---
**One Month Later**
A lot had happened in the month since Ethan took on his new role. The Wilsons and the Davies families, deeply entrenched in rivalry, set aside their differences for the sake of Michael and Emilia's wedding—their union a renewed alliance. The Wilsons had acted out of pressure, led by Mae's firm stance to protect her family, while the Davies were relieved to finally get Michael into their fold.
After the wedding celebrations and a brief honeymoon, Mae brought her babies home from the hospital, filling Ethan's apartment with joy. She threw a lively party to welcome them, buoyed by Nicole and Alex's return from London.
Yet, shadows loomed as Shaun and Bella conspired with Brooke to implement their next plan, this time with a renewed focus on eliminating Kelly's presence in Mae's life. As Mark left the country after his discharge, doubt clouded Mae's heart—how long could they keep their family intact with so many lurking threats?
---
**At Ethan's Apartment**
Mae took a moment to catch her breath in the bustling living room, surrounded by colorful decorations celebrating the arrival of her children. She sat down on the couch, eager to catch up with Emilia.
"When is your next concert?" Mae asked, trying to shift the topic to lighter things.
"Well, that will be in three months," Emilia replied, a sparkle in her eye at the thought of performing again.
"And Michael?"
"He's been nothing but amazing," she said, a smile spreading across her face at the mention of her fiancé.
"I'm proud of you two," Mae said, feeling warmth bloom in her chest.
"Have you heard from Ethan?"
"The last time I saw him was at your wedding. I haven't seen or heard from him since then," Mae admitted, a hint of concern threading through her words.
"Are you sure he's okay?"
"I asked his mother, and she said he's fine. He's just so preoccupied with work," Mae assured.
"It must be really hard on you," Emilia said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"He's helping his family, so I don't mind," Mae replied, though a hint of longing lingered in her voice.
Just then, the front door clicked open, and Mae's mother entered, followed by a girl, her teenage frame clutching a large black suitcase.
"Mom, are you back already?" Mae exclaimed, rising from her seat only to stop short.
"Hello!" the girl said, waving enthusiastically, her features striking—smooth, fair skin complemented by shimmering jet-black eyes.
"Who are you and how did you get in here?" Mae asked, her confusion palpable.
"I'm Mia Grayson; I used the spare key my father gave me," she stated matter-of-factly.
"You're a Grayson?" Emilia echoed, her brow furrowed in surprise.
"Mia, what's going on here?" Mae's voice danced between curiosity and apprehension.
"Mia!" Camilla called, dashing over to give her an affectionate hug. "It's been too long!"
"I've missed you a lot," Mia admitted, returning the embrace eagerly.
"So what brings you here?" Camilla asked, pulling back.
"I came to see my father," Mia replied, looking around expectantly. "I'm also helping my older sister with babysitting my nephews and niece."
"Is your sister Mae Wilson?" Camilla asked, eyes brightening.
"Yes, exactly!" Mia replied with a grin.
"Mia?" Kelly appeared on the scene now, her face shifting to a mask of surprise.
"Hey, Aunt Kelly," Mia said sweetly.
"What are you doing here?" Kelly inquired, tone layered with concern.
"Grandma Nicole said I could come stay here for a while since my father is really busy right now," Mia explained casually.
"Grandma Nicole?" Mae used the distraction to focus her question on Kelly. "What does that mean?"
"You must be Mae, right?" Mia questioned confidently, stepping closer.
"Yes," Mae responded, bewilderment overtaking her.
Mia then stepped forward and embraced Mae, wrapping her arms around her. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mom," she said warmly, her words penetrating to Mae's core.
"Hold on; I think you've got the wrong person," Mae stammered, recoiling slightly, confused both by the exuberance of this girl and the role she claimed.
"No, you're my mother," Mia insisted sweetly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
"Kelly, what's going on?" Emilia asked, eyeing Kelly insistently.
