Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Felix had just learned that Mia had been sipping on whiskey, renowned for its high alcohol content and robust aftertaste.
A hint of hostility flickered in Timothy’s eyes. It now made sense why Mia had become so intoxicated with just a cocktail. Even with a lower alcohol tolerance, the impact should not have been this severe.
Enveloping Mia within his embrace, Timothy walked past Felix and advised, “In the future. exercise caution and refrain from casually offering drinks.”
Felix appeared somewhat embarrassed, saying, “I apologize, Mr. Barrett. It was an unintentional mistake.
“§®§å §á
mom is aging, and her eyesight isn’t great. She struggles to discern the packaging of these alcoholic beverages.”
Disregarding Felix, Timothy guided Mia directly to the elevator.
Mia remained securely held in his arms, immobile and unable to catch even a glimpse of Felix.
Upon hearing Timothy defend her, a peculiar sensation stirred in Mia’s heart.
With the elevator doors closing, Felix retraced his steps and went back to the private dining room.
Janice stood up, inquiring, “Felix, where did they go? Where’s Mia?”
Frowning. Felix replied, “Mr. Barrett left with Mia, who seemed to be intoxicated. Mom, why would you purposely mix up her drinks?”
“Felix, look at the bigger picture. If you drink on Mia’s behalf and end up intoxicated, it could create an opportunity for her to take care of you.
“Now, imagine this scenario. Mia happens to consume a bit too much herself, and you, in an act of chivalry, escort her home to safeguard her well¨Cbeing.
“Wouldn’t that potentially spark some emotions between you two? What if, after a few drinks, it blossoms into a relationship? It’s a win¨Cwin situation,” she explained.
Janice saw this as a golden opportunity for Felix, believing he might be a bit too naive about the situation.
After looking at things from Janice’s perspective, Felix sighed, saying, “Mom, I’ve repeatedly told you not to interfere in this.
“Mr. Barrett¡® wasn’t pleased with Mia getting drunk, and I’m sure I left a negative impression on him.”
Felix had initially viewed today’s dinner with Timothy as a valuable opportunity to make a positive impression, hoping it could contribute to his future pursuit of Mia.
However, all his aspirations were thwarted by Janice’s meddling.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Janice spoke urgently, “Felix, what should we do? Perhaps I could have a conversation with Mr. Barrett to clarify the situation.
“I’m willing to take full responsibility and assert that the mistake was mine. Given his wealth and influence, it’s likely he won’t make a fuss with a middle¨Caged woman like me.”
“It’s hard to say. Let’s wait until Mia wakes up tomorrow, and I’ll explain everything to her. Don’t worry, Mia isn’t the type to hold grudges. As long as she’s fine with it, there shouldn’t be any major issues.”
“That certainly eases my concerns. I’m confident you’ll succeed in winning Mia over. After all, you possess such outstanding qualities that any woman would find difficult to resist.”
Felix smiled confidently, considering himself adept at charming women. He believed it was only a matter of time before he captured Mia’s heart.
“By the way, Felix, could you tell me more about Mr. Barrett? He appears to be quite wealthy.
“Mom, Mr. Barrett is the proprietor of a publicly traded company, and his family is quite affluent. Why do you ask?”
Felix decided to keep Timothy’s identity as the heir of the affluent Barrett family under wraps. He wanted to avoid any additional complications from Janice that might inadvertently derail his plans.
Moreover, given Timothy’s high status and position, it seemed likely that he wouldn’t appreciate his identity being widely publicized.
*Felix, your cousin Nelly has just returned from studying abroad and is currently single. Introducing her to Mr. Barrett could enhance our family’s reputation, don’t you think?”
“Mom, let’s talk about this later. Mr. Barrett might not be interested,” Felix replied cautiously.
“But Nelly has studied abroad and has experienced different cultures. How can she not be a suitable match?” Janice insisted.
Felix found himself speechless. After all, Timothy had once been engaged to Maya from the esteemed Lane family in Nord City, and even that engagement had been called off.
It seemed impossible that someone like Nelly could be deemed a suitable match for Timothy!
