Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
A cold glint flashed in Mia’s eyes. “Really? We’ll see.”
Sharon interjected, “Enough, stop talking to her. You’re going to put Tim in a difficult situation if you leak any information.”
Shelly nodded hastily. “Alright, Aunt Sharon. But can you introduce me to the owner of Aide Castle Hotel later? I’d like to host my birthday party here next time. The resort in Bern City is booked out for the next two or three years, so I was just wondering if I could cut in line?”
Aide Castle Hotel was a sensation in Bern City, and hosting banquets there was a mark of high status. Shelly yearned to host a party there.
Sharon replied coolly, “Fine, I’ll talk to the owner and see if I can fit you in once Tim secures the deal with Aide Castle Hotel.”
Elated, Shelly exclaimed, “Really? Thank you so much, Aunt Sharon! I knew you were the best.”
Sharon took her hand and cooed, “Of course. You and Tim are the only youngsters in our family.”
Seeing how affectionate Sharon was toward Shelly, Mia was perplexed
She remembered Sharon had never been fond of Shelly back then, e loathing her family for leeching off the Barrett family.
Something didn’t feel right. Why did Sharon suddenly bring Shelly along with her?
Mia began calmly, “According to my knowledge, Aide Castle Hotel’s reservation system is very striol net
They don’t allow queue jumping regardless of your connections.”
Chapter 1063
Sharon’s confidence caught Mia off guard. She had claimed to talk to the owner and let Shelly cut in line for her banquet.
But that was impossible. As the owner, Mia would never give in to such demands. Let alone when it was Shelly who was making it.
Even if she wanted to accommodate someone, she wouldn’t disrupt the reservation order for her personal connections. It didn’t align with her business principles. Generally, her friends also wouldn’t demand such a favor from her. There were also other places to host a banquet other than Aide Castle Hotel.
Shelly snorted, “Mia, you’re so arrogant. You think it’s impossible because you say so? Do you really think you’re the owner?”
“Aide Castle Hotel would have to show us some respect if they want to thrive in Bern City. Mia, your worries are unnecessary,” Sharon calmly interjected. “Exactly. She must’ve been jealous, Aunt Sharon. She’s only saying that on purpose because she knows her family would lose to us Barretts this time.”
Feeling indignant, Jasmine retorted, “Aide Castle Hotel never allows anyone to disrupt their reservation order. Stop embarrassing yourself if you’re just an outsider who’s completely oblivious to the rules.” “The rules are just for show. In fact, there are plenty of backdoor deals we can work on. Just because the Lanes are incapable of that doesn’t mean we can’t,” Shelly retorted smugly.
Crossing her arms, Mia fixed her gaze on Shelly and Sharon. “You Barrets are really something, huh? The investment banquet isn’t over yet, but you’re already so sure that Aide Castle Hotel’s going to work with you.”
Sharon replied confidently, “It’s only wise to work with us. Unless Aide Castle Hotel doesn’t want to thrive in Bern City.”
Shelly nodded in agreement. “That’s right. Come on, it’s Bern City, not Nord City. The owner should know who he should work with unless he’s a fool.”
Mia raised her brows. “Then I’ll say it to your face now. Stop daydreaming. Who Aide Castle Hotel is going to work with has yet to be decided, and the Barrett family isn’t the most likely candidate either.”
“Mia, stop spitting nonsense. Aide Castle Hotel will work with the Barretts, and you don’t stand a chance. I know you’re just jealous of us. But your jealousy won’t change anything,” Shelly said haughtily. “I’m serious. Aide Castle Hotel isn’t going to work with you guys.”
Sharon sneered, “Well, well, look how serious you are. Who do you think you are? Do you really think you can decide who Aide Castle Hotel partners with?”
Shelly chimed in, “Yeah. I heard the owner of Aide Castle Hotel is very talented despite his young age. He usually keeps a low profile as well. He’s the epitome of sophistication, unlike you Lanes who are always so pretentious.”
Mia was bewildered. It was ironic how Shelly was unintentionally praising her.
