Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
As she spoke, a sleek black luxury car smoothly pulled up outside the restaurant.
The car’s elegant lines glided through the pouring rain, halting directly in front of the restaurant entrance.
Instantly, all eyes turned toward the vehicle.
Jeremy couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, that’s impressive! It’s the latest Rolls-Royce. Even with money, it’s not easy to get your hands on one.”
Ramona leaned forward, attempting to get a clearer view.
Mia, too, stared at the sleek black car before her, a hint of confusion evident in her eyes; this vehicle didn’t resemble her brother’s or Antonio’s!
Yet, the emblem on the car appeared familiar. She recalled Timothy owning a similar car, although the model seemed different!
Suddenly, the passenger door swung open, and a man holding a black umbrella approached the back seat, courteously opening the door.
The large black umbrella opened overhead, shielding them from the heavy downpour.
A man in a suit leaned forward to step out of the car. His features were handsome yet stern, and his narrow eyes held a sharp gaze.
Upon his arrival, the sound of the rain around him seemed to diminish, as if fading into the background.
Taking the umbrella from Heath’s hand, Timothy ascended the steps, his movements commanding and resolute.
For a moment, nearly all the women present found themselves captivated by him.
Mia stood in place, observing Timothy’s unexpected arrival. What was he doing here? In this torrential downpour, had he also come for dinner?
As Mia contemplated this, Timothy suddenly stood before her, his figure looming over her despite standing a few steps above.
He positioned his umbrella over Mia’s head, protecting her from the splashing rain.
Instinctively, Mia moved aside. “Are you here for dinner?”
Observing her movement, Timothy’s brow furrowed. “Follow me. “
With the downpour intensifying, trying to hail a cab seemed impossible.
Nevertheless, Mia instinctively refused, “There’s no need to go through all this trouble.”
Given Antonio’s likely delay on the road, Mia was confident he would arrive later to pick her up.
Noticing her refusal, Timothy’s tone carried a hint of discontent. “Are you planning to get drenched on your way back in this heavy rain?”
With that, he extended his hand toward Mia, his knuckles defined and attractive.
Just then, Jeremy stepped forward, positioning himself beside Mia. “Sir, Mia prefers not to accompany you. I’ll ensure she gets home safely.”
Seeing another man intervene, Timothy’s gaze turned sharp. “I suggest you refrain from interfering in this matter!”
Where did this man come from? How dare he portray himself as a knight in shining armor!
Undeterred, Jeremy persisted, “Mia and I are classmates. If she’s not willing to accompany you, then you shouldn’t force her.”
Timothy pursed his lips, arching an eyebrow with a mocking glint in his eyes.
While Jeremy was also dressed in a formal suit, he appeared noticeably less impressive in both presence and appearance compared to Timothy.
Timothy’s icy gaze sent a shiver down Jeremy’s spine, yet Jeremy couldn’t help but secretly admire Timothy’s commanding aura.
Despite this, Jeremy didn’t want to come across as timid, so he refused to back down.
Timothy regarded him with a cold stare. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Jeremy Kelce, the manager at Truist Financial. Here’s my business card!” Jeremy responded, his tone tinged with a hint of pride and boastfulness.
After all, holding the position of manager at Truist Financial automatically commanded a certain level of respect in society.
Timothy glanced at the business card but chose not to accept it.
It seemed Jeremy was projecting an air of arrogance.
Observing Jeremy’s outstretched hand holding the business card, Mia couldn’t help but glance at Timothy. “Isn’t it considered polite to accept a business card when it’s offered?” she remarked.
Timothy arched his eyebrows mockingly. “Does he even deserve to hand me his business card?”
Jeremy’s demeanor shifted abruptly. “What do you mean by that?”
As a wealthy heir, Jeremy had never encountered such blatant disregard before.
Nonetheless, a sense of unease crept over him, especially considering the extravagant Rolls¨CRoyce parked nearby¨Can opulence reserved for the elite.