Felix retrieved his phone and sent a WhatsApp message to Mia: “Mia, I sincerely apologize. My aging mother made a mistake and served you hard liquor instead, causing you to get drunk.”
Felix believed it was crucial to explain to Mia beforehand, ensuring that his apology the next day wouldn’t appear insincere.
Simultaneously, Mia’s phone chimed, but she refrained from checking it.
She was currently portraying the role of a drunk woman, and checking her phone wouldn’t align with the act.
However, she grappled with the dilemma of whether to answer if it happened to be a call from her family. If Connor was to find her in this state, she would unquestionably find herself in trouble.
Mia leaned against the backseat of the car, feeling a bit dizzy despite being conscious.
Fortunately, she had successfully purged the whiskey in the restaurant’s restroom earlier. Otherwise, she would be far more intoxicated now.
Slumped in the chair, Mia felt somewhat disoriented, her mind in a disarray as she wondered where Timothy was taking her.
He probably wasn’t aware of her current residence.
Despite this, Mia couldn’t shake off a sense of unease.
Seated beside Mia, Timothy observed her intoxicated condition. He rubbed his temples, appearing unsure about how to handle the situation.
After some time, Rodger inquired, “Sir, where are we headed?”
Wearing a somewhat sullen expression, Timothy replied, “Don’t ask me, ask her.”
Rodger cast a glance at the dozing Mia in the rearview mirror and replied in a hushed tone, “Sir. Mrs. Barrett is already asleep.”
Timothy turned to observe Mia beside him.
True enough, her eyes were closed, and she was in a deep slumber. He sighed and whispered,”
Let’s head home.”
Rodger steered the car in a different direction. After more than half an hour, the vehicle arrived at the entrance of the marital villa.
Exiting the car, Timothy bent down to lift the sleeping Mia from her seat.
In reality. Mia wasn’t in a deep slumber. Upon hearing the movements, she was on the verge of waking up. However, realizing that Timothy was carrying her in his arms, she shut her eyes again.
Mia’s heart raced as she listened to Timothy’s footsteps, yet she had no idea where he might be taking her.
Was he perhaps bringing her to a hotel?
At that moment, Mia heard Holly’s voice. “Sir, it seems that Mrs. Barrett is drunk. Would you like me to prepare some chicken soup?”
*sure.”
With that subdued response, Timothy headed directly upstairs.
Mia realized that she had been brought back to the marital villa. Should she wake up or continue feigning sleep?
As Mia wrestled with her thoughts, she felt herself being gently placed on the bed.
Gazing down at Mia, Timothy removed his coat, having sweated a bit while carrying her.
He then proceeded straight to the bathroom, where the sound of running water soon echoed.
As the water flowed in the bathroom, Mia gradually opened her eyes. She found herself in the familiar bedroom of their marital home, a space she had personally decorated.
Her emotions were all over the place. She hadn’t anticipated returning to their marital villa like this before finalizing their divorce.
In that instant, Mia’s phone rang.
She quickly picked it up and answered in a hushed tone, “Hello, Aunt Patricia.”
“Mia, why haven’t you returned? Where are you?”
“I’ll be working late at the studio, so I won’t be home until later. You go ahead and get some rest.
If anything comes up, I’ll call my brothers to give me a lift. Don’t worry.”
Having heard Mia’s assurance, Patricia didn’t delve further and promptly ended the call.
As Mia put down her phone, she noticed an apology text from Felix. When she tasted the whiskey earlier, she quickly realized that Janice had poured the wrong drink.
Mia couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Unsure of what to say, she decided not to respond.
Staring at the ceiling, Mia was caught in a dilemma once again. Should she wake up or continue pretending to be asleep?
Just then, Holly knocked on the door and entered, asking. “Mrs. Barrett, are you awake? Having a bowl of warm chicken soup might make you feel better.”
Now, there was no need for Mia to contemplate whether to wake up or not.
She mustered a smile and responded, “Certainly, thank you.”
Leaning against the headboard, Mia savored the chicken soup from the bowl.