She glanced up at them and said firmly, “Although I appreciate your praise for the owner of Aide Castle Hotel, I must inform you that the reservation order at the resort will not be changed for anyone. The rule remains no matter who Aide Castle Hotel partners with.”
“You’re just so stubborn, Mia. We’ve already got in contact with the manager at Aide Castle Hotel, and they’re very willing to work with us. Don’t be petty just because you failed,” Shely quipped.
Chapter 1064
Then, Shelly turned toward Sharon. “Aunt Sharon, didn’t you say the owner of Aide Castle Hotel will be present today as well? I can’t wait to rub the truth in Mia’s face and see whether she dares to spout any more nonsense.”
A smug smile spread across Sharon’s face. “The owner will show up once the banquet starts. Don’t be hasty.”
“I’m just eager to see how someone’s going to be humiliated. It’s funny of her to think that she’s actually that influential in Nord City as a Lane.”
Amused, Mia turned toward them. “Do I have to remind you of how you groveled to that impostor in the Barrett family?”
Both Shelly and Sharon were rendered speechless, and their expressions turned ashen.
Fumbling with her clothes, Sharon remained silent.
Shelly, however, stubbornly replied, “Quit your nonsense, Mia. When did we ever grovel to that impostor? She showed up shamelessly because she wanted to marry Tim.”
Shelly was embarrassed about her past actions, but she couldn’t admit that in front of Mia.
“Really? It seems like you have amnesia. Do you need me to recite all the sweet talk you bombarded Maya with? It serves as a reminder, so you won’t forget again.” “What are you on about? Enough!”
A pang of shame shot through
Shelly. After all, she did grovel to Maya back then. She had thought Maya was the daughter of the prestigious Lane family in Nord City, and getting close to Maya meant she could continue living off the Barrett family.
Yet, little did she expect Maya to be an impostor. Mia, whom she had always regarded as an orphan, turned out to be the actual daughter of the Lane family instead.
The sudden turn of events was beyond Shelly’s wildest dreams. At eline one point, she even fantasized about her also being the daughter of a prestigious family, instead of someone who had to beg for an allowance from the Barrett family. It was a miserable life, indeed.
But Shelly hadn’t been close with Mia. If Mia were to remarry Timothy, she might even seek revenge against her. This thought sent shivers down her spine, and she was even more resolute in preventing Mia from remarrying Timothy.
Mia turned toward Sharon. “And you. Have you forgotten already?”
Although she sympathized with Sharon’s plight, it was undeniable that Sharon acted nothing like a proper socialite. She simply couldn’t muster a sliver of sympathy for Sharon when she merely behaved like a shrew.
Feigning composure, Sharon replied,
“I was tricked by the impostor as well. But the way you behave screams volumes about the Lanes courtesy. I don’t see the difference in behavior between an impostor and an actual member of the Lane family.”
Just then, Shelly glanced to her side. Her eyes lit up as she exclaimed, “Aunt Sharon, the manager is here.”
Sharon spun around. Glancing over at Philip who was clad in a suit, she smiled and said, “What a coincidence.”
“Look, Aunt Sharon. He’s approaching us. Perhaps he’s coming over to greet you? I told you that the owner of Aide Castle Hotel is going to partner with us, that’s why he sent someone over to chat with us.” Mia was utterly perplexed.
Chapter 1065
Mia narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t planned to reveal her identity at the banquet today. But given Sharon and Shelly’s antics, she was worried that they’d tarnish her reputation.
If Shelly’s comments about the queue jumping spread, others might think that there was a problem with the reservation rules at Aide Castle Hotel. It would affect the hotel’s operation, and she certainly wouldn’t allow that to happen.
Sharon seemed jovial as she said, “Keep it down. Don’t flaunt it because we’ve yet to close the deal.”
Shelly nodded. She glanced at Mia and said, “Well, we’ve yet to close the deal, but the manager of Aide Castle Hotel is coming over to greet us. Doesn’t this indicate something? Some people should know when to give up.”
