Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
As Mia’s car approached the vicinity of Aide Castle in the evening, her spirits soared at the sight of her project brought to life. If Aide Castle’s popularity surged, she could start contemplating plans for the next one.
Mia strode confidently toward the party venue in a stunning red evening gown. Her bold demeanor attracted the attention of many.
Luna, stationed near the entrance, caught sight of Mia. She arrived like a star, radiating a captivating presence. Jealousy surged within Luna, and she tightly clenched her fists to steady herself.
After all, today’s event held significant importance for her.
Two bodyguards stopped Mia at the entrance. “Miss, may we see your invitation card, please?”
Mia glanced at the bodyguards, not expecting this to happen.
Timothy was supposed to pick her up, but an urgent work matter had arisen for him. They would be late if he were to pick her up afterward, given that Aide Castle was located in the suburbs. As such, Mia decided to head to the private resort on her own.
She smiled. “I don’t have an invitation card.”
“Miss, this is a private event. You can’t enter without an invitation card,” explained the bodyguard politely.
The incoming guests witnessed the scene.
Intentionally, Mia inquired, “Is the privacy policy this stringent at Aide Castle? Can’t there be some flexibility?”
“Apologies, miss. Our private resort places a high value on guest privacy. If you’ve forgotten your invitation card, you may wait in the waiting room,” the bodyguard replied, earning a satisfied smile from Mia. The staff peared to be well¨Ctrained professionals.
Some guests praised the bodyguard’s handling of the situation.
Luna, watching the spectacle unfold, was eager for revenge for the incident at the fashion show. However, Mia’s lack of frustration at being stopped at the entrance puzzled her. Mia even smiled!
What ought to be an embarrassing situation turned out to be the opposite! What was funny about it?
Luna couldn’t bear the thought of losing face. Stepping forward, she addressed the guests. “Ladies and gentlemen, please hand your invitation cards to me here.”
Once the guests had moved on, Luna fixed a proud gaze on Mia, brandishing the invitation cards. “Ms. Monalize, I’ll need your invitation card.”
Mia met her gaze squarely. “Oh, no limited edition dress today?” she quipped, refusing to back down.
Luna’s smile faltered, her jaw tightening. “I don’t see why I should answer your question.”
Luna was determined to humiliate Mia by stopping her from joining the party.
Someone let out a humorless laugh. “Who cares about what you wear? You don’t even know Mr. White’s classic designs. We’re not even in the same league.”
The strong scent of perfume wafting through the air unmistakably signaled the presence of Shelly, who was adorned from head to toe in branded attire.
The outfit she wore was familiar¨Cit was the one purchased at the fashion show yesterday! Even the ill¨C fitting shoes were unmistakable.
Shelly’s feet were a size 6, yet she somehow squeezed them into a pair of size 5!
helly slowly walked toward Mia and linked arms with her. “Let’s go inside, Monalize. There’s no point wasting time with someone like this.”
“Shelly, no one can enter without an invitation card,” Luna insisted, refusing to back down.
“But everyone is allowed to bring a plus one. It’s not a problem for me to have Monalize as my plus one, is it?”
“I thought you already had a plus one.”
Jennifer was indeed there, standing next to Shelly.
Shelly looked over her shoulder. “Stay here and wait for me. I’ll come back for you.”
Unable to argue, Jennifer nodded.
Shelly directed her attention back to Luna. “Nosy people are always nosy. Monalize is Tim’s girlfriend. She doesn’t need an invitation card. Don’t mistake yourself for one of us just because you’re acting like a watchdog.”
“Watch your language, Shelly Barrett.¡®
“This is how I speak. If you don’t like it, you can leave.”
Throughout the exchange, Mia remained silent, impressed by Shelly’s sharp tongue. Luna’s fa?ade of pretense crumbled, but she lacked the courage to confront Shelly head¨Con.
The money spent on Shelly was a worthy investment.
Mia and Shelly joined the party. Most of the guests were there, hence the lively atmosphere.
Shelly took out her phone to take pictures. “Monalize, this private resort is a new place. Only reservations are accepted. It’s never opened to the public.
“I’ve heard that everything here, from the designs to the decorations, is branded. Especially those plants in the parlor¨Cthey are rare and imported from abroad, some even endangered species.”
