Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Chapter 923
With a mischievous grin, Caleb quipped, “Where’s the Barrett Group’s branch office representative for the Bowen family? They should be here by now, right?”
Caleb was eager to witness the Bowens facing the consequences of their actions.
Lewis replied, “It’s not time yet. Why the rush?”
Mia shot Caleb a meaningful look before adding, “However, there’s something you should know. There’s a Mr. Gomez here from Bern City, claiming to be you. Would you like to meet him?”
“Is that so? The last I heard from the Bowen family, they mentioned encountering a Mr. Gomez. So, he’s here now, huh? Where is he? I’d like to see who’s bold enough to impersonate me and deceive others!” Caleb hadn’t anticipated the imposter’s appearance at today’s event. He was prepared to confront him personally and ensure he faced the consequences for his deception, even if it meant using force!
Connie quickly declared, “Mr. Gomez is right here.”
However, as she turned around, he was nowhere to be found.
A bystander chimed in, “Mr. Gomez mentioned he went to the restroom and will return shortly.”
Upon hearing this, Lewis turned to Caleb and cautioned, “Just wait until the real Mr. Gomez arrives. He’ll personally unveil your charade. Don’t get too cocky for too long.”
With a steely expression, Caleb retorted, “Fine. I’m eager to see who this Mr. Gomez truly is.”
He certainly hadn’t anticipated someone daring to impersonate him! Shortly after, the young man emerged from the hotel restroom into the lobby.
Noticing his arrival, Connie promptly pointed out, “Ah, here comes Mr. Gomez.”
At that moment, all eyes turned toward him.
As Caleb laid eyes on the impostor, a cold smirk played on his lips. “So it’s you,” he remarked.
Mia stood nearby, observing the unfolding scene with anticipation.
She was eager to see how things would play out once the real and fake Caleb came face to face.
As Caleb moved forward, the young man’s face drained of color. He hastily retreated, resembling someone who had just seen a ghost. With a smirk, Caleb asked him, “Why are you backing away? You seem quite adept at impersonating me. Do you have a death wish or something?”
The young man’s face turned even paler as he stammered nervously, “Il didn’t impersonate you.”
Caleb seized the young man’s collar, shooting a stern glance at Lewis and Connie nearby. “If you’re not pretending to be me, then why did they refer to you as “Mr. Gomez from Bern City?”
The young man remained silent, paralyzed by fear.
Looking puzzled, Connie turned to the young man. “Mr. Gomez, what’s going on? These two are the impostors I warned you about, posing as you and Mr. Barrett.”
The young man glanced nervously at Caleb before shifting his gaze to Timothy. Instantly, fear gripped him, causing his legs to tremble uncontrollably.
He hadn’t anticipated their presence at the signing ceremony. Considering Nord City was miles away from Bern City, how could it be a mere coincidence that they showed up today?
Realizing the trouble he was in, the young man began to sweat profusely.
He was just following orders when he impersonated Caleb; the arrangement was merely a tactic to facilitate the partnership with the Bowen family.
His main goal was financial gain from the situation, with no intention of causing harm.
Caleb tightened his grip on the young man’s neck, demanding, “Tell them, who am 1?”
“Y-you’re Caleb Gomez.”
“And you? Who are you?”
“I’m just an impostor, a distant relative of the Gomez family.”
After the young man’s confession, Caleb shoved him to the ground and restrained his arms. “You’re quite the trickster, aren’t you? How dare you parade around and pretend to be me, leaving everyone convinced that I’m the impostor. You’ve certainly got some nerve.”
Chapter 924
With such a talent for deceit, what was the point of pursuing honest, hard work?
“Mr. Gomez, I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention. I was simply following orders from someone else; I did it for the money,” the young man quickly apologized.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd. No one had anticipated that the impostor would have ties to the Bowen family!
A journalist exclaimed eagerly, “So, it seems this man is indeed a fraud! Ms. Lane has actually brought the real Mr. Gomez!”
“Who would have thought someone would have the audacity to impersonate others and swagger around deceiving people?” another reporter added.
Observing the entire ordeal, Connie stared at the young man in disbelief. “What… What did you just say? So, you’re the impostor, and he’s the real Mr. Gomez?”
But how could this be true?
The revelation left Lewis visibly shaken, his anger simmering as he confronted the young man.
“Weren’t you the one referred by the Barrett Group’s branch? Didn’t you claim to be Mr. Gomez? How dare you deceive me?”
“I… I was just in it for the money,” the young man confessed, his voice trembling.
Struggling to accept the truth, Lewis turned to Caleb, seeking confirmation. “So, if you’re the real Caleb Gomez, then this man…”
As Lewis spoke, his gaze shifted toward Timothy—the man he had long believed to be nothing more than a penniless bodyguard and impostor. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. If the real Caleb Gomez was standing in front of him, then this bodyguard must also be the legitimate Timothy Barrett!
For a moment, Lewis struggled to come to terms with this harsh reality. Mia followed Lewis’ gaze, her eyes settling on Timothy. “That’s correct. He is the real Caleb Gomez, which means the bodyguard beside him is the real Timothy Barrett.”
