Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
She deliberately spoke up, saying, “Look, Mia, didn’t I mention before that the college authorities would surely offer you support?”
However, the nearby students grew discontented. “Mr. Shaw, you’re not showing bias toward Mia just because of her connection to that man, are you?
That wouldn’t be fair to the rest of us.”
Another student argued, “Yeah, it’s totally unfair!”
Kennedy suddenly felt overwhelmed by the accusations. “Well then, what do you propose as a fair resolution?”
“We demand fairness. Revoke Mia’s scholarship!”
“Yeah, Mia should also postpone her graduation. After taking such a long hiatus from her studies, what entitles her to graduate so quickly?”
Upon hearing this, Mia felt compelled to speak out, “I’m willing to forfeit the scholarship, but given that I’ve earned. enough credits, isn’t it fair and reasonable for me to graduate?”
“No, we disagree! Mia is only able to graduate because of her relationship with that wealthy tycoon.
“If regular people like us took a break from college for so long, we wouldn’t even have the opportunity to return and continue our studies! Why should you still be eligible for the scholarship?”
Dana felt a hint of satisfaction from hearing these remarks. Finally, Mia seemed to be facing the consequences of her actions.
After taking a moment to collect herself, Mia responded, “Who said I relied on improper relationships with men?”
“Isn’t it a fact? What’s your connection with Mr. Barrett from the Barrett Group?”
“Mia, don’t try to pass it off as mere friendship. You, a female college student, and a married billionaire¨Cwhat sort of friendship could that be?
“Isn’t it the classic sugar baby and daddy relationship? Do you honestly think we’re oblivious to it all?”
Mia glanced over, her arms crossed firmly across her chest. “I must confess, my connection with Mr. Barrett is more. than just a casual friendship.”
“Are you admitting to having an inappropriate relationship with that magnate?”
Kennedy couldn’t remain silent any longer. “What inappropriate relationship? What are you all being taught here? Mia’s relationship with Mr. Barrett is genuine and morally upright!”
The students retorted, “Mr. Shaw, Mia has already confessed. Your clarification isn’t required here. What kind of relationship between a man and a woman could be deemed appropriate?”
“Marriage, would that be considered legitimate?”
Suddenly, Timothy’s deep, ominous voice resonated as he appeared in the office doorway, his towering figure exuding authority.
Dressed in a refined suit, Timothy’s commanding presence stood out prominently among the others in the room.
A brief hush fell over the office as Timothy made his unexpected entrance.
Mia was caught off guard by his arrival.
Approaching her with a stoic expression, Timothy spoke in a subdued tone, “Are. you being falsely accused?”
Mia pursed her lips. “It’s just a slight misunderstanding.”
Just then, Timothy gently placed his hand on Mia’s shoulder, pulling her into a comforting embrace.
Turning toward the nearby students, Timothy asserted firmly, “My wife values her privacy and prefers to keep a low profile on campus, which unfortunately has resulted in some unfounded rumors.
“I’m here to clarify matters today. Mia is my wife.”
As Timothy revealed this revelation, the entire room was left stunned.
The students who had previously interrogated Mia now appeared visibly unsettled. Who could have thought that Mia was actually Mrs. Barrett?
Dana, standing nearby, wore a grim expression. She felt her legs weaken beneath her.
Never in her wildest dreams had Dana imagined that Mia could be Mrs. Barrett. Could she even afford to antagonize someone of such high status?
Yet, Maya had never given any indication before. Dana couldn’t shake the feeling that she had been deceived.
At that moment, Kennedy stepped forward to intervene, stating, “You see, I told you it was just a misunderstanding. None of you believed me. Now, quickly apologize to Mia and seek her forgiveness.
Exchanging hesitant glances, the students swiftly apologized, “Mia, we were misled by the forum’s content, which led us to react inappropriately. Please forgive us.”
“Yeah, Mia, we had no idea about your identity as Mrs. Barrett. Your discretion is admirable. We were also misinformed by the forum. It’s all because of that deceitful anonymous reporter.”
