Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
If a stampede were to occur here, it could pose a threat to her unborn baby.
Still a bit shaken, Connor advised, “Mia, you can’t act impulsively like that, especially since you’re pregnant!”
Mia playfully stuck out her tongue. “I’m aware. I saw Aunt Patricia rushing out, and I got worried. I wanted to catch up with her, but I didn’t expect such a large crowd.”
“Mia, you can always rely on us. You have six brothers, you know? Just now, you could have let us go and find Aunt Patricia for you,” Connor assured.
He gently tapped Mia on the head. “Don’t do this next time,” he cautioned.
Obediently nodding, Mia walked toward the old neighborhood with Connor.
However, she suddenly looked back toward the road outside, sensing a strange feeling she couldn’t quite pinpoint.
Withdrawing her gaze, Mia walked back into the courtyard with Connor. Seeing Patricia safe and sound, Mia felt a wave of relief wash over her.
Once again, Mia faced a round of scolding from her older brothers.
With a hint of concern, Patricia inquired, “Despite Optima Construction’s bankruptcy, will the demolition still proceed?”
Dominic confidently replied, “Don’t worry, the redevelopment will proceed as planned.”
However, Mia wasn’t holding much hope. The demolition had always been a risky endeavor from the start.
Shortly after, a group of people in uniforms entered, equipped with a megaphone.
They announced, “Greetings, everyone. We represent the acquiring company, Vista Properties. We kindly request that everyone line up to sign one by one. Let’s not prolong the relocation process for everyone.”
Promptly, a queue began to form.
Mia voiced her surprise, stating, “Oh, so Vista Properties made the acquisition!”
In a solemn tone, Dominic remarked, “Ahem, Mia, you should find more reassurance now. A large corporation offers strength and security.”
However, Mia wasn’t particularly happy.
After all, Vista Properties belonged to Maya’s eldest brother, forming part of his business empire. What if this was a trap set by that troublemaker, Maya?
Mia certainly couldn’t dismiss the possibility!
Connor chimed in, “Mia, don’t stress too much. Dominic works for that company, so he must have confidence in their capabilities.”
Mia, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation, pondered how to convey her connection to Timothy and
Maya to Dominic.
Nonetheless, she resolved to take it one step at a time.
Attempting to pull the same trick again, Wilhelmina rushed to the front with Bob and Mary, announcing, “They are the owners of this property. Kindly allow them to proceed with the signing process.”
Bob and Mary promptly nodded in agreement, affirming, “Yes, that’s us.”
However, upon verifying the details, Randy, the person in charge, declared, “I regret to inform you that you are not the legal owners, and therefore, you do not have the authorization to sign.”
Bob, visibly frustrated, retorted, “This property belongs to my brother¨Cin¨Claw. He’s currently in the hospital in a vegetative state, and as his family, I have the rightful authority to sign on his behalf.”
“I’m afraid the property is registered under his spouse’s name. Only his wife’s signature holds the requisite authority. Other family members do not possess the legal standing to sign.”
Bob and Mary were left in disbelief at this revelation.
Seated on the ground, Mary voiced her protest, exclaiming, “This is utterly unfair! She’s a widow on the brink of remarrying. How can she be deemed eligible for the demolition compensation?”
Shortly after, Mia, accompanied by her six brothers, approached with a commanding presence, creating a somewhat intimidating atmosphere.
Mia glared at Mary and asserted coldly, “Because the house is registered under Aunt Patricia’s name.”
Momentarily at a loss for words, Mary instinctively turned to Wilhelmina for help, stating, “Ms. Jones, you mentioned last time that when it comes to dividing the inheritance, we also have a share, right?
“You’re an educated person. So please explain.”
Standing on the side, Wilhelmina nervously cowered, somewhat intimidated by the bodyguards accompanying
Mia.
Despite Optima Construction’s recent bankruptcy, Mia’s demolition project remained on course, having been acquired by Vista Properties.
