Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Mia raised her brows. “I think it’s quite obvious. I’m not blind, you know.”
“Of course, I also plan to check on Ginger’s treatment on this trip. She’s my daughter after all. Is there anything wrong with me visiting her when she’s ill?”
His words rendered her speechless. Still, she probed him earlier because she suspected that he had discovered something.
It turned out that he might really just be there for Ginger. It wasn’t because he found out about the secret about the bone marrow.
Timothy’s influence wasn’t that great in Nord City, so she wasn’t worried about him finding out anything. Even if he did, he couldn’t do anything in Nord City.
The plane soon took off.
Mia chanced a glance at him. “Aren’t you afraid of being reprimanded by my brothers? They all resent you because of what happened back then.”
Timothy replied calmly, “Fortune favors the bold, and misfortune cannot be avoided.”
Now that he knew she was Mia, he had to pay a visit to the Lanes. What happened years ago had been too sudden, after all. He yearned to know why the Lanes faked Mia’s death and hid her away for so many years.
Mia glanced at Timothy, who seemed perfectly composed beside her. She wondered where his courage stemmed from.
Withdrawing her gaze, she said, “I applaud you for your commendable courage. However, I’d suggest you keep a low profile. Don’t let my brothers find out that you’re in Nord City. Otherwise, you’re doomed.”
“Are you concerned about me?” Timothy asked.
Sensing the hint of amusement in his eyes, Mia turned around and replied, “I didn’t expect you to be so presumptuous, Mr. Barrett. You’re my child’s father after all. Things will get complicated if something happens to you.” She was totally not concerned about him.
Just then, a gorgeous flight attendant approached them with a trolley.
“Ms. Lane, Mr. Barrett, would you like something to eat or drink? Here’s the menu.”
Mia took the menu and ordered a steak and some fruits.
The flight attendant crouched down next to Timothy and said sweetly, “Mr. Barrett, since you’re going to Nord City, I’d recommend you to try these local specialties.”
Timothy found it troublesome and simply ordered the food she recommended.
Sofia was delighted. Without skipping a beat, she added, “Mr. Barrett, are you heading to Nord City for business or vacation? I’m actually from Nord City. If you don’t mind, I can offer you some tips.” During her meal, Mia suddenly glanced over at Timothy and said, “Why don’t you bring her with you after you get off the plane? It’ll be more convenient for you to have a private guide.”
Surprise filled Sofia’s eyes as she nodded hastily. “Mr. Barrett, if you don’t mind, I’d love to help you out.”
Timothy paid Sofia no mind, but she was practically glued to him. He turned to Mia. “Are you jealous?”
Mia smirked. “Really? Do you think I’d be jealous?”
“Then you—“
“I said so earlier because it was a reasonable suggestion. It’s up to you whether you want to accept it or not, Mr. Barrett. Being confident is great, but it’s going to turn into arrogance if you’re overconfident.”
As she spoke, she looked up and saw her friend.
Mia waved at an attractive man dressed in uniform ahead. “Hi, are you piloting today’s flight?” Mia asked.
“Yeah, I’m guiding a new crew member today. I’m in the co-pilot’s position today.”
Brian strode over and began chatting away with Mia in the corridor. He was clearly very familiar with her.
Timothy’s expression darkened instantly. Scowling at Brian, he pondered on Brian’s identity and his relationship with Mia.
Brian smiled and said, “Ms. Lane, I’m also planning to take a few days off in Nord City. Do I have the honor of inviting you out for a meal?”
A smile danced on Mia’s lips as she replied, “Of course. It’s my pleasure to dine with such a handsome man.”
Noting the palpable tension in the air, she glanced over at Timothy. “Mr. Barrett, can you do me a favor?”
“What is it?” Timothy quipped, pressing his lips together.
“There are so many seats there. Could you please move to another seat? I’m in the mood to chat with Brian.”
Timothy was at a loss for words. Of course he wouldn’t do that. He looked as if someone punched the living daylights out of him as he snapped, “How dare you chat with him in front of me? Are you ignoring me?”
The malice evident on Timothy’s face stunned Brian.
Brian’s puzzled gaze darted between Timothy and Mia as he asked, “Ms. Lane, who is this?”
“l don’t know him.”
Timothy looked at her. “Can you stop making a scene?”