“Absolutely, Mr. Shaw needs to apprehend the reporter. They’re too cunning, deliberately deceiving us like this.”
Upon hearing her classmates¡® apology, Mia’s demeanor softened.
“I accept your apology. However, regarding my identity as Mrs. Barrett, I’d like to keep it private for the time being. I hope you can respect my wish for confidentiality.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t disclose it to anyone.”
Kennedy swiftly gestured with his hand. Very well, thank you for your understanding, Mia. You may all go now.”
Dana attempted to leave discreetly but was intercepted by Timothy at the doorway.
She turned back, a hint of nervousness evident in her expression. “Mia, I’m having a stomachache all of a sudden. I need to use the restroom.”
Mia was perplexed by Timothy’s decision to stop Dana. Bowing his head, Timothy quietly disclosed, “She’s the anonymous reporter.”
Mia was taken aback. “That’s impossible!
How could Dana have reported her?
Upon learning that her actions had been. revealed, Dana exclaimed anxiously, ” Mia, I didn’t report you. I’m innocent. Someone must be trying to frame me!”
Mia glanced at Dana, feeling uncertain. ” Could there have been a misunderstanding?”
Dana hastily replied, “It’s surely a misunderstanding.”
Mia couldn’t bring herself to accept the fact that Dana had anonymously reported her. There had never been any conflict. between them, and Dana had no motive to do such a thing!
Timothy’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Are you questioning my investigation?”
Mia was startled. She pressed her lips together and responded, “Maybe Dana is being framed?”
Dana was on the brink of tears. “Mia, that has to be it. I truly have no reason to report you.”
At that moment, Timothy turned his gaze toward Kennedy. “Present the evidence.”
Kennedy unlocked his phone and examined it, his expression turning uneasy. “Dana, I have screenshots of the report that trace back to your IP address. How do you justify this?”
Mia glanced at Kennedy’s phone screen and observed the incriminating evidence.
She turned to Dana, her disbelief evident. “What could possibly motivate you to do something like this?”
Dana swiftly grasped Mia’s hand, pleading, “Mia, those photos were all manipulated. I swear it wasn’t me.
Please, consider it. I have no motive to engage in such actions.”
Mia’s thoughts were in turmoil. She really didn’t want to accept that Dana could be the anonymous reporter.
Yet, at the same time, Timothy had no apparent motive to discredit Dana either.
Despite harboring some resentment toward him, Mia couldn’t deny his capabilities.
So, there remained only one logical explanation.
||
Mia held Dana’s hand reassuringly. Dana, I trust you wouldn’t do something like this. You must have been framed.”
“Yes, exactly, Mia. I was framed.
Someone must have deliberately set me up!”
Mia responded, “Very well, if that’s the situation, then I’m determined to uncover the mastermind behind all this.
“Let’s head to the police station immediately and allow the authorities to investigate the culprit responsible for this mischief.”
Mia tried to urge Dana forward, but after a few steps, Dana adamantly refused to budge.
Turning to her, Mia inquired, “What’s the matter, Dana?”
With a heavy thud, Dana sank to her knees, admitting, “I’m sorry, Mia. It’s all my fault. I allowed my jealousy to consume me, leading me to resort to such desperate measures to undermine you.”
Hearing Dana’s confession, Mia took a deep breath. She hadn’t anticipated the truth to unfold in this manner.
She looked at Dana, who knelt on the ground before her. “But I never wronged you, did I? Was it all because of jealousy that you wanted to ruin me?”
“Indeed, I was foolish. Despite both of us coming from orphanages, I couldn’t bear to see you surpass me, especially with your connections to such remarkable men.
“My envy blinded me, leading me down this path. Mia, please find it in your heart to forgive me. You’re my only friend here.
Mia pushed Dana’s hand away. “Now I understand why you have no friends in college. No one wants to be associated with a deceitful person like you.”