Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Pleased with their flattery, Sharon smiled. “No problem. I’ll make sure to recommend all of you.”
“I’m thinking of hosting my son’s wedding here. The view’s amazing, and the service is great as well. On top of that, privacy is guaranteed. I wonder if they host weddings here?”
Mia immediately answered, “They do. The chief designer of the resort will craft a bespoke design plan to create a one¨Cof¨Ca¨Ckind wedding ambiance.”
As she spoke, everyone’s attention was on her.
Mia’s expression faltered. Caught in the excitement of a potential business inquiry, she couldn’t help but blurt out the necessary information.
The socialite chuckled. “That sounds perfect! Ms. Monalize, I didn’t expect you to be so familiar with the resort. Are you thinking of having your wedding here?”
Luna’s and Sharon’s expressions stiffened. Both of them glanced at Timothy, anxiety evident in their eyes.
Timothy turned toward Mia. “You like the environment here?”
“Of course. I mean, just look at the greenery and the clever design of the garden. It’s ideal for birthday parties, proposals, engagements, or wedding banquets. I don’t think any woman could resist such a breathtaking custom venue, right?” Mia rambled on, introducing the key features of Aide Castle.
However, she felt like he was suspected her, could he?
g at her in a strange way. He couldn’t have
She was certain that he wouldn’t find out that she owned Aide Castle even if he investigated thoroughly.
The socialite chimed in, “Mr. Barrett, did you get Ms. Monalize’s hint?”
Shelly exclaimed, “Tim, you have to book the entire place if you’re going to have your wedding here.”
Everyone began clamoring, and Luna immediately lost her appetite in a fit of rage.
Mia’s expression froze. Marriage? It would be madness for her to tie the knot with Timothy again!
She rose languorously. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.¡®
Now that she was sated, she had no intention to linger around any longer. Taking a stroll at the resort the owend would be a better bins.
Timothy felt conflicted. If his eyes weren’t deceiving him, he clearly caught her mocking expression at the mention of marriage.
His suspicion of her identity grew.
Meanwhile, Mia sauntered around the resort alone. She was heading toward a building nearby to use the restroom when she ran into Shelly and Luna.
She noticed that Shelly’s posture seemed slightly off. It was definitely due to the blisters on her heels caused by her ill¨Cfitting shoes. Mia was appalled at her nerve to squeeze herself into the designer shoes despite knowing it would hurt.
Shelly approached Mia with a docile smile. “Monalize, the ambiance here is really nice. It’d be great if you and Tim had your wedding here in the future.”
“It’s too early for me and Timothy to discuss these things.” Mia had never thought about marrying Timothy. The idea itself was absurd.
Shelly’s gaze darted toward Luna before she said, “Monalize, don’t say that. It think he’s serious about the relationship. He’s finally dating someone after being single for so many years. If you become a member here in the future, recommend me so I can throw my birthday party here.”
Mia knew her last sentence was her real intention.
Feeling indignant, Luna immediately chimed in, “Shelly, Mrs. Barrett’s planning to throw a party for Asher’s birthday next month. It will also be held here. Don’t forget to come.”
Shelly snickered. “What does your son’s birthday have anything to do with me? He’s not my son, after all. Don’t get ahead of yourself just because you coaxed Aunt Sharon into organizing a birthday party for Asher by giving her a present.
“I know you’re using that fashion director. You couldn’t afford to compensate her after ruining a dress you borrowed from her, so you let her tag along to offset your debt, isn’t it?”
Shelly was well aware that Luna was boasting about how Asher could celebrate his birthday here. She simply wouldn’t let Luna have it her way.
Mia raised a brow. “Now it makes sense of the identity of the woman who had been following you, Ms. Maynard. She didn’t look like a socialite.”
“She’s just like Luna, desperate to become part of the upper crust. Have a look at yourself. Do you think that’s possible?”
Luna’s expression changed drastically. She’d been tolerating Shelly’s insolence to befriend the Barretts. Little did she expect Shelly to change her footing so quickly over some small favors and even seize every chance to defy her.
Luna couldn’t bear it anymore. She snickered. “Shelly, who do you think you are? You’re vain, a showoff, ambitious yet incapable, and you’ve been leeching off your parents. You’re literally dressed in knockoffs apart from your shoes. And you’ve got the nerve to flaunt them?”
Mia arched her brows. What was Luna implying? Did the fashion director accompanying her realize that something felt off?
Shelly sneered. “Knockoffs? Are you blind? I bought them all at the show. You weren’t even invited to the show. How do you even muster such nerve to lecture me about their authenticity?”
Luna was unyielding. “I don’t, but the fashion director I brought along today used to work in Vior. She’s very familiar with their craftsmanship. She could tell at a glance that your outfit was fake. Do you really think Monalize is that nice to you?”
