considered accelerating your divorce proceedings with Mia?” Sharon questioned Tim.
Timothy responded calmly, “Mom, I’m fully aware of the circumstances.”
In a fit of indignation, Sharon stormed out of the office.
Once outside, she directed her assistant. “Notify Mr. Shaw–Mia’s grant should be revoked. Someone causing such trouble shouldn’t benefit from the Barrett family’s support.”
She couldn’t help but wonder, would her son have become so passive if it weren’t for Mia?
After wrapping up her work, Mia’s phone buzzed with a call from Riley. “Mia, due to the escalating rumors, the college has decided to revoke your grant.”
Mia’s expression hardened with resolve. “Ms. Matterson, I intend to clarify everything with Mr. Shaw firsthand tomorrow regarding the forum incident.”
As she ended the call, a wave of despondency washed over her.
Arriving home that evening, Timothy was conspicuously absent.
Noticing her concern, Martha relayed, “Mr. Barrett called to mention he’ll be working late and won’t be home for dinner.”
Burdened by the weight of the forum controversy, Mia’s gaze fell downward.
Yet, fueled by determination to address the matter directly, she marched to Kennedy’s office the following morning.
There, she laid out the evidence she had meticulously collected. “Mr. Shaw, I’ve traced the IP address of the person disseminating these rumors.”
Kennedy responded sharply, “And? The damage is already done. Furthermore, can you refute their claims?
“Given your family’s financial situation, how can you explain your association with someone who owns such an extravagant car?” Kennedy asked pointedly.
Kennedy’s probing questions felt like an onslaught to Mia.
Gathering her composure, Mia replied, “Just because my family isn’t affluent, does a single photograph imply I’m involved with a wealthy individual?”
Kennedy countered, “Then how do you justify that image? Whose luxury car is captured in it?”
“That car belongs to me!”