Hidden Flash Marriage: Love Me Back, Mr CEO

The following day arrived, and as planned, Shawn and Mia set off early to visit Grandpa Mandez to wish him a happy birthday. They carried an assortment of gifts, including a carefully hand-knitted sweater that Mia had worked on during late nights in the past few days.

“Grandfather, this is to keep you warm,” Mia said, presenting the sweater as a thoughtful gesture, considering she didn’t have money to buy a gift like Shawn did.

Grandpa Mandez was genuinely touched by her kindness and promised to wear the sweater always.NôvelDrama.Org holds this content.

After sharing breakfast and spending a couple of hours with the elderly man, Shawn and Mia bid their farewell.

As they left, Grandpa Mandez fondly stroked the sweater on his lap, commenting, “Such a sweet girl, isn’t she?”

“Yes, Sir,” Anderson, who had been standing nearby, agreed with a smile.

Mia strolled back towards the mansion, Shawn leading the way, and a gentle smile graced her lips as she watched his figure ahead of her.

In the past few days, their paths hadn’t crossed, making this brief encounter even more special. Because, as soon as they stepped back inside the house, they’d resume their separate routines. Also, Mia couldn’t shake the disappointment of missing the night’s birthday party.

A frustrated sigh escaped her lips, and she raised her gaze to find Shawn’s eyes fixated on her. He’d come to a halt, and his intense gaze felt like it was probing the depths of her soul.

“How long will it take you to get home?” He asked, his lips pressed firmly together.

Mia blinked rapidly and hastened to his side, feeling a hint of amusement in his sneer as they continued walking.

“I appreciate the sweater,” He said, his voice calm and measured.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Mia replied, waving her hand dismissively while laughter tinged with nervousness escaped her.

Unbeknownst to her, jealousy simmered within Shawn. Would she knit him a sweater when his birthday rolled around? He couldn’t help but wonder.

“So, what do you have planned for the day since you won’t be attending the banquet?” Shawn inquired.

Mia bit her lower lip and cast a concealed glare at his back. Did he really need to remind her about missing the birthday party? Aish. She already knew he didn’t want her there, he didn’t have to remind her.

“Um, just the usual. I’ll study too. The National College Entrance Exam is coming up,” she replied.

Shawn nodded in encouragement. “Best of luck, Little One.”

“Thank you,” Mia replied with a grateful smile.

—–

The Thompson Family’s Residence.

“Wait, please, just tell me-you still haven’t-” Barbara removed the phone from her ear for a moment and then pressed it back. “Hello? Hello?! Mr. Andrew!”

But the man had already hung up.

“Aish!” She flung the phone onto the bed, groaning in frustration.

Barbara couldn’t believe her plan to get rid of the girl hadn’t worked.

That day, after the Andrew family left with Mia, she had been so happy. After scolding her daughter for not being on her side, she calmed down and ordered Madam Grace to pour her some wine, enjoying a melodious victory music.

While she was relishing the moment, a call came from Cole Andrew.

“Ah, hello, my in-law. Are you enjoying your new bride? You have to keep your promise and help our Thompson family’s company out of bankruptcy.”

But the man’s voice on the other end made her jump out of her chair, spilling the wine on her dress.

“Woman! Don’t you ever contact my family again! Because of you, I’ve gotten into serious trouble! Why didn’t you tell me?! I never want to have anything to do with you again!” The patriarch of the Andrew family yelled furiously, nearly deafening Barbara.

Then the line went dead.

Barbara was dumbfounded. She didn’t understand what had just happened. What was the matter? She didn’t expect the man to react this way. She had even anticipated him thanking her for her help. But that wasn’t the case.

And what was he talking about when he mentioned her not saying something? Barbara immediately tried calling him back, but it didn’t go through. Just like that, her night was ruined.

The following day came, his line still didn’t connect. It took a while before she realized he had blocked her.

What Barbara found shocking was that as soon as the day broke, news of XY Company returning to order filled the air.

Was it Cole Andrew’s doing? She couldn’t help but wonder. But if he was the one who helped them, why did he speak to her that way the previous night? Barbara was thrown into confusion. Besides, shortly afterward, news of Andrew Enterprises crumbling also broke out, further deepening her confusion.

Today, she decided to dial his office line. Just as she had predicted, it went through.

“Mr. Andrew, please, calm down. Don’t hang up yet,” She quickly pleaded, knowing he might cut the call as soon as he heard her voice.

“I don’t understand what’s going on. Is my girl not performing well? Also, did you help us?”

“Me? Help you?! When my own company is in ruins?!” Cole Andrew thundered angrily, “Just so you know, your daughter is no longer with us! She was taken away that day. Why didn’t you say- In fact, don’t ever contact me again! Don’t put me in more trouble than I already am!”

“Wait, please, just tell me-you still haven’t-” Barbara removed the phone from her ear for a moment and then pressed it back. “Hello? Hello?! Mr. Andrew!”

She was stunned. He hung up. How could this be? How come the girl was no longer with the Andrew family? Barbara struggled to process the man’s words, her mind in turmoil as she threw her phone on the bed.

Right at this moment, Vivian entered her mother’s room. Seeing her, Barbara hurriedly pulled her to the bed. “Has your sister been attending school recently?” Her eyes were sharp.

Vivian frowned. “Mom, what are you trying to do? Weren’t you the one who married her off?”

She thought her mother was playing games again.

Barbara realized the girl hadn’t been going to school. “She’s no longer with the Andrews.”

“What?” Vivian was shocked. “What do you mean she’s no longer with them?” She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her mother. “What did you do this time? Aish.”

“I didn’t do anything to her, Vivian. I received a call that she’s no longer with them… That she was taken away.” The woman’s face was scrunched up.

Vivian was rendered speechless. Her mother’s serious expression convinced her she was telling the truth.

“Are you sure she hasn’t been attending school?”

“No,” she responded blankly.

Vivian was at a loss for words. What did her mom mean by Mia was taken away from the Andrew family? How was that possible?

“What could have happened? Hm! I’m sure that girl is being backed by a sugar daddy!” Barbara concluded.

Vivian rolled her eyes at her mother. She knew her sister was not like that. Mia would never be involved in illicit activities. Just as she was about to defend her sister, something flashed through her mind.

She remembered seeing Mia stepping out of an exotic car at school several days ago.

Could it be true? Could everyone be right about Mia? Vivian’s brows furrowed.

Barbara clicked her tongue. “Let’s forget about that girl for now. We need to get prepared for Old Master Mandez’s birthday party.”

Upon hearing those words, Vivian pushed the thoughts of her sister aside.

“My lovely daughter, by the time you’re done dressing up, you’ll be so gorgeous. Heads will turn as soon as you step into that venue,” Barbara said proudly, making Vivian blush.

“Make sure you don’t forget our main agenda. Ignore the boys and focus on the prize,” She reminded, and Vivian nodded.

“Thank goodness your father was able to snag us an invite. We must use this chance wisely.”

Upon receiving the news of XY Company’s unexpected recovery a few days ago, Barbara rushed upstairs to her husband’s room, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. She eagerly shared the news with him, urging him to recover swiftly. News that his company had miraculously bounced back while he lay in his sickbed seemed to work wonders on Arnold Thompson’s health as he quickly recovered. Without delay, he resumed his work.

Barbara made sure to refrain from telling her husband that she almost had Mia sold off, as she’d be digging her grave by doing that.

“Don’t worry, Mommy. I’ll make you proud,” Vivian beamed.