Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy arrived just as Mia and Ginger were dining together. Ginger’s eyes lit up with excitement as she asked, “What’s in that box?”
Two imposing bodyguards carried a sizable box into the room, its contents evidently substantial.
“You’ll find out soon,” Timothy replied cryptically.
Mia was curious as well. What kind of gift had he bought for Ginger?
The bodyguards set the box down and unveiled its contents, revealing a miniature princess castle. Mia couldn’t contain her amazement. “Wow! It’s stunning!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with disbelief.
“Did you go out of your way to get it?” Mia asked, surprised by Timothy’s gesture.
“I stumbled upon it while I was out. It gets dull just sitting in the room. It thought this might keep her entertained. I’ve heard little girls adore these,”
Timothy explained.
Ginger nodded. “I love it!” However, despite Ginger’s obvious delight, she remained still, her gaze fixed on Mia.
Understanding Ginger’s silent plea, Mia nodded reassuringly. “You can play with it after dinner.”
“Hurray!” Ginger cheered, diving into her meal with newfound determination.
As Mia and Timothy exited the room, the former stole a glance at the present. “Thank you. She loves it.”
Timothy merely hummed in response.
Her attention shifted to him. “Mr. Barrett, you’re kind to my daughter, fr no wonder she’s taken a liking to you. She’s hoping you can be her father.
A gentle smile graced Timothy’s lips as he watched Ginger happily engrossed in her play. “I’m not particularly fond of children, truth be told. But she’s rather endearing.”
“Ginger has always been the cheerful one, a little ray of sunshine in our family. Everyone adores her.”
“If she ends up living in Bern City someday, she’ll adapt quickly to the surroundings.”
Mia was puzzled. “What do you mean by that, Mr. Barrett?”
“Isn’t it because we’re in a relationship?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t determine where my daughter will live.”
He stared at her, his voice deep. “I only date to marry, so I’ll bring you both to Bern City. Don’t worry. I’ll ensure she has the best in life.”
Her instinctive response to his seriousness was avoidance. She shifted her gaze to the scenery outside the window. “Mr. Barrett, I believe we have differing opinions on dating. I date without the intention of marriage.”
iy?”
“Marriage kills love. I don’t want to make the same mistake twice.” In fact, she was feeling jittery. Was he serious about it, or was he testing her?
Timothy’s eyes lingered on her face, so reminiscent of Mia Bowen’s. It was almost as if Mia Bowen herself had spoken those words.
He quickly withdrew his gaze. “It’s my mother’s birthday party tomorrow. Will you come?”
“Have you thoroughly thought this through? Are you ser me over? Just so you know, I don’t take kindly to being on the
I’m not one to let things slide, so if there’s any trouble at the party. hesitate to address it.” She smiled at him.
He couldn’t have been unaware of the altercation between her and Sharon at the fashion show.
Meeting her playful gaze, he calmly stated, “As my girlfriend, you shouldn’t have to endure anything. Even if it’s the end of the world, I’ll stand by you.”
Mia’s heart raced upon hearing that. Timothy embodied everything she found attractive an austere man who effortlessly stirred her emotions with his reassuring words.
Mia smiled. “Okay. Since you’ve put it that way, there’s no reason for me to decline, is there?”
Her gaze followed his toward the patient’s room, and her smile waned slightly. “But I’ll go alone. Ginger should rest here at the hospital.”
She didn’t want to involve Ginger in the potential conflict. Mia felt fully capable of handling the Barretts on her own.
“The test results will be available tomorrow night. She’ll be back on her feet soon.”
“I believe so too,” Mia responded, though her feelings were a mix of hope and apprehension.
This drama would soon come to an end. If Timothy turned out to be a match Mia for Ginger’s bone marrow, surgery could be arranged promptly. Then, could finally take Ginger away.
As Timothy departed from the hospital, Peyton approached Mia. “Ms. Mia, Mrs. Barrett’s birthday celebration will be held at Aide Castle.”
It was a private resort.
Mia’s brow arched. “What a coincidence. It appears she has good taste.”
Aide Castle was a project in which Dominic had invested, and Mia had personally designed every aspect of it. Just as Mia was planning to visit the location in person, Sharon’s birthday event happened to be scheduled there.
