Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Chapter 916
“This is my family matter, why is it any concern of yours?” Ralph retorted.
Caleb scoffed disdainfully. “Sure, it’s none of my business. But I advise you to cancel your dealings with the Bowen family promptly. Give back whatever you’ve gained from them.
“Otherwise, if the collaboration falls apart and you end up facing legal consequences, Timothy won’t be able to protect you here. Remember, this is Nord City.”
Ralph countered, “As you pointed out, this is indeed a branch office, and within the framework of the Barrett Group’s regulations, I have the authority to manage collaborations here in Nord City.
“Despite Timothy’s position as CEO, he cannot simply order me to terminate the partnership. He, too, must adhere to the established procedures.”
Nonetheless, Ralph had already signed the partnership agreement with the Bowen family before Timothy’s protocols came into play. This meant that even Timothy had no means to reverse this situation.
Glancing back at Ralph, Timothy retorted, “If you’re determined to invite disaster, then I won’t stop you.”
“Timothy, what do you mean? I’m your uncle; how can you speak to me like this?”
With no intention of staying any longer, Timothy turned on his heel and left the country club.
Caleb settled into the seat in the car beside Timothy. “I figured your uncle would react like this, but I didn’t expect you to confront him so directly. It’s ridiculous that he still refuses to see reason. How much do you reckon he took in bribes from the Bowen family?”
“The real issue lies in the plots of land they acquired. The Bowen family had no legitimate claim to them. Hence, they teamed up with Uncle Ralph, using the Barrett Group as a cover to first secure the land before transferring it back to the Bowens. Because the Barrett Group isn’t based in Nord City, they could also benefit from various subsidies.”
It was clear to Timothy that these two parties were working together closely.
Yesterday, Timothy had instructed Heath to delve into the details of the partnership with the Bowens, hoping to uncover any hidden agendas. It only took a brief review to identify the loophole in their plans.
“But what if Mr. Hopkins refuses to cancel the partnership with the Bowen family? It could take a day or two to go through the formal procedures,” Caleb expressed his concerns.
Timothy reassured him, “We won’t need to follow all the formalities. I’ll personally address the issue and officially terminate the partnership with the Bowen family during the signing ceremony two days from now. “Sticking to procedures may be time-consuming. But as the CEO of the Barrett Group, my direct objection to the collaboration means that even if a contract is signed later, no funds will be released.”
Timothy focused on company matters as soon as he arrived back at the five-star hotel. He remained engrossed in his work until dinnertime. Rubbing his neck, Timothy turned to Heath and inquired, “How are things at the hospital?”
“Mr. Barrett, according to the hospital updates, Ms. Ginger was discharged shortly after you left,” Heath reported.
“She’s already discharged?” Timothy’s eyes widened in surprise.
Caleb interjected, “Tim, based on what I saw, Ginger’s recovery seems to be going well. Isn’t her discharge a positive development? Nobody wants to stay in the hospital indefinitely.”
However, Timothy couldn’t shake off his suspicion that Mia intentionally postponed arranging his visit to Ginger. He found it odd that Ginger was promptly discharged shortly after his visit to the hospital.
It all appeared too coincidental to him, deepening his growing unease. Turning to Heath, Timothy instructed, “Ensure someone keeps an eye on Ginger. Don’t overlook any details related to her.”
Timothy still felt that something was off.
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Caleb spoke up, “Why not ask Ginger directly?”
Timothy hesitated for a moment; he didn’t want to involve a child in adult matters.
Despite this, Caleb had already dialed Ginger’s smartwatch. Timothy narrowed his eyes and questioned, “Where did you get her contact details?”
“It was the number they left at the hospital,” Caleb replied, shooting Timothy a smug look.
Shortly after, Ginger picked up the call. Caleb wasted no time and asked her directly, “Ginger, I’m aware of everything. Are you really ill?”
Chapter 917
Caleb decided to be direct, hoping to catch Ginger off guard.
After all, it was easy to deceive children with just a few words.
Upon hearing Caleb’s question, Timothy grew somewhat uneasy. Why couldn’t Caleb be more subtle?
Since the phone was on speaker, Timothy could hear Ginger’s voice on the other end as well.
Just then, Ginger’s sweet, childish voice came through, “I’m not sick, you’re the one who’s sick!”
Caleb’s expression shifted to one of surprise, and he shot a glance at Timothy. Could it be that Timothy’s suspicion was correct?