Mia glanced over at him and replied, “You’re one to talk.”
Timothy turned toward Brian and said coldly, “She’s my girlfriend. Do I need to make it any clearer?” However, Brian flashed a smile and replied, “Ms. Lane has many admirers. Countless men had shown up, claiming to be her boyfriend. I’ll only believe you if she confirms it.”
“Do you have a lot of boyfriends?” Timothy gritted his teeth.
Mia hesitated for a moment before answering, “Well, that was ages ago. Attracting so many suitors can’t be helped when I’m just too outstanding. “
Timothy looked like he had just swallowed a lemon.
“Do you need my help?” Brian inquired.
Mia was overwhelmed by the overt tension in the air. To save Brian from any potential trouble, she finally said, “Not for now, thank you. See you in Nord City.”
Timothy frowned. How dare they schedule having a meal together in Nord City right in front of him? Was he practically invisible to them?
Just then, Sofia asked tentatively, “Mr. Barrett?”
“Get lost!” he snarled, visibly irritated.
Sofia had also noticed the unusual relationship between Timothy and Mia. She took her leave tactfully, steering clear of any trouble.
Composed, Mia sat in her seat and ate fruit. She could feel his piercing gaze on her as he scrutinized her.
She turned to him and asked innocently, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Do you really have no idea?” Timothy clenched his jaw.
Mia smirked and replied, “I know I’m pretty, but feel free to gape at me though. I’m not going to charge you anyway.”
Timothy nearly lost his temper. He loosened his tie and stared at her. “It’s been four years, but you piss me off as easily as always.”
“I told you I lost my memories. I don’t remember a thing from the past.”
“You might have lost your memories, but you’ve never forgotten that talent of yours,” Timothy remarked
Mia arched her brows. “Really? My brothers said I’m an angel. You’re the only one who thinks I have a bad temper. Have you ever reflected on whether it’s your problem?”
Timothy was rendered speechless. Feeling resigned, he gave up on their argument.
Heath handed a few documents to him to work on after they finished their meal.
Feeling quite bored, Mia glanced over at the pile of documents on his desk and caught sight of the words “Aide Castle” among them.
She suddenly recalled that the Barrett family had intended to have a partnership with her. However, this issue was temporarily put on hold due to the bone marrow incident.
Mia couldn’t help but probe. “Why do you have information on Aide Castle? Are you planning to collaborate with them?”
Timothy wasn’t trying to be secretive at all. He placed the project proposal on top of the pile of documents.
“I plan to, but they haven’t responded so far. Since I’m visiting Nord City this time, I intend to meet with their boss.”
“Oh, so you’re planning to meet their boss. But I heard that the owner of Aide Castle seems quite mysterious. You might not be able to meet him.”
Mia didn’t plan to reveal her identity. She had been managing her businesses behind the scenes for years at the behest of Dominic, after all. His intention to conceal her identity was to prevent the Barretts from finding her since he didn’t want them to stress her out again, indirectly exacerbating her condition.
However, she no longer needed to conceal her identity since Timothy already knew who she was Nonetheless, she still didn’t intend to blow her cover easily.
Timothy turned toward her. “Do you know the owner of Aide Castle?”
“Hey, how could I possibly know? Maybe Dominic knows him. Since I’m pretty well-off, I’ve been lazing around at home lately. The first thing that pops up in my mind every time I wake up is figuring out where to spend my money.”
“Good. You’re living the dream life.”
“Yeah, I know. Not everyone has brothers who dote on them like I do. They’re incredibly talented as well! They just love sending me money!”
A smile spread across Timothy’s face when he saw her bragging. “If you could help me get in touch with the owner of Aide Castle, I can give you a commission.”
Mia’s eyes lit up at the mention of a commission. “Are you referring to a commission based on the revenue of the project? Or is it a commission based on the down payment?”
Timothy narrowed his eyes. “You’re quite knowledgeable, huh?”
She laughed and said, “I might be lazing around all these years, but I did learn something after being around Dominic for so many years. It’s barely a scratch on the surface, though.”
“Well, it’s a 10% commission on the down payment,” Timothy replied calmly.
“It’s not a lot, is it? It wouldn’t even be enough for me to buy a bag. But why do you want to work with Aide Castle?”