Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Claude replied casually, “I’m here for business, but I thought it was a good opportunity to take a break too.”
Nonetheless, the main purpose of his visit was to see Mia.
Amid Mia’s sudden discovery earlier, Claude’s schedule was filled with work commitments, leaving him with little time to travel to Bern City.
Having finally arranged his work schedule, Claude naturally desired to spend time with Mia in Bern City.
Mia had fairly good relationships with her six brothers, although she didn’t interact much with Claude and Jason.
Jason, being a lawyer, had assisted Mia previously when she faced false accusations.
However, with Claude, Mia sensed a lack of connection between them.
Despite not knowing much about Claude, Mia couldn’t deny his striking appearance. If Claude ever decided to pursue a career in the limelight, there was no doubt he would become a sensation.
The next day, Mia prepared to go to the studio.
The previous evening, she had sent a text to Felix, requesting time off.
Mia had to serve as a tour guide for Claude over the next couple of days and also had to visit Laura at the hospital, leaving her with little spare time.
Mia had no intention of reporting to the studio for duty this weekend.
Upon her arrival, Mia promptly switched on her computer and efficiently handled her remaining tasks, ensuring a seamless handover.
With her reduced availability in the future, she decided not to take on many new projects.
“Mia, you’re here! Weren’t you supposed to be on leave this weekend?” Felix exclaimed, his eyes lighting up upon seeing Mia.
Mia responded nonchalantly, “I just came to drop off some documents.”
Just as Felix was about to speak, the door to the adjacent guest room swung open, and Janice emerged. “Felix, have you finished your work? Oh, hi, Mia! What brings you here?”
Mia’s expression shifted slightly, feeling a hint of awkwardness. “I came to take care of some work, but it looks like you two have plans. You can go ahead first.”
Mia couldn’t help but notice Janice’s elegant attire, suggesting she was getting ready to go somewhere.
Felix quickly clarified, “It’s nothing major. My mom rarely visits, so I thought I’d take her out for a bit of sightseeing and fun over the weekend.”
Janice’s gaze was pensive as she approached, linking her arm with Mia’s. “Mia, there’s something
WIS QUIS, 20 bakat ask “Alle replied.
Coding both dance lied to your cousin currently single?”
Ala was still slightly perplexed to hear that. “My cousin?”
She didn’t have a cousin.
Before the situation registered in Mia, Janice asked, “Don’t be a stranger, Mia. Tell me, is your cousin single? Is he married? Handsome and rich, he’s a hot catch!”
Frowning, Felix interrupted, “Mom, what are you talking about? How could Mr. Barrett be single?”
Timothy was the heir of the richest family in Bern City! Even if marriage wasn’t in his plan, there was no way he could be single. And even if he was single, he was out of their league,
Felix’s plan was to win Mia’s heart and then boost his career to further heights by leveraging Mia’s relationship with Timothy,
Mia still couldn’t wrap her head around the situation after hearing Janice’s question, Did Janice take a liking to Timothy and have plans to introduce someone to him?
Janice quickly said, “It won’t hurt to ask. Besides, is your cousin sister that bad? She studied abroad! She’s pretty and highly educated, which makes her a decent candidate. Can’t I ask around for her sake?”
Mia’s guess hit right at the bulls¨Ceye¨CJanice was attempting to play matchmaker.
Janice gazed at Mia, “Mia, I’m just asking for my niece. If he’s taken or doesn’t want a blind date, then forget it.”
The corner of Mia’s lips twitched. She coughed before answering. “I think he’s single.”
Timothy and Mia were going to proceed with the divorce procedures at the courthouse next Monday. If they divorced, he could be considered single.
Excited, Janice grinned from ear to ear. “Really? What’s his type? You heard Felix. His cousin sister is a good candidate and has high standards. She also studied abroad.
“Your cousin is running a company, isn’t he? This relationship could be a boon to his career.”
At her wit’s ends, Mia was slightly baffled on how to answer the bombarded questions.
“Are you reluctant to introduce someone to him? He might like her, though. Then, we’ll be able to be in¨Claws.”
“Mrs. Quilter, it’s not that I don’t want to. He’s a distant relative of mine.” Introducing someone to
Furthermore, considering Timothy’s status, he would have rich ladies lining up to be his partner.
Not to mention how much Sharon liked Maya. That alone left others with only wishful thinking. Getting married to a scion wasn’t that easy.
“Mia, you don’t have to do anything. Give me his WhatsApp. Or give it to Felix, too. He can share the contact with his cousin sister.”
Felix hurriedly cut Janice off. “Enough, Mom. We’re getting late. Let’s hurry.”
Only then she was willing to leave the office. Outside the office, she whispered to Felix, “Why did you stop me?”
“Mom, if my cousin hangs out with Mia’s cousin, that’ll make Mia and I a family. What if those rich people are bothered by this idea?”
Janice expressed disapproval. “Mia ain’t that rich. The woman you’re meeting today is rich. She’s your cousin’s classmate. You gotta show her your best.
“If Mia doesn’t work, you at least have another option. It won’t hurt to try out both at the same time. Given your handsome looks, you should at least look for a rich and pretty partner.”
Felix looked at his reflection on the elevator wall, wearing a proud face.
There wasn’t much progress with Mia because it would take long for her to open up to him.
Indeed, he should make more plans for himself.
Mia left the studio after arranging the documents.
She pulled out her phone to contact Claude, wanting to tell him that her work was over. However, no one picked up the phone.
What was going on? Was he still busy?
Last night, they promised to meet up after she clocked off work.
Figuring that he was in the middle of work, she brushed off the intention to call him again. She texted him instead, “Claude, I’m off work now.”
Within seconds, a call from Claude came.
Mia answered the call without a second thought. “Claude, I-“
“Who are you? Why did you call in?” It was a female voice, an interrogative and cold tone.
Stunned momentarily, Mia glanced at the number. “Sorry, I must’ve called the wrong number.”
Did Claude make a mistake with the digits when he gave her his number last night? That couldn’t
1. be.
Surprisingly, the woman on the other line sounded aggressive. “Stop playing dumb! What’s your relationship with Claude? How did you know him?”
That reaction took Mia by surprise. It was Claude’s number!
But who was this woman? Was it his girlfriend? If so, Mia should straighten things up to prevent misunderstandings.
Mia hurriedly explained, “It’s not what you think it is.”
“What do you mean by that? I checked your WhatsApp chat history with him. You had his number since a few months ago. That was when he had business trips in Bern City.
“You didn’t keep in touch for a period, but he kept wiring you money. Girl, you have a bright future
Mia’s brows creased. “Mind your language, please. Do you have to be this rude? You didn’t even hear me out. How could you jump to conclusions by accusing me of being a prostitute?”
That woman barked, “What do you do for a living then? Women always swarm around Claude because of his status and looks. I’ve seen and taken care of cases of your kind many times.
“I’m warning you, stop daydreaming. He’s not someone you can make him stay.” The call disconnected just like that.
Mia was totally dumbfounded. Was that Claude’s girlfriend? Based on that woman’s description, he seemed to be a playboy.
Mia didn’t know what to do about this because she didn’t have the right to intervene in his personal relationships.
However, there seemed to be a big misunderstanding over the conversation.
Mia and Claude exchanged contact numbers, but they didn’t talk.
He did wire her money before and after the Fleur International Design Competition, but that was his form of incentive to spur her on.
It wasn’t as that woman said it was.
After contemplation, Mia messaged Claude, “Claude. Your girlfriend seems to have misunderstood something about us. Please clear things up with her.”