Mia remained composed, though she played along with an astonished expression. “Really? The parlor is beautifully and exquisitely decorated, and the outdoor design is stunning, too.”
“Some might find this a novelty,” Shelly remarked.
Sharon and Veronica approached them, with Sharon exuding elegance and high spirits. However, Mia’s striking red attire seemed to irk Sharon¨Cit made Mia stand out, almost as if she were the woman of the hour.
Veronica sized Mia up and blurted, “Ms. Monalize, today’s Mrs. Barrett’s birthday party. Yet, you’re standing out a lot. Don’t you know the golden rule?”
Mia arched an eyebrow. “Sorry, I’m born this way. I stand out no matter what I wear.”
The corner of Veronica’s lips twitched. Mia truly didn’t hold back with her words.
Sensing the tension, Shelly swiftly changed the subject with a smile. “Aunt Sharon, I heard the resort management upgraded their service for you, free of charge! It’s a bespoke service only available to you. Average folks wouldn’t have access to it. I’m envious.”
Sharon’s expression softened with pride as she touched the bracelet. adorning her wrist. “I’m pleased with the service. I’d recommend this place to anyone for their private events in the future.”
Veronica chimed in with flattery, “You’re right. Although it’s a little expensive to make a reservation here, the service here is bespoke. It’s not within the reach of an average person.”
Mia couldn’t help but smile subtly at the exchange.
As she had expected, Sharon was starting to flaunt her status. The other affluent women would likely follow suit in hosting events at the resort, afraid of losing out.
This meant that Mia’s private resort would be raking in big money!
At that moment, Mia found Sharon’s behavior almost endearing¨Cit wasn’t easy to enlist someone to be her cash cow.
Sharon noticed Mia’s smile, which proved her retort had been useless.
“Mrs. Barrett, Ms. Chapman is here.”
“The Chapmans are here? Welcome them. Hurry. They’re esteemed guests,” Sharon declared, casting a meaningful glance at Mia.
It was time to let her know when to back off now.
Shelly grumbled, “Why are the Chapmans here too? Jeez!”
“Is Ms. Chapman a prominent figure?” Mia inquired, turning to Shelly.
Shelly coughed awkwardly. “Don’t misunderstand, Monalize. Aunt Sharon arranged a blind date between Ms. Chapman and Tim. Both families are interested in a marriage alliance, but Tim hasn’t agreed. It’s Ms. Chapman who has been persistently pursuing him.”
Mia raised a brow.
So, Timothy had a potential partner,
Ma turned her attention to Sharon as she headed toward the entrance to greet the guest, her fondness for Nikki evident to all.
“Monalize, Ms. Chapman has been pursuing Tim for years, but he’s not interested in her. There’s no way they’ll get together.”
Mia cocked a brow. “But Mrs. Barrett invited Ms. Chapman here intentionally to remind me of my place and to back off.”
It was easy to see through such a trick.
“When Tim arrives, he’ll surely take your side, and Ms. Chapman will have no choice but to watch from the sidelines like a jealous outsider. Oh, right. Where is he? Why didn’t he come with you?”
“We planned to arrive together, but he had an urgent matter arise at work, so I came ahead.”
Mia didn’t mind that at all. After all, her priority was to be at her newly opened private resort.
ron warmly welcomed the Chapmans, recognizing their importance to the day’s festivities.
Nikki arrived gracefully in a white dress, presenting Sharon with a gift. ” Happy birthday, Mrs. Barrett.”
It was a diamond necklace.
Veronica exclaimed, “Sharon, see how thoughtful Ms. Chapman is. She’s given you such an expensive gift! Unlike certain individuals who arrived empty¨Chanded.”
She was obviously implying Shelly and Mia.
Sharon waved off the remark. “It’s the thought that counts. Gifts from strangers bear are of no significance to me.”
Right then, Harriette joined the crowd. “Sharon, Shelly had prepared a present for you a while back. However, she accidentally left it at home. Here it is.”
She opened the present. It was a rare leather Vior bag in purple.
Sharon’s eyes widened in astonishment as soon as she saw the bag.
That was the bag Shelly purchased at the private fashion show yesterday!