"Mia, explain yourself," Kelly demanded, finally breaking the moment of chaos.
"I'm Mia Grayson, and I'm Ethan Grayson's daughter," Mia proclaimed, her voice ringing out boldly in the living room.
"What?!" shock rippled through the group, freezing them in place.
"Ethan has a daughter?" Emilia gasped, taking a step back.
"There's no need to feel betrayed, Mom. I'm not his biological daughter; he took me in after my mother died," Mia said, her expression softening.
"I'm really sorry about your mother," Mae offered, suddenly feeling a strange connection growing between them.
"There's no need to be sorry. I've got you now," Mia said, gleaming with warmth.
"Does Ethan know you're here?" Kelly chimed in.
"He'll figure it out sooner or later," Mia replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Are you going to be staying with us?" Mae asked, her heart constricting with both curiosity and trepidation.
"Yes, Mom," Mia answered with enthusiasm, almost as if she were claiming her space.
"If it's okay with you, would you like to see your younger siblings?" Mae asked gently.
"Yes, I'd love to," Mia beamed, her eyes sparkling bright.
"Camilla, please take Mia's bag to the room beside the guest room while I take Mia to see the babies," Mae directed calmly.
"Okay, sister," Camilla echoed as she prepared to help.
"Let's go, darling," Mae said, gently taking Mia's hand, leading her up the staircase, and leaving the confusion behind them.
The air in the living room shifted; while Camilla scrambled to accommodate Mia, Kelly and Emilia exchanged uneasy glances.
"I'm so happy that Mia is here," Camilla said with genuine happiness.
"Me too," Kelly echoed, though the smile on her face was feigned, her mind racing with the possibilities.
"Judging from Kelly's expression, this girl's presence might ruin her plans," Emilia thought as she shot a playful smile at Kelly, intrigued by the unfolding drama.
---
**Later in the Evening**
Mae sat working in the living room. Mia descended the stairs, grinning widely.
"They're finally asleep," she announced, plopping down beside Mae.
"Thanks a lot, Mia," Mae replied, comforted by the girl's energy.
"You look exactly like Dad right now. You two like to drown yourselves in work," Mia observed, leaning intently toward Mae.
"I'm not a workaholic like your father. Between caring for three babies and being the company president, I'm just juggling responsibilities," Mae replied with a weary smile.
"Well, you're not alone anymore. You've got me now," Mia said confidently.
"Thanks, Mia."
"So when do I get to meet my grandparents on your side?" Mia asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"When I'm less busy, we can go visit them, okay?" Mae promised.
"Sure."
"There's something I'd like to ask, and I hope it doesn't seem out of line," Mae began cautiously.
"You can ask me anything you want," Mia assured her, her expression open.
"I'd like to know who your birth mother is," Mae said softly, the gravity of her question hanging in the air.
"Her name is Courtney, and she was my father's sister," Mia answered, her gaze unwavering.
"Courtney?" Mae whispered, her heart tightening at the mention of the name.
"Yes, she died after giving birth to me," Mia explained.
"Really?" Mae's brows furrowed with concern.
"Yes, but she died primarily because of a car accident."
"Did your father ever tell you what caused the accident?"
"No, but Grandma Nicole did," Mia replied gently.
"So I'm guessing you know the truth."
"You mean the fact that your mother is the reason my mother is dead?" Mia questioned, her tone strangely pleasant.
"I'm really sorry, Mia," Mae said, sincerity deepening her voice.
"It's not a big deal, Mom."
"You're still calling me 'Mom'?" Mae wondered, a mixture of confusion and warmth swirling inside her.
"All that's in the past now. I'm sure your mom is not a bad person. It might have just been a mistake."
"You're not upset?" Mae asked, observing Mia's steady demeanor.
"Why would I be?" Mia shrugged lightly.
"You had to grow up without a mother because of mine."
"I didn't grow up without a mother. My father was both parents to me. He never made me feel like I didn't have a mother," Mia said, sentimental yet optimistic.