Connie’s disbelief was evident, her legs trembling as she struggled to comprehend the situation. “No, this can’t be! How is it possible? He’s just a lowly bodyguard. How could he possibly be the CEO of the Barrett Group?”
She couldn’t fathom that the man she had always belittled and dismissed had turned out to hold a position of significant power and influence.
Meanwhile, a sense of panic swept over Lewis. Indeed, the Bowens” current partnership with the Barrett family was hanging in the balance. If they were to offend the Barrett family and the partnership dissolved as a consequence, it would be nothing short of catastrophic.
With her arms crossed, Mia wore a smirk as she glanced at Connie and Lewis. “So, any comments now? Who’s been lying all along? Does it sting to be proven wrong?”
Connie boiled with rage, her embarrassment palpable as she wished she could vanish in that moment.
A nearby journalist chimed in, “It seems the Bowen family was misled. Considering these two men are from Bern City, it’s understandable that the Bowens wouldn’t recognize them.”
Lewis quickly caught on and turned to Caleb beside him. “Yeah, we were fooled as well. Mr. Gomez, please don’t take this matter to heart. We’ve always held you in high regard as an esteemed guest of the Bowen family.”
“Enough with the empty words! What’s the use of saying this now? Who would even want to be considered an honored guest of your family? Don’t try to flatter yourselves,” Caleb chided.
Following Caleb’s words, he swiftly incapacitated the impostor’s arm. Connie and Lewis watched in shock, their faces draining of color.
Chapter 925
Caleb sternly warned, “Consider yourself lucky that you’ve only lost an arm. But if I catch wind of you exploiting my identity for any other purpose, this won’t be the end of it.”
The young man hastily responded, “I swear, I won’t do it again. I only impersonated you to help facilitate the partnership with the Bowen family. I didn’t engage in anything else.”
Turning his attention to Lewis, Caleb remarked, “You shouldn’t be addressing me right now. Your apology should be directed toward him. He’s Timothy Barrett, the CEO of the Barrett Group, the very person you were supposed to be partnering with.”
Lewis wore a guilty expression as he glanced at Timothy, unable to muster a single word.
His previous disdain toward Timothy now left him utterly humiliated. Adding to his embarrassment, Lewis had even resorted to physical confrontation with Timothy in the past, unaware of Timothy’s status as the CEO of the Barrett Group.
But why would someone as high-ranking as Timothy stoop to the level of being a mere bodyguard for Mia?
It was a puzzle that didn’t seem to fit together.
Sensing the tension, Connie interjected, “We’re not entirely to blame here. I mean, who could have predicted that the esteemed CEO of the Barrett Group, hailing from the distinguished Bern City aristocracy, would end up in Nord City working as a bodyguard for a woman?
“It’s such an improbable situation that nobody would have taken it seriously. We can’t bear all the responsibility for this misunderstanding.” Lewis hastily nodded, casting a nervous glance at Timothy. “Mr. Barrett, this is indeed our mistake. Please, don’t take it personally. We were also misled into mistaking your identity.”
Just then, Mia chimed in, “Are you seeking forgiveness already? Just moments ago, you were brimming with arrogance, pointing fingers and hurling insults. You even attempted to physically harm him, only to face retaliation. Have you conveniently forgotten?”
Upon hearing Mia’s words, Connie’s face flushed with anger. But before she could retaliate, Lewis quickly intervened, pulling her back. Regaining his composure, Lewis put on a brave front and nodded. “You’re right. It was our mistake for not recognizing Mr. Barrett’s true identity. We’re thankful that the truth has come out. Mr. Gomez, Mr. Barrett, you are our honored guests today.”
Connie forced a smile and said, “Absolutely, please, have a seat, gentlemen.”
At that moment, Timothy’s voice sliced through the tension like ice. “There’s no need for that. I’m here today to formally announce the termination of the partnership between the Barrett family and the Bowen family!”
Connie and Lewis were visibly shaken by the sudden announcement, their faces turning pale.
Confusion clouded Connie’s expression as she questioned, “But why end the partnership? It can’t simply be terminated like that.”
Stepping forward urgently, Lewis looked at Timothy with a pleading gaze. “Mr. Barrett, I may have offended you in the past, but please, don’t let that influence your decision.
“Our families’ partnership is mutually beneficial. Please, let’s not rush to sever ties. Business should remain separate from personal grievances.”
Timothy’s voice dripped with disdain as he said firmly, “The Bowen Group is simply not deserving of a partnership with the Barrett Group.” “But why? The Bowen Group is a reputable company here in Nord City. Why can’t our families collaborate?”
Standing nearby, Heath scoffed bitterly. “Does the Bowen Group truly hold a respectable standing in Nord City? Your company’s ascension is tainted by three marriages that concluded in financial scams.
“The shady dealings behind your family’s success are well-known in Nord City. How dare you claim to be a reputable company?
“Your project proposal wouldn’t even survive the Barrett Group’s scrutiny. It’s time for you to come to terms with reality. It’s over for you.” Heath’s anger flared at the sight of Timothy being disrespected, prompting him to speak out.
What gave the Bowens the audacity to belittle Timothy?