Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
As Jason looked into Mia’s imploring eyes, a sigh escaped him.
At that moment, he finally understood the meaning of Connor’s previous comment about being unable to resist Mia’s pleas.
Now, Jason too found himself incapable of refusal.
However, despite agreeing to Mia’s request, he couldn’t shake off this lingering sense of injustice.
After organizing the documents, Mia returned home, putting on a facade as if nothing had happened.
After finishing her meal and settling into her bed for the night, Mia finally took a look at the property settlement agreement.
Summoning her courage, she dialed Timothy’s number, yet received no response from the other end.
Unbeknownst to her, Timothy was secluded in a private room at a lavish bar, surrounded by numerous.
empty liquor bottles.
Upon Caleb’s arrival, all he found were the remnants of Timothy’s indulgepce strewn across the room.
Caleb’s eyelids twitched with concern as he asked, “Tim, what’s going on with you?”
It had been years since Caleb had witnessed Timothy consume alcohol to such an extent.
Taking a seat on the sofa, Caleb couldn’t help but comment. “Is the world ending or something?”
Timothy removed his tie, his shirt draping loosely over his chest, appearing completely disheveled.
Without a word, he proceeded to consume another bottle of red wine before rambling incoherently.
Alarmed by Timothy’s behavior, Caleb hastily grabbed Heath beside him and demanded, “What in the world is going on?”
“Mr. Barrett is about to go bankrupt,” Heath replied.
Caleb raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “That’s impossible. How could the Barrett family face bankruptcy? Why haven’t I been informed about this?”
“Mr. Barrett has recently finalized the property settlement agreement for his divorce.”
“I see. But that shouldn’t result in bankruptcy.”
“Mr. Barrett has also transferred all his shares to Ms. Bowen.”
Upon hearing this, Caleb was shocked. “What? Is he out of his mind?”
Recounting the situation, Heath also acknowledged his surprise at how things had unfolded.
Upon hearing the full story, Caleb found it even more incredulous.
Turning to Timothy, he remarked, “There’s still room for negotiation with a lawyer.
“Plus, Mia signed a prenuptial agreement, so she wouldn’t receive anything in the divorce. Are you seriously going to give up just like that?”
This was certainly unlike Timothy’s usual behavior!
Putting down the bottle of red wine, its crimson contents trickling down his throat, Timothy swallowed nervously. His gaze was a mix of emotions as he exclaimed. “You don’t understand!”
“Yes, I’m baffled too. How could you sign the divorce settlement agreement without reviewing it’s contents first?
“Are you still the same cautious Timothy we all know? Such a careless mistake shouldn’t have happened to someone like you.”
Caleb was truly puzzled.
Timothy reclined casually on the sofa, his legs stretched out as if he might sink into the black cushions.
In a hoarse tone, he replied, “Do you think I have an answer?”
Caleb appeared perplexed as he asked, “You signed the document, didn’t you? How can you not understand? What were you thinking at that moment?”
“I wasn’t thinking at all!”
Timothy’s hand tightened around the wine bottle, his gaze darkening slightly.
He had never before made such a significant mistake because of a woman.
Timothy hadn’t realized the extent of Mia’s influence on him¨Cthis was what baffled him the most.
Caleb suddenly exclaimed, “Timothy, you’re not developing feelings for Mia, are you?”
Upon hearing this, Timothy was stunned, his dark eyes reflecting disbelief.
He instinctively replied, “Of course not!”
How could he possibly have feelings for Mia?
Caleb said to Timothy sternly. “If you truly had no feelings for Mia, why are you so unguarded around her? It shows that, subconsciously, you trust her a great deal.
“And on top of that, you two have been in a messy divorce for so long. She’s been involved with other men, and you’ve put up with it until now. Do you think you’re being fair to yourself?”
Timothy pursed his lips, a cold expression forming on his face. “I’m doing this for Grandma Laura’s sake.”
Caleb remarked, “Indeed, before Grandma Laura had her surgery, everyone thought Mia would try to take advantage of the situation to cling to you.
“Now that Grandma Laura’s surgery is over, why haven’t you and Mia proceeded with the divorce?
“Furthermore, when Mia’s lawyer came to discuss the property settlement with you, you simply signed without even going through the details of the agreement.
“Are you still insisting that you weren’t acting out of spite when you signed?”
Timothy appeared puzzled. “Out of spite?”
“Didn’t you just sign the document simply because you were frustrated with Mia’s sudden decision to initiate divorce proceedings and her insistence on drafting the property settlement agreement?
“Wouldn’t that imply that you still have feelings for her?”
Caleb’s analysis left Timothy silent for a moment. Indeed, after signing the papers this time, he realized an issue. He seemed to be paying more attention to Mia.
But this didn’t make sense to Timothy!
“Tim, now is not the time for you to drown in sorrow and alcohol.”
Timothy looked up. “Are you suggesting that I find Mia?”
“Yes, that’s precisely what you need to do!”
Timothy furrowed his brows, a sense of unease creeping over him as he clutched the wine bottle. “I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with my feelings for her.”
Caleb was caught off guard.
I
He stared at Timothy in disbelief. “Tim, I suggested you see Mia to discuss the property settlement agreement, but it seems you’re more focused on sorting out your feelings for her. I can’t help you with that.”
Caleb can’t seem to believe that Timothy was getting caught up in thoughts about Mia. Despite his financial troubles, Timothy seemed more fixated on his emotions.
Timothy’s expression shifted awkwardly as he averted his gaze. “This issue can wait.”
“How can it wait? You’re on the verge of bankruptcy! If your ancestors knew you were divorcing and handing over the company shares to Mia, they’d be appalled.
Timothy calmly observed the red wine in his hand. “Mia isn’t that type of person. She wouldn’t want to claim my assets.”
“What do you mean she wouldn’t want it? Didn’t Mia send her lawyer to initiate discussions about the property settlement with you?”
Caleb was utterly perplexed; he couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to the story than meets the eye.
Timothy’s expression darkened at the mention of the lawyer. “There are problems with the terms drafted by that lawyer. Mia likely isn’t aware of it.”
If Mia genuinely wanted Timothy’s assets, she would have raised the matter earlier.
Beforehand, Timothy had also prepared a property settlement agreement, yet Mia declined to request any assets and went as far as tearing up the agreement.
Hence, it seemed unlikely that the unreasonable terms in this current agreement could have originated from Mia.
Caleb’s lips twitched slightly. “Do you have that much faith in her?”
“I’m not just trusting her; I’m counting on my grandmother’s judgment as well” Timothy emphasized.
Caleb was momentarily taken aback. It seemed Timothy was using Laura as an excuse once again. Only a fool would fall for his deceit.
Caleb couldn’t help but ask, “So, who is this lawyer?”
“Jason Lane.” Timothy said.
“Another individual from the Lane family? You mentioned Mia’s close bond with Connor before, didn’t you? Is it possible that the Lanes harbor some hidden agenda against your family?” Caleb speculated.
Timothy took another sip of wine. “It’s not directed at my family, but rather at Mia herself.”