Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Stepping forward assertively, Timothy rebutted with a penetrating gaze, “But there’s one aspect where they all pale in comparison to me.”
Turning to face him, Mia inquired, “So, spill it. What other unique qualities do you possess?”
“Well, my loyalty. I’ll always stand by you. The complete management control of Aide Castle Hotel in Bern City will remain firmly in your hands.
“I won’t meddle in any way, and I won’t betray your trust. As you’re aware, betrayal is unfortunately common in the business world.”
Mia lowered her gaze momentarily. “You’re not wrong,” she conceded, lifting her head to meet his gaze. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll automatically choose you.” “Regardless, it’s clear that selecting me is the most advantageous option for you,” Timothy insisted.
Mia narrowed her eyes, sensing there was more behind Timothy’s assertion. What did he mean by suggesting that choosing him was the optimal decision?
Mia grasped Timothy’s tie firmly, her gaze unwavering as she stated, “However, in my perspective, you’re not the best option.”
Releasing his tie, she stepped into the car, rolling down the window to address Timothy on the roadside. “By the way, how did you find out about the altercation between the kids today?” Was it once again through Ginger’s updates?
Timothy met her gaze and replied, “I’m aware the children attend school here, so I’ve taken measures to ensure I receive reports about their activities. As their father, it’s my responsibility to stay informed about their education.”
His explanation appeared reasonable.
Fixing her eyes on Timothy, Mia responded, “In that case, perhaps you could refrain from spontaneously showering the children with gifts.”
“Why not? Are you concerned I might win them over with presents?” he challenged.
“Don’t be absurd. Our children aren’t that shallow. You can’t simply sway them with material possessions.
“Besides, they’ve been raised with everything they’ve ever wanted since they were young, so they’re not superficial like that.”
With those words, Mia turned and departed.
Soon after, she received a call from Dominic. “Mia, can you fill me in on who Sage had a confrontation with at kindergarten?” he asked.
Realizing she couldn’t conceal the truth any longer, Mia recounted the incident in detail.
“Anyway, I’m planning to have Asher transferred out of this kindergarten. I honestly can’t take the risk of having a potential troublemaker like him near Sage and Ginger. Who knows what Luna might encourage Asher to do.”
After all, it was prudent to err on the side of caution. At times, children could prove to be even more unpredictable than adults, especially in heated situations.
“Alright, I’ll handle that matter. By the way, Mia, what’s going on between you and Timothy? He’s been spending time in Nord City, and his association with Mr. Shelbert appears rather ambiguous. Is Timothy attempting to leverage Mr. Shelbert to undermine the Lane family?” Dominic asked.
J.net
After a moment of reflection, Mia replied earnestly, “Dominic, the situation between Timothy and I isn’t as complex as you think. However, I don’t believe he would join forces with Mr. Shelbert to suppress our family.”
Even if it were for the well-being of Sage and Ginger, Mia questioned whether Timothy would go to such lengths.
Dominic pressed further, “Are you absolutely certain? Timothy’s level of concern for Luna’s child seems a tad excessive, wouldn’t you agree?”
Mia couldn’t help but consider Timothy’s position and his connection to Asher upon hearing this. However, she knew she couldn’t disclose the entire truth to Dominic. After all, Timothy’s privacy was at stake.
In response, Mia simply stated, “It’s not that he’s overly interested in Asher. It’s just that Asher does indeed have some connection to the Barrett family.”
Mia opted to share only that Asher’s father was the illegitimate child of Timothy’s father, holding back the information about Timothy’s own illegitimate status.
Dominic responded with a disdainful snort. “Well, it appears there isn’t a single decent soul among the Barrett family. To think they would dare to harm our family’s children-1 won’t let them get away with it, not for a moment.”
“Dominic,” Mia began, but before she could say more, Dominic had already ended the call.
Despite this, Mia knew that continuing the conversation would be fruitless.
But she was resolved not to avoid the issue any longer.
With Jasmine preparing for a confrontation with Raymond, it was only fitting for Mia to do the same.
Shortly after returning to her office, Mia’s phone rang, and it was Raymond on the line. “Ms. Lane, do you have a moment to talk?”
“Mr. Shelbert, whatever it is, you can say it over the phone,” Mia responded briskly.
She already had a suspicion about the reason for Raymond’s call.
Raymond’s tone turned solemn. “I’m aware of the incident at the kindergarten today. But children will be children, so there’s no need to exaggerate the situation. Must Asher be transferred to another school because of this?” S
Mia’s voice turned serious. “Initially, I shared your perspective. However, Ms. Maynard’s behavior at the kindergarten was anything but casual. “If she’s intent on escalating tensions with the Lane family, then so be it. I refuse to keep a potential threat near my children. That settles it.” With that definitive statement, Mia abruptly ended the call.
She had no intention of giving Raymond any satisfaction.
By the time Dominic intervened, there would be no room for negotiation. Mia knew her brothers cared deeply for her children and wouldn’t tolerate any form of mistreatment. After hanging up, Raymond stormed back home, his anger evident.