"Not everyone will feel the way you do," Mae murmured, touched by Mia's resilience.
"I don't like dwelling on the past, and I'm actually grateful to you. Because of your mother, I ended up having the best father a girl could ever ask for," Mia said earnestly.
"I wish your father was like you," Mae confessed, her heart swelling.
"Well, it's going to take some time for him to let go of my mother. It's not easy for him because she was his first love."
"His sister is his first love?" Mae mused aloud.
"They aren't related by blood."
"Is that why he finds it so hard to forgive me?" Mae asked.
"He's forgiven you a long time ago. Right now, he's trying to forgive himself," Mia revealed gently.
"Why?" Mae pressed, her maternal instincts soaring.
"Honestly, even though he doesn't show it, he's in love with you. He feels like he's betraying his love for my mother by being in love with you," Mia explained softly.
"I understand how he feels," Mae echoed, her own heart heavy as she processed the information.
"I feel like you adults just complicate everything," Mia said, her voice playful but firm.
"You'll understand better when you become an adult," Mae replied with a genuine grin.
"Sure."
"Do you miss her?" Mae asked, sincerity gracing her voice.
"I never got to meet her, but she's always in my heart. I don't need to miss her anymore because I've got you now," Mia said with childish conviction.
"You're pretty confident that I'll be a good mother to you," Mae said, smiling warmly.
"I have faith in my father's choice," Mia said, her belief unwavering.
"You really love him."
"We really love him," Mia said, affirmation shining brightly.
"Come here," Mae said, opening her arms wide, inviting Mia in for a heartfelt hug.
"Thanks for making him happy again," she whispered against Mia's hair.
"I promise to love you as my own kid, and I won't make you ever feel like you don't have a mother," Mae assured her, a weight of commitment in her voice.
"Thanks a lot, Mom," Mia said sincerely, holding tight to Mae as a bond began to shape between them.
---
**Two Weeks Later - Monday Morning**
Back at Ethan's apartment, Mae rushed down the stairs, heels in hand, preparing mentally for the demanding day ahead.
"Mom, aren't you ready yet? You're going to be late!" Mia called from the living room.
"I'm coming!" Mae replied hastily, entering the living room only to find Camilla and Mia already seated on the couch.
"Hey, girls," she said, her tone brightening as she donned her heels.
"Mom, are you going to come home late today?" Mia inquired, worry etched in her youthful face.
"Yes, darling," Mae replied, a hint of regret in her voice.
"Why?"
"I have a very important meeting today, and after that, your uncle and I have something crucial planned," Mae explained while fastening the straps.
"Mae, you've been working too much lately. The doctor said not to strain yourself; you haven't fully recovered from the accident," Camilla interjected with concern.
"She's absolutely right, Mom," Mia chimed in, sharing a sincere glance with Camilla.
"I appreciate that you girls care about me, but I have to fulfill my responsibilities," Mae said, rising from the couch.
"Promise us you won't overdo it," Camilla pleaded earnestly.
"I promise," Mae assured them. She gave Mia a soft kiss on the forehead before heading toward the entrance.
"I'll have to take my leave now, or I'll be late. Take care of your siblings in my absence, okay?"
"I will," Mia promised, visibly proud of her new responsibilities.
"And you, Camilla, take good care of your nephews and niece," Mae added as she prepared to step out.
"I promise to be a good aunt, big sis," Camilla replied, her voice filled with affection.
"I love you girls. I'll see you when I get back," Mae called over her shoulder as she opened the door and stepped into the day, her heart both heavy with love and light with purpose.
**SJ Group Head Office - Conference Room**
The conference room was a spectacle of opulence, with a long black rectangular steel table dominating the space. The mood was tense as shareholders and board members from both RX Hotels and SJ Group took their seats, their faces mirroring a spectrum of dissatisfaction and impatience. Among them sat Alex, Caleb, Ella, Brooke, Shaun, and Michael, each of them simmering with unvoiced opinions.