Jasmine was indignant. “You don’t have to give too much meaning to a mere greeting, you know. Since Aide Castle Hotel organized the banquet, of course they’ll have to greet all the guests.
“But that doesn’t mean they’re intrigued to partner with each and every one of the guests, does it? A bit of narcissism can be useful at times, but you’ll humiliate yourself if you get ahead of yourself.” Then, Jasmine greeted Philip, who was approaching them. “Hello, it’s been a while. The setting for tonight’s banquet is magnificent. Does Aide Castle Hotel have a new theme setting again?” “You’re quick, Ms. Shelbert. Today’s design is one of our new themes, but not all has been revealed. We have to keep it a mystery, so we can surprise everyone later.”
Seeing Jasmine greet the manager sent a surge of defiance coursing through Shelly. So, she also approached Philip boldly and chimed in, “Can I book this new theme now? I’d like to host a birthday party.” Philip glanced at her and replied, “Of course you can. You can also change your theme anytime if you’ve already reserved a slot.”
Thrilled, Shelly blurted out, “Alright then. I’ll have this latest theme for my birthday party.”
While she could finally prove herself, her acquaintances in Bern City would also be impressed. Aide Castle Hotel hadn’t been established in Bern City for long, but it was already booked out by the prominent families to host banquets for the senior members of their families.
None of the younger generation had the privilege to host in Aide Castle Hotel yet. If Shelly made herself a pioneer, she would definitely rub it in the faces of the other socialites in Bern City.
They had been mocking her as a “Princess of Fake Goods”. Frankly, it was all Mia’s fault that she’d been plunged into the victim’s position. Mia deceived her and made her a fool of herself. Philip nodded. “You can contact our staff directly when the time comes.”
Casting a triumphant look at Jasmine and Mia, Shelly barked, “See that? This is what I call power. I told you I’m going to host my birthday party at Aide Castle Hotel. You said I can’t, but see how it went. This is the power of the Barrett family.”
Philip grew even more enthusiastic toward Shelly upon the mention of the Barrett family’s name.
“Oh, so you’re Ms. Barrett! It’s my pleasure meeting you. You can come to me anytime if you encounter any issues at today’s banquet. Please kindly forgive us if there’s any inadequacy in our service.”
Chapter 1066
Noting Philip’s demeanor, Sharon cast a smug look at Mia. So what if the Lane family was a prominent family in Nord City? The Barretts weren’t going to be intimidated by them. Mia scrutinized Philip and frowned. “Where’s Mike, your former manager?”
She clearly remembered Mike was the manager, not this unfamiliar man whom she couldn’t recognize.
Philip replied calmly, “Mr. Labeouf took a few days off to tend to his personal matters back home. So, I’ll be acting as the interim manager in his absence. Please come to me if you have any issues.”
Mia glanced at Shelly and began, “Ms. Barrett never made an advance reservation at Aide Castle Hotel before. And according to my knowledge, all bookings for this year are full.”
Staring at Shelly, Philip asked tentatively, “Ms. Barrett, you haven’t reserved a birthday-themed banquet at our hotel?”
Shelly grew visibly awkward and said in a clipped tone, “No, because I haven’t decided where to host my birthday party before. I came across your design today, so I thought I’d like to make a reservation now. Can’t I do that now?”
“It’s not that, Ms. Barrett. The hotel has been completely booked out this year. If you really want a reservation, I can fit you in next year.”
Shelly’s expression fell. “Why can’t you fit me in this year? It’s just a birthday party. It’s not like you have people coming over every day, right? Just allocate a day for me.”
“I’m very sorry, Ms. Barrett. We do not accommodate guests every day because we need time to alter the designs for our themes. The plants we use for decoration take time to grow.”
Visibly irritated, Shelly shrieked,
“What are you on about? You just don’t want me to book, don’t you? Mind you, I’m a Barrett! I’m sure you must’ve heard of Timothy before, right? Do you want him to talk to you personally?”