Upon seeing Raymond return, Luna quickly nudged Asher. “Dad, look at what they’ve done to Asher. The Lane family has gone too far. You must stand up for him,” she urged. Raymond’s hand swiftly met Luna’s cheek with a hard slap. “Luna, look at the chaos you’ve caused. What nonsense have you been spreading?”
Stunned by the slap, Luna stammered, “B-but Dad, I haven’t said a word.”
“You haven’t said a word? Haven’t you been using my name to wield influence and intimidate others? Now, Asher is being forced to switch schools because of your behavior.” “What? How could Asher possibly be forced to switch schools? He wasn’t the one who started the fight,” Luna protested.
Struggling to comprehend the situation, she added, “But Dad, you’re the mayor.”
“Enough!” Raymond interjected sharply. “You have no sense of decency. All you ever talk about is my position as mayor.
“Do you realize the tremendous effort it took for me to reach where I am today? If your words were to spread, do you understand the repercussions it could have for me?” After regaining her composure, Luna asked, “Did the Lane family do something?”
“Are you beginning to catch on now?”
“Dad, could it be that you’re intimidated by them?”
Raymond snorted dismissively in response. “Afraid of the Lane family? Not me. It’s just not the right time to confront them directly. Anyway, you should begin making arrangements to enroll Asher in his new kindergarten.”
Though Luna struggled to contain her frustration, she remained silent in the face of Raymond’s anger, simply nodding in acknowledgment. “Dad, what about Asher’s birthday celebration?” “It will proceed as planned.”
“Will it be held at Aide Castle Hotel?”
Despite the hotel being Mia’s property, if Asher’s celebration were to take place there, Alison wouldn’t be able to use the venue, and someone would need to assert their authority by then. Raymond nodded in response. “Certainly, the event must be held at Aide Castle Hotel.”
Luna’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. It appeared she had secured a victory for now.
But for the time being, Luna could only restrain herself, cautiously testing the waters. “Dad, what if we consider partnering with Yellow Island?”
“I don’t need your input on these matters. Your sole responsibility is to look after Asher,” Raymond retorted sharply before walking away.
It didn’t take long before Jasmine caught wind of their conversation
With a disdainful snort, she declared,
“Luna, mark my words-at the banquet in three days, your aspirations will crumble.”
Three days later, at Aide Castle Hotel.
Mia managed to carve out some time to attend the event in person. After all, she had designed the theme and felt it necessary to promote it herself.
Upon her arrival at the venue, Mia couldn’t help but notice Luna’s flamboyant attire, commanding attention as if she were the focal point of the banquet.
As Luna caught sight of Mia, she approached her, holding her glass with an air of self-satisfaction. “Ms. Lane,I don’t recall extending an invitation to you, did I?” she asked, sarcasm dripping from her voice.
Observing Luna’s self-important demeanor, Mia calmly countered, “Well, it seems this gathering isn’t solely in your honor, is it? Was there a necessity for your invitation?” It appeared that certain individuals were distinctly detached from reality, oblivious to their position.
Despite this being a mere social affair, Luna paraded about as though she were the heiress to the Shelbert family fortune, poised to inherit their entire legacy.
Was Luna truly incapable of maintaining her composure?
Upon hearing Mia’s words, Luna’s expression shifted uneasily, though she swiftly concealed it behind a smile. “But today’s celebration is for Asher. As his mother, I have the right to determine the guest list, don’t I?”
Deep within, Luna harbored a sense of gratification. Finally, it was her moment to relish the taste of triumph.
Mia’s voice lowered to a whisper. “Maybe if you looked in the mirror, you’d see that smug expression on your face.”
Luna responded with a cold chuckle, “And so what if I do? Mia, it appears you’re simply jealous. Despite yours and Jasmine’s efforts to obstruct my return to the Shelbert family, you ultimately couldn’t prevent it.”
Raising an eyebrow, Mia shot back, “Oh, is that so? Does hosting a banquet on my turf make you feel invincible?”
Luna’s haughty expression wavered slightly at Mia’s words. Despite her hesitations, she couldn’t overlook the prestige of Aide Castle Hotel in Nord City.
Luna found herself compelled to host the banquet here, despite her disdain for Mia.
However, as long as Luna emerged victorious over Jasmine, nothing else mattered.
With rising fury, Luna countered, “It’s just a hotel. What’s with all the boasting? Remember, I’m still your customer.
“And as the owner, shouldn’t you be more accommodating? Otherwise, I might be compelled to inform others about the shortcomings of your establishment.”
“Well, Ms. Maynard, if you’re not satisfied, feel free to speak with our staff. We’ll promptly arrange your departure. Here at Aide Castle Hotel, customer satisfaction is our top priority. If you’re unhappy, you’re welcome to leave immediately.”
After Mia’s reply, Luna was left speechless, her disbelief nearly choking her.
She had only intended to taunt Mia with her earlier remarks, never imagining Mia would have the audacity to suggest she leave.
How could this be happening?