The heavy door swung open, and all eyes turned toward it. Mae entered, flanked by Becca, who followed obediently behind her. Mae strode toward the head of the table, her expression a mask of confidence despite the chaos that had unfolded in her life. She took her seat, her posture regal as Becca stood at her side.
"Good day, everyone," Mae said warmly, attempting to break the palpable tension.
"What's good about this morning? You're thirty minutes late," one board member shot back disdainfully. "Is this how you make the shareholders of your father's hotel wait around for you?"
Mae's heart sank at the sharpness in his tone. "I'm really sorry. One of my kids had—"
"We don't want to hear any of your excuses," the man interrupted coldly.
"Yes, you're not the first to have a child. I have a nine-month-old son at home, and I don't allow it to affect my work," another member chimed in, making Mae feel like a cornered animal.
"Cut her some slack," Alex urged, instinctively standing up for her.
"Don't defend her just because she's your daughter-in-law, Alex. You know how much we value our time." The disdain was palpable, and Brooke couldn't help but observe the play, her inner eye trained on Mae's discomfort.
"She's managing three one-month-old babies by herself while running this hotel," Brooke muttered under her breath. "So don't talk back at me when I say cut her some slack."
"I'm sorry, Alex," Mae said, anxiety bowing her shoulders.
"Her being a mother has been affecting the business. She's been behind schedule on a lot of things. We are at an important point of the year where we achieve our maximum profits, and we don't need our president faltering just because she just became a mother. She has to make the hotel her top priority right now, or we'll all suffer losses."
"Are you asking me to neglect my kids?" Mae's voice quivered with anger.
"Hire a nanny or something," a board member suggested, his tone unsympathetic.
"They are just one month old!" cried Mae, trying to maintain her composure.
"Mae, don't lose your temper," Alex cautioned, concern etched in his features.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Grayson," Mae said, her voice shaking.
"Let's hear a proposal to solve this situation," one of the board members said insistently.
"Some of us had a meeting concerning this issue of Mae slacking off work, and that's why we're actually holding this meeting," another executive stated.
"What are you trying to say?" Michael interjected, confusion creasing his brow.
"The whole agenda of this meeting is to dismiss Mae from the president position."
"What?! You can't dismiss her," Becca protested sharply.
"Yes, we can't dismiss her, but we can temporarily replace her," the executive clarified, folding his arms, a smirk blooming on his lips.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Mae sounded bewildered.
"It means we can relieve her of her duties, letting her take care of her kids while we choose someone who can handle her responsibilities so we can make our profits," he replied nonchalantly.
"And for how long will this temporary replacement last?" Mae pressed, desperation lacing her words.
"Well, until you're capable of putting work first. If you take too long, we can dismiss you and replace you with whoever we want," he continued, a chill wrapping around Mae's heart.
"Mr. Wilson, can they actually do this?" Mae turned to her father, the weight of all eyes on him.
"Yes, they can, President Mae," Caleb replied, his tone flat.
"Who's my replacement?" Mae challenged, her voice gaining strength.
"Mr. Shaun Grayson," the board member said with a satisfied grin.
"Why would the CEO of SJ Group stoop so low as to take on a hotel like ours?" Mae asked incredulously.
"Your family hotel is not useless, Mae. To be honest, it's nearly the best deal your husband, my former secretary, got us. It would be an honor to be president of RX Hotels while you take care of your children," Shaun replied with a smooth, sinister charm.
"So this is a setup? You've been planning this all along, haven't you?" Mae seethed, her eyes narrowing.
"Can't you just admit that you're the reason you are in this situation?" Shaun taunted.
"You're not going to get away with this, Shaun," Mae warned, her fingers curling into fists.
"Watch me," Shaun smirked, reveling in their power dynamics.
Just then, the door swung open again, and a man walked in. All heads turned, confusion rippling through the room.