Shelly was stunned. She turned toward Mia in utter bewilderment.
Mia wasn’t flustered at all. She nearly snickered when she heard what Luna said.
She turned to Shelly. “You picked these clothes yourself. Vior couldn’t be selling fake goods, could they?”
Shelly breathed a sigh of relief. “Monalize, you’re right. What does Luna know about fashion? She’s embarrassing herself.”
Luna was unfazed. She continued, “Shelly, since you’re so certain, why don’t we get the fashion director here to see whether it’s fake or not? The truth will be unveiled then.”
“The fashion director you brought? It’s not like she’s the queen of fashion. Why should we listen to her input? Have you bunch of peasants ever attended a private haute couture show before?”
Still upset, Shelly rambled on, “Luna, do you know why Aunt Sharon was totally unbothered when Nikki was kicked out? It’s because her family is about to go bankrupt and their company’s about to be acquired.
“To her, only a daughter of a prestigious family deserves Timothy. Look at you. Your identity, status, and looks¨Cnone of them makes you worthy of him.”
Luna’s expression changed drastically. “Shelly, stop pretending like you actually care for him. You’re leeching off the Barrett family yourself! You were reluctant to leave, and Tim’s dad had to support you and your mother for years. You’re shameless!
“Do you really think you’re a socialite? If it weren’t for the Barretts having pity on you and your mother, you’d be off on the streets, begging for food!”
“Luna!” Shelly screeched, lunging at Luna. She grabbed her hair and hissed, You’re just a fucking slut from the slums. How dare you speak to me like that?”
Luna was unyielding. Why, did I hit a nerve? That explains why you’re acting so docile toward that woman who’s identical to Mia!”
“I’m going to kill you!” Infuriated, Shelly shoved Luna.
However, Luna wasn’t going to back down. She gripped Shelly’s clothes, and both of them tumbled down the stairs.
Mia stood by and watched them. She’d been anticipating this to take place since the day she provoked the relationship between Shelly and Luna. It felt thrilling to be the antagonist.
Her gaze loomed over Shelly and Luna, who were at the bottom of the stairs now. A few fragments of her memories flashed in her mind. This scene seemed familiar to her.
Did something similar like this happen back at the Barrett residence?
Mia massaged her temples. Recently, she felt like something was about to surface.
in her mind.
Shelly staggered to her feet. The moment she saw her ruined shoes, she broke into a fit and hollered, “You ruined my shoes! Pay up!”
Luna was covered in bruises as well. She glanced over at Shelly’s shoes. “I thought you wealthy people don’t give a damn about compensation. I didn’t know you were that stingy.”
Shelly was spiraling in anger. She shot up to Luna to slap her across the face. again, but Luna wasn’t that foolish anymore.
She dodged Shelly swiftly, but she sprained her ankle in the process. It seemed like her heels were damaged too.
Luna removed her heels and glowered at Shelly, “Hit me again, and you’ll be very sorry!”
“Huh, you think you’re so great, are you? Well, I’m eager to see how you’ll make me very sorry!”
Shelly hit Luna with her heels, but she didn’t dodge this time. The tip of Shelly’s heel struck her forehead, and blood began to trickle down her face.
“Shelly, what are you doing?” Timothy thundered. Sharon and a few other socialites trailed after him.
Seeing that Timothy was here, Mia appeared from the stairs and turned to him.” There’s a doctor here. If it isn’t that serious, you can have him come over to treat her wound.”
Sharon went up to Luna. “Luna, really bad! Shelly, are you out are you alright? Your head is bleeding, it seems your mind?”
Shelly said furiously, “Aunt Sharon, can’t you tell that I’m injured as well? Luna provoked me first!”
“Shelly, we know what you’re like. Luna has always been very patient with you. Did someone goad you into hurting Luna?” Sharon chanced a glance at Monalize as she spoke.
Shelly had been very close with her lately. Perhaps she was manipulated.
Shelly was seething. “What? You’ve no idea how arrogant she was earlier! She finally showed her true colors just now!”
Luna cast a timid look at Sharon. “Aunt Sharon, I’m fine. We just happen to have an argument. It’s all my fault. Please don’t blame her.”
Sharon immediately said, “Shelly, look at how considerate Luna is. Look at you!”
Shelly was so outraged that she was on the verge of tears. She spun toward Mia. Monalize, you saw what happened earlier. Luna clearly provoked me earlier!”
Mia nodded promptly. “Exactly. However, they won’t believe what I said.”
Still indignant, Shelly turned toward Timothy. “Timothy, you heard Monalize.
Luna really provoked me first!”
A cold glint flickered in Luna’s eyes. Her head Jerked up Instantly. “Tim, it’s my fault, indeed. I don’t mind if you blame mel”
“Luna, quit the act!” Shelly burst into a fit of rage.