Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“I heard that the proposed investment is one million dollars.”
“One million dollars? That’s a huge sum of money!” Her fingers clutched onto the hat tightly. “Do you know the reason behind this?”
“No, not for now. But I think it has something to do with the Fleur International Design Competition. Mr. Dominic’s construction company puts a lot of importance on design. They’ve just established a new subsidiary in Bern City. I bet this is a plan for a business expansion. They’re looking out for talented designers.”
Maya gave it a thought. Blake’s analysis made sense.
It hadn’t been long since Dominic’s subsidiary company was established in Bern City. Besides, he had also built exhibition halls in universities back in Nord City.
Annoyed, she wore the hat only to frown because of the stinging pain from her scalp. “Damn it, Mia Bowen! I’m going to avenge myself tenfold! Find Dana at all costs!”
If she managed to find Dana, she’d be able to trick Dominic and the others to buy herself some time.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Lane. I’ve asked a staff member from the luxury store to message her that she won a prize. A materialistic person like her won’t be able to turn down the offer. Once she shows herself in the mall, we’ll be able to catch her.”
Maya smiled. “Not bad. Dana will definitely show up. Help me contact that store manager. I want that dress from the latest collection and that bag made of rare leather. When can they be delivered? I want to wear them to the graduation party.”
He paused momentarily. “Someone bought the dress yesterday, but the bag is still there.”
“Who bought it?”
“A VIP, I heard.”
What a pity.
Maya thought that it would’ve been great if she was a VIP member. She heard that Eva owned a VIP membership card, but forgot to borrow the card from her. Well, Eva never liked her anyway.
A dark glint clouded Maya’s eyes as she thought, “I’m the daughter of the Lane family. As a mere outsider, how dare Eva not pay me the respect I deserve! Just what is she feeling superior about?”
At the end of the day, an upset Maya ordered, “Buy the bag then.”
“Ms. Lane, your credit limit is reduced to ten thousand dollars after you fought with Mr. Dominic on the day you returned to the country. That bag costs 60 thousand dollars.”
“I have cash.”
“The cash you have is spent on Ms. Barrett’s credit card. For your information, she uses it lavishly.”
Maya frowned. She didn’t expect herself to lack money.
Blake suggested, “How about signing the agreement offered by Mr. Dominic? It offers many properties, shares, and cash.”
“If I sign it, I’ll have nothing to do with the Lanes anymore. Only a fool would sign that agreement.”
No matter how angry she was, she knew how reality was. “Freeze Shelly’s credit card. That useless trash isn’t helping. She doesn’t deserve to spend my money.”
“Alright.”
“And find out who bought that dress. Look for an imitation of that bag. Pick something that appears authentic. No one at the graduation evening party can afford to buy branded limited editions. Even if the bag is fake, no one will notice.”
He went along with it. “You’re right. You’re Ms. Lane. No one will suspect that you use dupes.”
She snorted. “Mia should be attending that party. It’s time I pick on her shortcomings. Since Dominic and the others will be there as well, I’ll have him teach her a lesson!”
The sheer imagination of the scene gave her an adrenaline rush. (2)
She couldn’t wait for the weekend to come.
After leaving the Music School, Mia still couldn’t shake off the nervousness,
Grabbing Maya’s hair was an act of impulse.
No matter how she thought about it, Mia still concluded that she was too impulsive.
Still, she couldn’t deny that it did let her steam off. Every time she met Maya, the latter always put on a haughty attitude.
After doing some revision at college, she checked the time and headed to the hospital by cab.
When she stood outside Laura’s room, mixed feelings churned in her stomach.
Laura was the reason Timothy didn’t want a divorce.
However, a child was bound to be unhappy if they grew up in a loveless family. Therefore, Mia must leave.
Since Timothy had never expected a child, she was afraid that the child would experience the same thing she did during those three years; to receive cold treatment and to be disregarded.
Taking a deep breath, she entered the room. “Grandma, I’m here. How are you feeling?”
“So far so good. I can wander two laps of the place downstairs at night. I think I’ll be able to be discharged soon.”
Laura did seem better and Mia was glad to see that.
During their lunch together, Laura said considerately, “Once you finish your exams, you should rest at home for a while. After the delivery, you can ask Timothy for a position if you want to work. Right now, your health is more important.”
“Sorry, Grandma. I actually lied to you.” Mia dropped her gaze.
Silence hung in the air.
Laura let down her hand. “About your pregnancy, isn’t it?”
Mia’s eyes darted to Laura.
But all she could do was stay silent. At this point, she couldn’t admit that the pregnancy was real.
A while later, Laura sighed. “I was hoping for that to happen with all my heart. I thought I could see my grandchild soon.”
“I’m sorry, Grandma.” Mia felt guilty for lying to Laura again.
Laura pulled Mia’s hand. “Is there anything else that you want to tell me?”
Mia pursed her lips. “I found my family.”
“Really? That’s good news! I was worried about you because you’re alone. I’m so glad to hear that. How are your parents? Are they nice to you?”
“My biological parents have passed away, but I have three brothers. They’re nice to me.”
The moments spent with her brothers gave her the warm affection she had long lost.
“Where are they from?”
“Nord City.”
Laura fell silent at that answer, her hand still holding Mia’s. “So you decided to return to Nord City, is that right?”
“Yes.” Mia nodded. “Once I settle down, I’ll make sure to visit you frequently in the future.”
Laura sighed. “My plan was to make you stay by my side. I see you as my granddaughter. Too bad
Timothy isn’t that lucky. I wonder who’ll be that lucky man.”
Mia was bewildered to hear that. “You knew?”
“You think your acting can deceive me? I thought both of you would get along well since you were pregnant. But since the pregnancy was fake and you’ve found your family, I figure that there’s no way to make you stay.”
In the face of Laura’s optimism, Mia couldn’t fight back her tears anymore. 2
Laura wiped her tears off. “When are you going to sign the divorce papers?”
Mia shook her head.
Laura continued, “Not you, I’m asking that brat standing by the door.”
Hearing that, Mia turned to look at the door. Timothy was there!
She froze, not expecting him to be here as well.
His eyes were deep and she couldn’t read his emotions.
Slowly, he walked into the room with his coat draping his shoulder. Since he was wearing his suit, it seemed like he had just come from work.
Laura spared him a glance. “Why aren’t you answering? I asked you a question.”
Mia dropped her gaze as she didn’t have the nerve to look at his expression. A weight hung in the air.
Still, wasn’t this what they had come to compromise in the end?
“Mia, come outside with me for a moment.”
Before she could react, he pulled her out of the room by the wrist.
She scurried because she couldn’t keep up with his large strides. “Timothy, what is it?”
Timothy stopped and turned. “Have you never thought that the truth would be too much for her to take in?
What if she had fainted? She has yet to be discharged!”