Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Mia’s expression darkened instantly upon the mention of a dead woman.
Tension hung thick in the air, and Luna began adding fuel to the fire.
“Ms. Chapman, have you had too much to drink? How can you spit such nonsense?”
“I’m not! We don’t know her background, and she’s pretending to be wealthy. Isn’t she taking advantage of her resemblance to Timothy’s ex- wife to become his girlfriend? Since she’s already doing it, why can’t I talk about it?”
“Because I won’t allow this!” A frigid voice snapped, breaking the tension in the dining area.
Timothy appeared in a navy blue suit, looking elegant and sophisticated.
Surprise danced in Mia’s eyes as she caught sight of him. She had always thought black suits didn’t quite suit him, believing that colors lent him a more captivating charm.
Nikki gaped at him, giving no heed to his hardened expression. He was truly attractive.
However, Timothy coldly addressed Amelia and Nikki, “Since you’re upset with my girlfriend, you can leave the party now.”
Amelia exclaimed in shock, “Are you kicking us out?”
Nikki was on the verge of tears. She didn’t want to leave. She yearned to spend some time alone with Timothy. After all, this was such a rare opportunity.
Neither Amelia nor Nikki moved. Heath approached them and said, “If you can’t find your way out, I can show you the way.”
Mia smirked. She thought he was hilarious.
Amelia rebuked stiffly, “We’re Mrs. Barrett’s guests. You have no right to kick us out.”
Furrowing his brows, Timothy ordered, “Get them out of my sight in one minute.”
Heath immediately had the security guards come over and kick the
Chapmans out. Even from a distance, the echoes of their piercing cries lingered in the air.
The dining area was notably quiet. No one expected Timothy to actually kick the Chapmans out to get back at them for insulting Mia.
In fact, Mia was caught off guard as well. She didn’t expect him to be this decisive. However, she did find his action rather impressive.
She strode over to him. “I’ll get some food for you.”
Timothy followed her to the food selection area, and they were alone there.
Mia chanced a glance at him. “Mr. Barrett, it seems like your mother has invited the Chapmans. Isn’t your mother going to be embarrassed if she found out that you threw them out?”
“She wouldn’t mind as long as I tell her that the Chapmans are on the brink kruptcy.”
“Your mother is really a typical snob.”
Timothy continued calmly, “Don’t worry about what the Chapmans say. I’ve never treated you as a substitute.”
“I know. I’m a successful person. Such issues are never part of my concern.” Mia shifted the topic immediately. “Well, what do you think about the castle?”
“It’s decent. Do you like this place?”
Mia nodded. “The environment’s great, and the gardens are absolutely stunning. I like their food as well. It’s tough not to fall in love with this place.
Actually, it was only because she owned this place. Of course she’d like it.
Soon, Sharon’s annoyed voice resonated across the room. “Tim, look what you’ve done!”
Standing next to Sharon, Luna shot a triumphant look at Mia. She wondered how Mia was going to resolve this situation. Nikki was a special guest, after
Just then, Kaleb mumbled something in Sharon’s ear. Looking flabbergasted, she inquired, “Are you sure?”
Were the Chapmans on the brink of bankruptcy?
Kaleb nodded grimly. “Yes, that’s right. I was just informed about it as well. They’ve kept this a secret from the public.”
Sharon was upset. In this case, they’d be delusional if they thought she would let Nikki marry Timothy under that circumstances.
She turned toward the guests. “Everyone, please dig in. My apologies for the commotion earlier.”
Everyone began settling into the joyous atmosphere once again, as if they’d forgotten about the Chapmans¡® predicament earlier.
Luna watched Sharon in exasperation. Wasn’t she supposed to hold Mia accountable? Why did she refrain from discussing the Chapmans?
What did Kaleb tell her? Was there really something wrong with the Chapmans¡®
business?
Luna was defiant. She clearly could’ve seized this opportunity to coax Sharon into punishing Mia, yet her plans had proved futile. She couldn’t help but curse inwardly.
Meanwhile, Mia noticed how Sharon cozied up to the other socialites. She seemed to have forgotten that she had deliberately invited Amelia and Nikki over as guests.
Mia glanced up at Timothy. “She’s a good fit for a theater role.” She marveled at how quickly Sharon could change her demeanor.
Timothy replied calmly, “These should be enough. Let’s go.” He took her plate, and both of them settled on their seats.
Just then, Luna produced a gift box. “Happy birthday, Mrs. Barrett. I hope you’ll like it.”
Sharon glanced over at the gold embroidered fan in the box. It looked exquisite,. so she began bragging, “What a beautiful necklace! It will perfectly match with the customized gown I ordered last month.”
“embroidered it on my own. I hope you’ll like it.”
A woman beside Luna chimed in instantly, “Our fashion magazine invited a renowned embroiderer to our show, and Ms. Maynard personally asked her to couch her.”
Sharon’s satisfaction immediately grew upon her words.
Veronica exclaimed, “A handmade gift truly hits differently! It suits you.”
Luna continued. “And this is a card made by Asher.”
“How thoughtful of you! I love it.”
Sharon couldn’t help but steal a glance at Monalize after she accepted the gift. A jolt of frustration lanced through her as she met Monalize’s face.
It was a mirror image of Mia’s, a ghost from her past. Years might have passed, but in that moment, it felt like Mia had never truly left, her presence a persistent echo in the room
Veronica asked. “Tum, did your girlfriend come to Sharon’s birthday party empty
-banded?
Mia smirked. “Of course not. I personally chose a present at the mall with Timothy yesterday. Didn’t you bring it along with you, Timothy?”
Timothy’s eyes bore into hers. He knew her intent, but he couldn’t expose her. He nodded instead.
“I was in a hurry, so I forgot.”
“Timothy, you have to give it to Mrs. Barrett later. Don’t keep it all to yourself.” Mia grinned as if she would waste her time preparing a gift for Sharon.
“Tim, you’re not covering for her, are you?”
Sharon interrupted Veronica, “If he said he forgot, that must be the truth. He’s so busy, after all. How could he possibly remember such trivial things?”
She was very protective of her son in front of others.
Still feeling indignant, Veronica pestered, “Tim, I heard Ms. Monalize has a daughter. Why didn’t you let her bring her child over today? It’s always better to have more people around.”
A hint of impatience flickered in Mia’s eyes. These bunch of old hags were incorrigible.
Mia felt her patience wearing thin from having to deal with these insufferable old ladies. She turned to them with a smirk.
“If you’re such a fan of kids, why not expand your own brood? Perhaps you could even start your own soccer team with the little ones. I bet the excitement would be unparalleled.”
“Tim, look at how she speaks to her elders!” Veronica chastised.
Timothy calmly responded, “I think what she said made a lot of sense.”
Veronica’s expression turned sour. She snorted. “Having your own child is definitely better than raising someone else’s.”
Mia reached for a glass. She could barely hold it in now.
However, Timothy drawled, “I remember Uncle William adopted a kid recently, right? You seem to take good care of him, though.”
Mia’s face immediately lit up. She was eager for gossip.
Veronica stirred uneasily in her seat. “Tim, what are you on about?”
Sharon also shot a look at him. “Yeah, Tim. Where did you hear such rumors? You shouldn’t spread false information.”
Mia clicked her tongue loudly, and Veronica was outraged.
Sensing the growing tension in the air, one of the socialites changed the subject. This private resort is spectacular. We’d like to host an event here in the future. I heard it’s membership¨Cbased, so you need to be recommended by existing members. Mrs. Barrett, could you do us a favor?”
“Yeah, Mrs. Barrett. You’re the only existing member among us.”