“What should we do? Should we cancel her reservation?” asked Peyton.
“No, we can’t afford to turn away such an Important guest. It would foolish not to capitalize on the opportunity. Increase the price by ten percent. Let her know that this is an exclusive, bespoke service avaliabl only to her.”
Will she accept the offer? Tomorrow’s the birthday party, though.”
“She will. Have someone reach out to her directly.”
Mia understood individuals like Sharon all too well. Wealthy women like her often looked down on the less fortunate and valued money above all else.
The Barrett family was the richest in Bern City. If Mia could establish Aide Castle’s reputation through this deal, it would open doors to introduce the resort to other affluent individuals.
Would any savvy businessman pass up such a lucrative opportunity? Certainly not. Moreover, Mia had no qualms about profiting from her adversary.
After briefing Peyton on the arrangements, Mia checked her phone. Shelly had posted images of branded products purportedly bought from the fashion show on social media. However, they were, in fact, counterfeits!
She liked the post, smirking. Tomorrow was bound to be interesting.
The next morning, Shelly messaged Mia, “Are you coming to Aunt Sharon’s birthday party?”
eplied, “Yes, Tim invited me yesterday.”
Shelly sent a voice message. “See? I told you so! Tim likes you a lot. He’ll definitely bring you to the birthday party. See you tonight!”
As Shelly was selecting her attire for the evening, Luna entered with a young boy, creating an awkward atmosphere. After all, they had clashed at the private fashion show the day before.
Luna asked, “Shelly, were you texting Ms. Monalize? Is she coming to the party tonight as well?”
“Yes, Tim is introducing her to our family. I bet their wedding will be soon, meaning someone won’t have a chance anymore.” Shelly taunted Luna, relishing in her discomfort as payback for yesterday’s altercation.
Luna’s expression shifted as she lowered her tone and said, “Shelly, I was out of line yesterday. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way…”
Shelly retorted, “Don’t feed me that courtesy speech, I’m not na?ve to fall for it. Tim and Monalize will marry and have a baby. That’s whe we’ll have the true heir. The illegitimate child will be sent away in the end.
Luna’s expression turned icy.
At that moment, Sharon stormed down the stairs. “Shelly, what nonsense are you spouting? Asher is part of our family, too. Why would we send him, away?”
“We’ll see,” Shelly replied dismissively, heading upstairs without a care.
Luna approached Sharon with coffee. “Please don’t be upset, Mrs. Barrett. That’s just how Shelly is.”
Sharon snorted. “What is she so smug about? Despite cutting ties with certain family members, she and her mother still live in the Barrett residence. If it weren’t for Tim’s generosity, I would have kicked them out long ago. Shameless!”
Sharon’s anger still simmered from the fashion show debacle, where Shelly sided with an outsider, putting Sharon in an uncomfortable position.
It was infuriating.
“Mre Barrett, I overheard Shelly saying that Tim has invited that woman to the birthday party. So, perhaps you should consider postponing the blind date with Ms. Chapman?”
Sharon disagreed. “No need for that. I intend to give that woman a taste of her own medicine at the party.”
Luna internally celebrated the news, as that was exactly what she was hoping for. She had only mentioned it to provoke Sharon.
The ideal outcome would be for both parties to suffer losses when Nikki
Chapman stirred up trouble tomorrow.
Luna beckoned Asher. “Come, you should wish your grandmother an early birthday. Otherwise, you’ll be too shy when the party begins. It’s going to be crowded.”
Smiling, Sharon ruffled his hair before instructing the maid to take him away.
Only then did she say, “Luna, as you know, Ms. Chapman will be attending the party. Therefore, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Asher to be there. Do you get what I mean?”
Although Asher’s existence was widely known, his status within the family was an entirely different matter. Luna’s expression stiffened. Her mood plummeted.
Why did her son not deserve to attend the party?
Still, her rationality prevailed. “Yes, I understand.”
“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, I will ensure that Asher is treated right.”
Luna lowered her head meekly, but a glint of determination shone in her eyes. It hadn’t been easy to come this far. She couldn’t just give up now.