Chapter 1173
Observing Sharon, Mia couldn't shake the realization that beneath her words lay a bedrock of selfish desires.
Having grown up in a household where boys were prioritized over girls, Sharon's longing for a son was deeply rooted.
Even upon learning of Timothy's illegitimate status, Sharon chose to feign ignorance to preserve her standing as a wealthy socialite.
Sharon's anger erupted as she scolded, "Mia, what nonsense are you spouting? Everything was in order before you arrived. Since you've been here, Tim has gone off track."
Mia retorted, "Are you secretly hoping to marry your son? Or is it because you know he's not your biological child? Despite your clear disdain for him, you still try to hide the truth from him and expect him to follow your every command.
"But he's proven himself to be quite independent, hasn't he? I can only imagine how much his defiance must hurt you."
Sharon's face twisted with frustration, unable to formulate a retort to Mia's accusations.
Undeterred, Mia continued, "Why the sudden silence? From the beginning, you've been driven by selfish motives, treating Timothy as nothing more than a means to an end. What makes you believe you have the right to manipulate him like this?"
Sharon asserted, "Well, firstly, I've been the one raising him since he was young. I've treated him as my flesh and blood, giving him the best education and pouring all my hopes into him.
"And what do I get in return? He turns out to be nothing but the illegitimate child of a mistress. If you were in my position, could you honestly say you'd handle it any differently?"
As Mia took in Sharon's distressed expression, she couldn't help but notice how Sharon seemed to age right before her eyes at that moment.
It was understandable. Facing such circumstances would overwhelm anyone.
All of a sudden, Mia's realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. "But why did you accuse me of disclosing Timothy's parentage to him?"
"Wasn't it you?" Sharon quickly
retorted. "It happened during that chaotic time when I found out Timothy wasn't my biological son 4 was in distress, barely holding myself together. It was when my sister came to comfort me that you
happened to overhear ou
discussion."
With a look of disdain, Mia shot back, "I didn't eavesdrop on your conversation. In fact, I only learned about Timothy's parentage recently, directly from Timothy himself." "What difference does it make? At that time, who could determine whether you knew or not?"
"So, let me get this straight. Besides your aversion to my orphan status, there's another critical factor at play, isn't there? It's your fear that I might disclose Timothy's true background to him. "After all, you could risk losing everything if that information ever came to light. That certainly explains why you're so keen to get rid of me."
Finally, Mia grasped why Sharon harbored such intense animosity toward her all those years.
It turned out it wasn't her fault at all. Rather, Sharon was simply consumed by guilt.
Sharon's calm facade started to fracture, her tone dripping with contempt. "Why does it even matter, anyway? An orphan like you has no right to marry into the Barrett family or uphold its legacy.
"I honestly never imagined you'd
have Tim wrapped around your finger like this. It just proves how
influential bloodlines can be. If he
were truly mine, he wouldn't be attracted to someone of your lowly status."
Mia's contemptuous laugh echoed through the room. "Have you conveniently forgotten how you adored that imposter who sneaked into the Barrett residence? You practically worshiped her. "And now, you have the audacity to suggest that a rightful heiress like me isn't deserving of the Barrett legacy? Please, spare me your charade.
"It's obvious you can't handle the
fact that Timothy isn't your biological son. So, you cling to the idea that he owes you everything that he should bend to your every whim. Unfortunately, your elaborate justifications only reveal your selfishness."
Sharon's sentiments toward Timothy had always been intricate, fueled by her conviction that he owed her his entire existence.