“Well, the chairman of your company has personally handed me his business card. He requested investment in an artificial intelligence project that seemed to be short on funds.” Timothy’s tone remained indifferent as he stood in the rain.
Yet his presence commanded attention, casting a shadow over those around him. Despite his passive stance, he exuded an aura of authority, seemingly towering above everyone else.
Jeremy’s expression grew uneasy upon hearing Timothy’s words.
He too was aware of the artificial intelligence project. Indeed, the chairman of Truist Financial was currently in discussions with the Barrett Group, hoping to secure investment from the CEO.
Could it be that the man before him was the president of the Barrett Group?
Jeremy awkwardly retracted his hand, a subtle reluctance flickering in his eyes.
If Timothy was truly the president of the Barrett Group, Jeremy understood that provoking him was certainly not a risk he could afford to take.
Yet, despite the implications, Jeremy remained somewhat skeptical of Timothy’s identity..
Considering Mia’s social status, how could she possibly have connections with someone of Timothy’s caliber?
Even Jeremy himself lacked the credentials to engage with someone of that stature. Typically, only the company chairman would be entitled to such interactions.
Jeremy couldn’t help but suspect that Timothy might be a high¨Cranking executive from the Barrett Group.
Observing Jeremy’s awkwardness, Mia stole a glance at Timothy before her. Was he there to flaunt his wealth?
Timothy remained in front of Mia, holding his umbretta. Til drop you home,” he declared.
With his striking appearance and confident demeanor, Timothy exuded an air of indifference toward the surrounding crowd.
Mia stood in place as the female classmates nearby cast admiring glances. This handsome and affluent man had personally come to escort Mia. How romantic!
Witnessing their interaction, Ramona, consumed by jealousy, couldn’t resist but interject. “Excuse me, sir, are you acquainted with Mia?”
Upon hearing Ramona’s voice, Timothy turned his gaze toward her. His features were strikingly handsome, and his gaze exuded a sense of calm authority.
Ramona’s cheeks flushed instantly as she continued, “Mia is nothing but a fraud. She’s actually an orphan, and her family is poor.
“Everything she flaunts now is just a facade, provided by her sugar daddy who showers her with clothes and bags!”
Timothy regarded Ramona with a composed expression before inquiring. “And who might you be?”
“I’m Ramona Tilbert, Mia’s classmate. I’ve known her since childhood, and I can vouch for the kind of person she is.
“Back in school, she relied on sugar daddies due to her financial struggles. Her personal life was quite tumultuous, to say the least.”
Mia smirked and nodded, “Go on. Is there anything else?”
Ramona’s confidence grew as she continued, “There’s plenty more, sir. You might not be aware that Mia was once a top student, but she abruptly dropped out from college for an older, wealthy man.
“Now, I reckon she can’t even bear children. After the old man got tired of her, he divorced her and tossed her out like trash!”
Jolene eagerly joined in, “Exactly! Mia may appear innocent and kind, but her background is quite complicated.
“She dropped out of college to chase after an older man for his money. She’s nothing but a gold digger!”
With each word, Timothy’s expression grew darker. Did Mia truly abandon her education for the sake of a rich older man?
Suppressing her laughter, Mia nodded. “Yes, you’re correct. I did drop out of school for an older, wealthy man.
“Three years into the marriage, I ended up being swept out the door, just another victim of my foolish romantic notions.”
Ramona couldn’t suppress a chuckle in response. “You see, even Mia herself has acknowledged it!”
Indeed, Ramona was determined to expose Mia’s true colors!
Perhaps she could even leave a lasting impression on this wealthy and handsome man, opening up the possibility for a potential future.
Ramona couldn’t help but envision countless romantic drama scenarios unfolding.
Timothy’s expression turned stern as he looked at Mia. “Is this what you’ve been telling people?”
Mia blinked in surprise. “I haven’t said anything. They’re the ones making these claims.”
Timothy’s expression turned somber. “Do you see me as that much older?”