Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Unbeknownst to Mia, Connor had just crossed paths with Maya downstairs.
Fortunately, Mia hadn’t descended at that moment. Otherwise, he’d be in deep trouble.
Ultimately, the six brothers had struck a deal: whoever revealed their true identity before Mia would be required to perform a dance naked!
Despite his lack of integrity, Connor was determined to avoid such a humiliating fate!
Mia nodded, her expression tinged with self¨Cdeprecation.
“Connor, I appreciate your assistance this time, but there’s something I need to share with you. Perhaps your friend won’t need to intervene after all, I sincerely apologize.” She expressed.
As Connor pondered the recent encounter with Maya, he couldn’t shake the suspicion that Maya might have disclosed something, considering the coincidence of Mia running into both Maya and Timothy downstairs.
With a soft sigh, Connor expressed. “It’s fine, as long as Grandma Laura’s surgery goes well.”
“Indeed, that’s my sole concern. As for everything else, it doesn’t matter to me.
“I just regret dragging your friend into this, especially now that he won’t be performing the surgery. I’m afraid he might be upset.”
“Don’t worry. My friend won’t be bothered.”
Connor offered her a reassuring look. “Let’s go. It’s time to head back,” he uttered.
Understanding that Mia’s primary concern was for Laura’s surgery to go smoothly, Connor was determined to reassure her and alleviate any lingering concerns.
Upon returning home, Mia pushed aside any concerns regarding Laura’s surgery.
With Maya’s brother set to perform the operation, there seemed to be little to fret about.
—
A few days later, Mia stumbled upon an intriguing entertainment headline: “Socialite Maya enjoys a delightful dinner with her future mother¨Cin¨Claw, showcasing the harmonious bond blossoming between the soon¨Cto¨Cbel in¨Claw duo.”
In the accompanying photo, Maya and Sharon appeared joyous, hands intertwined and smiles adorning their faces.
It seemed that Sharon had indeed found a prosperous heiress for a daughter¨Cin¨Claw.
Gently touching her abdomen, Mia was aware that once the waiting period at the end of the month elapsed. she could proceed with the divorce proceedings against Timothy.
“Mia, I’ve noticed you touch your stomach frequently. Is there a reason for that?”
Wilhelmina leaned in suddenly, her gaze probing. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”
Mia’s hand halted. “Why does touching my stomach concern you?” she quipped.
“Stop pretending. It seems you’ve put on a significant amount of weight compared to before, almost resembling a pregnancy. So, whose child are you carrying?”
“Wilhelmina, instead of indulging in gossip, consider how to address the complaints you’re handling. If unresolved, those issues could have a detrimental impact on the entire studio.”
Wilhelmina’s expression turned cold as she marched away in her high heels. She promptly called Shelly. saying. “Ms. Barrett, I suspect Mia might be pregnant.”
Shelly chuckled on the other end. “Mia may desire to be pregnant, but the chances of that happening are slim. aren’t they?
“By the way, I have a task for you. Find a way to get Mia into trouble, preferably something linked to your designs. If you execute this well, I’ll buy you that handbag you were eyeing last time.”
Wilhelmina was instantly thrilled. “Ms. Barrett, you can count on me. I’ll certainly, meet your expectations!”
After ending the call, a persistent doubt lingered in Wilhelmina’s mind.
Nevertheless, Mia’s apparent pregnancy was hard to ignore.
With the limited number of women in the office, it became evident that Mia had been experiencing a lapse in her menstrual cycles.
After ending the call, Wilhelmina cast a glance at Mia. She was determined to prove to Shelly that Mia was truly pregnant.
However, there was no need to rush things at that moment.
After a moment of contemplation, Wilhelmina opened her WhatsApp and playfully typed, “Hey Keegan, didn’t you mention last time that you were looking to meet a talented girl?
“Interestingly, there’s a colleague in my studio who surpassed me and secured the top spot in that competition. I’ll introduce her to you later.”
With everything arranged, Wilhelmina swiftly approached Felix.
“Felix, we’ve just landed a design order for a luxury villa, and the client specifically asked for Mia to take charge of the project,” she announced coquettishly.
“Alright, I’ll deliver the order to her later,” Felix remarked.
With a subtle smile on her lips, Wilhelmina exited the office.
Having established a connection with the Barrett family, it seemed appropriate to distance herself from
Keegan.
Having Mia take her place could simplify matters, shielding Wilhelmina from potential complications. With
Shelly around, Keegan would find himself powerless against Wilhelmina.
Soon after, Mia secured the design contract for a luxury villa.
Upon dialing the client’s number, a middle¨Caged man picked up. After introducing herself, Mia asked, “Could you provide an overview of your design preferences?”
“Mr. Stewart is currently occupied. If you want specifics, you’ll need to meet him in person,” came the swift.
reply.
“And when would be a suitable time?”
“He is available tomorrow afternoon. You may come straight to the villa,” the voice instructed before promptly ending the call.
Mia glanced at her phone, reflecting on how many affluent Individuals seemed to share similar traits.
In this modern era, amassing wealth was undoubtedly challenging.
The following afternoon, Mia arrived at the villa as directed.
Yet, the moment she stepped inside, a sense of unease washed over her.
It could have been the living room decor that didn’t sit well with her, though she couldn’t quite place her finger on it.
Taking a seat on the sofa, Mia awaited her appointment.
Soon after, a maid approached with a tray of fruit juice.
“May I-” Just as Mia began to inquire, the maid abruptly turned and walked away, leaving Mia’s question hanging in the air.
Mia held back from speaking, her gaze briefly lingering on the beverage in front of her before deciding not to consume it.
With her pregnancy, she needed to be cautious in her dietary choices.
As moments passed, the sun outside gradually dipped toward the western horizon.
Mia felt the temperature in the living room drop noticeably.
She took out her phone and dialed the client’s number again, but there was no answer on the other end.
Just as she contemplated leaving, a commanding voice echoed from behind, halting her in her tracks. “Ms. Bowen, please wait.”
Turning around, Mia saw an elderly man in a wheelchair emerging from the elevator, accompanied by a tall, hefty middle¨Caged man standing beside him.
Recognizing the voice, Mia gathered that this middle¨Caged man must be the individual she had spoken with over the phone.
Retracing her steps, Mia greeted, “Hello, Mr. Stewart.”
“I heard you secured first place in the Fleur International Design Competition. Truly, talent often accompanies beauty,” Keegan commented.
Mia managed a strained smile, feeling uneasy about Keegan’s gaze.
“Please, Ms. Bowen, take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
“I couldn’t help but notice you haven’t indulged in the fruit spread before you. Is there something else you’d prefer? I’d be happy to arrange an alternative for you,” Keegan remarked.
“It’s alright, Mr. Stewart. Here are some design sketches I’ve crafted. Please take a look and let me know if anything catches your eye,” Mia suggested, hoping to redirect the conversation.
Following that, Keegan made a swift gesture, signaling Roberto to seize the design sketches.
At the same time, Keegan handed a business card to Mia, stating, “Ms. Bowen, you might not be familiar with who I am. Allow me to introduce myself.”
Mia glanced at the name on the business card: “CEO of Keystone Construction.”
She remembered the company well, having previously assisted Timothy in delivering some documents to them.
Back then, the president of Keystone Construction had approached Timothy with an investment proposal for a golf course project.
Surprisingly. Timothy had turned down the offer.