Consumed by jealousy, Wilhelmina asserted. “That’s correct. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have the right to inherit this property.”
Regardless of the circumstances, Wilhelmina was determined not to let Mia secure the new house and compensation. Why should Mia have it all while she ended up with nothing?
Glancing over, Mia explained, “But my Uncle James is still alive. Aunt Patricia has been covering his medical expenses during these years while he’s been lying in the hospital.
“She also consistently visits to take care of him. The compensation from the demolition of this house will be used for Uncle James’s treatment.”
The neighbors around nodded in agreement. “This house originally belonged to James. Bob shouldn’t be contesting it.”
“Over the years, the Bowens have consistently displayed this behavior. Initially, their focus was not on the house. Rather, they were more inclined toward monetary gain.
“Yet, James ended up taking the house without seeking any financial compensation.
“Now, with news of the old house being demolished, they suddenly appear, demanding a share of the compensation. What kind of logic is that?”
The neighbors began chiming in, revealing the details of the past events.
Bob and Mary exchanged guilty glances. Seeing the demolition compensation slip through their fingers, they couldn’t bear to give up even a small share.
In despair, Mary cried out, “Do you realize that when James was undergoing medical treatment, he borrowed a significant amount of money from us, and he hasn’t repaid It?
“The compensation for this house rightfully belongs to us.”
Bob scowled and declared, “If anyone dares to hinder us from getting the money, I’ll confront them today!
“I’m ready to fight tooth and nail, and I won’t back down until my last breath, ensuring no one gets a penny.”
Bob and Mary escalated the situation, causing a scene and throwing a tantrum.
Wilhelmina, standing on the sidelines, continued to fan the flames, determined to obstruct the demolition from happening today.
Dominic exchanged a glance with Randy, who immediately grasped the unspoken signal.
With a firm tone, Randy announced, “If you have concerns about the demolition, kindly proceed to the nearby office for a detailed discussion.
“Let’s not disrupt those who are in the process of signing for the redevelopment.”
Joining in, other neighbors added, “Exactly, please don’t block our way.”
A group of young men in business attire approached from the vicinity and swiftly guided Bob and Mary away. Wilhelmina, too, found herself escorted along with them.
Randy quickly relayed through the megaphone, “Alright, everyone, keep lining up to sign. The compensation terms and amounts are even more favorable now.
“If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask here.”
For a moment, hesitation hung in the air as no one dared to be the first in line, fearing the possibility of a disadvantageous deal.
However, Patricia boldly took the initiative, declaring, “I’ll sign and leave my bank card.”
She was determined to secure the money, regardless of the potential drawbacks. This way, she could preempt any trouble caused by Bob and Mary, ensuring they wouldn’t obstruct her signing later on.
Mia didn’t intervene. Instead, she stood by, assisting Patricia in making sure the bank card details were correct.
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Once she completed the signing, Patricia held Mia’s hand and inquired, “Mia, is this sufficient? Bob and Mary won’t have the chance to alter, will they?”
“No, they won’t be able to make changes. Vista Properties is a sizable company with strict rules and regulations.””
“That’s good.”
Mia turned around and glanced at her six brothers, stating, “Let’s go. It’s time to head back.”
Without the support of Mia’s six brothers today, Bob and Mary would have exhibited even greater arrogance.
Directing his gaze toward Mia, Dominic remarked, “Vista Properties has a longstanding tradition regarding redevelopment. Typically, the individual who signs first enjoys preferential treatment.
“Besides the compensation for demolition, there might be additional benefits.”
“Is that so?” Mia responded with a smile. “Regardless of whether there is or not, as long as my adoptive parents can’t stir things up, I’m content.”
In truth, she harbored some reservations, especially given Vista Properties’s association with Maya and
Dominic.
During their previous encounter, Shelly had purposefully gotten in their way. Could Maya resort to similar tactics this time?
Dominic turned to look at her, offering reassurance, “Mia, if you have any concerns, feel free to share them with me.”