Timothy silently signaled with his eyes for Caleb to continue asking. Clearing his throat, Caleb pressed on, “Ginger, if you’re not ill, why did your mom ask for bone marrow donations last time?”
There was a pause on the phone before Ginger replied, “To help me get well, obviously.”
“Ginger, don’t play games. You just admitted you’re not sick. I know the secret between you and your mom.”
Ginger was momentarily caught off guard, feeling a bit flustered. However, she quickly regained her composure and responded seriously, “Are you silly? Mommy told me that I’m all better now, so I’m not sick anymore.”
Caleb was taken aback. It made sense when she explained it that way. He prodded, “Ginger, it wouldn’t be fun if you put it like that.”
“Well then, let me share something interesting.”
Glancing at Timothy, Caleb asked, “What’s this fascinating topic?”
“I’m actually an alien,” Ginger said while stifling a giggle.
An alien?
Caleb was baffled by Ginger’s claim. “Ginger, how did you become an alien?”
“Because I am one! That’s why I got better so fast. But don’t tell Daddy. He doesn’t know Mommy and I are aliens.”
Caleb was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.
A wry smile formed on Timothy’s lips as he listened to Ginger’s imaginative explanation.
Eventually, Caleb ended the call, feeling thoroughly puzzled. “I thought I was making progress. Do you reckon what Ginger said was true or false?”
Timothy remained composed. “What do you think?”
Turning to Heath, Caleb inquired, “What’s your perspective on this? Kids typically don’t lie, do they?”
Heath replied earnestly, “It’s commonly understood that children don’t usually lie, but they do have a tendency to make things up.”
Upon hearing the words “make things up,” Caleb fell silent.
Indeed, Ginger had gone as far as claiming she was an alien.
With Ginger’s serious demeanor, Heath might have almost believed her if the idea hadn’t seemed so far-fetched.
It became evident that from the moment Caleb questioned Ginger’s illness, none of her claims were trustworthy.
Caleb held his head in frustration. “Why do I feel like I’ve done something stupid?
He couldn’t believe he had taken a child’s words seriously and even tried to pry the truth out of her.
In the end, Caleb realized he had been played for a fool.
What made it worse was that he had initially believed Ginger’s claims. Timothy couldn’t help but sarcastically quip, “Well, now you know.” Unbeknownst to Caleb, Timothy had also briefly entertained the possibility of Ginger’s claim.
Observing from nearby, Heath’s expression grew increasingly perplexed.
Timothy and Caleb were prominent figures in Bern City, renowned for their strategic brilliance and decisive leadership in the business arena. Yet here they were, attempting to test a three-year-old!
Heath certainly couldn’t comprehend the rationale behind their actions. After disconnecting her Apple Watch, Ginger’s demeanor shifted to one of concern. “Sage, what should I do? Did I make a mistake?”
Sage responded with an aloof expression, “You’re so stupid.”
Tears welled up in Ginger’s eyes as she protested, “Sage, I’m not stupid.”
Feeling disheartened, Ginger leaned closer to Sage and asked, “Sage, I didn’t let anything slip, did 1?”
Chapter 918
Sage set aside the paper he had been holding. “You were quick to act just now. It’s a good thing I was here with you.”
When Ginger received the call on her Apple Watch earlier, Sage happened to be nearby. Upon hearing Caleb’s words, he immediately sensed it was a ruse.
Fortunately, Sage discreetly stepped in to prevent Ginger from revealing too much, even going as far as jotting down a response for her on paper.
Given the ambiguity of the conversation, Caleb likely wouldn’t take Ginger’s words seriously.
Resting her chin on her hand, Ginger pondered, “Why doesn’t Mommy let Daddy know about you? If he knew you were unwell, he’d surely shower you with gifts.”
“Hmph, I’m not interested in his presents,” Sage replied with a serious expression.
After all, Sage wasn’t as gullible as Ginger. He was well aware of how Timothy had abandoned Mia.
Had it not been for Mia’s brothers finding her in time, she would have faced considerable hardship.
These were not matters that Timothy could simply dismiss with a few casual words and some inexpensive gifts.
“Sage, Daddy really isn’t that awful. He buys me so many gifts and often texts me to ask if anyone is bothering me.”
“Don’t be fooled by him. Mommy hasn’t forgiven him yet. You’re just a little traitor!” Sage exclaimed.