Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Mia refrained from mentioning that the treatment had already concluded.
After all, Timothy remained unaware that Ginger wasn’t the recipient of the treatment.
Mia gazed at him and spoke firmly, “I came here simply to assure you that Ginger’s treatment will be successful. It’s best for you to leave Nord City as soon as possible. I’ll head out now.”
As Mia turned to leave, Timothy’s voice called out from behind, “Mia, I won’t leave Nord City easily. I’ve made it clear that I won’t depart until I witness Ginger’s full recovery with my own eyes.”
Looking back at him, Mia retorted, “Fortunately, it was Claude and Connor who came to pick me up yesterday. If it had been Dominic instead, Timothy, do you reckon you’d still be here in the hospital to speak to me in this manner?”
“Whether I’m alive or not is my own concern,” Timothy replied defiantly. Mia was infuriated by his attitude. “Fine, have it your way. Let’s just pretend I didn’t come today.”
It seemed Timothy failed to recognize her gesture of kindness.
As Mia prepared to storm out of the ward, a doctor and a nurse entered abruptly.
Approaching Timothy, the nurse inquired, “Excuse me, sir, have your family members arrived yet?”
Timothy’s face remained stoic as he replied, “What seems to be the issue?”
“The medical expenses for your hospitalization and surgery haven’t been settled yet. We’d like to know when your family will be able to come and make a partial payment for these costs. Given that you’re not a resident of Nord City, the hospital policy mandates an advance payment for medical expenses.”
Mia raised an eyebrow. Was Timothy in debt for medical expenses?
Timothy’s brows furrowed. “Where are my secretary and bodyguard?” “After you arrived at the hospital yesterday, everyone who accompanied you left. They didn’t settle the medical fees or provide any contact details,” the nurse explained.
“That’s impossible,” Timothy retorted.
A sense of unease washed over him. His staff wouldn’t leave without a valid explanation.
Instinctively, he reached under his pillow, but his phone was nowhere to be found.
His phone was supposed to be in Heath’s possession, yet both Heath and Joe were conspicuously absent.
Timothy had a strong suspicion about who might be responsible for this situation.
It appeared that the Lane family would stop at nothing to get rid of him. This was Timothy’s first experience with such a predicament. However, he responded calmly, saying, “Once I’m able to contact them, they’ll handle the medical expenses. Please rest assured, I won’t postpone the payment.”
Mia stood silently beside them, her thoughts echoing Timothy’s suspicions that Heath and Joe had probably been abducted on Claude’s orders.
It seemed the goal was to leave Timothy isolated and vulnerable in the hospital.
“I apologize, sir, but due to numerous prior incidents, we require your family to settle the medical expenses immediately, or we’ll be forced to discharge you.”
Upon hearing this, Timothy suddenly shifted his gaze toward Mia, who stood by the door.
Feeling Timothy’s scrutiny, Mia found herself overcome with unease. “She’s my family,” Timothy asserted.
“Can I leave now?” Mia wondered silently to herself.
As she stood by the door, her unease intensified at Timothy’s words.
It seemed Timothy was trying to deceive the hospital staff.
With a solemn tone, Mia addressed him, “Mr. Barrett, you can’t just manipulate your words. Since when did I become your family?” Timothy responded earnestly, “You’re my girlfriend, isn’t that considered family?”
“But we ended things on the plane.”
“I didn’t agree to it, so as far as I’m concerned, we’re still together.” Mia couldn’t help but grit her teeth in frustration. Timothy was truly insufferable!
With a frustrated expression, Mia turned to the nurse and asserted, “Even if I am his girlfriend, I am not his family member. You can’t demand money from me!”
Upon recognizing Mia, the doctor quickly adopted a more accommodating demeanor. “Ms. Lane, we trust your word,” he assured. The nurse echoed, “Absolutely. In today’s society, there are far too many gold diggers trying to elevate their status by exploiting influential women. Ms. Lane, rest assured, we won’t take his claims seriously!” Timothy, who had grown up accustomed to wealth and privilege, had never before endured such belittlement.
He had never envisioned a day when others would perceive him as a gold digger.
It was an insult beyond comprehension for him!
Clenching his teeth, Timothy exclaimed, “Mia, do you really think I’m the type of person they’re describing? Please, explain to them who I truly am!”
Mia rolled her eyes and replied calmly, “People often hide their true intentions, so how am I supposed to know yours? I made it clear on the plane that our relationship was over, so please stop bothering me. “Yet, you intentionally approached my brothers and ended up in a confrontation. Who’s to blame for that?”
The nurse nodded vigorously. “Exactly as I suspected. He must be the type to harass Ms. Lane. And now, he can’t even cover his medical bills and wants to postpone payment!”
Timothy’s anger surged at the nurse’s words.
Could the CEO of the prestigious Barrett Group truly be short of such a trivial amount of money?
Observing his reaction, Mia interjected, “Alright, I’ll perform a charitable act today and cover his medical expenses. Let’s call it even from now on!”
Timothy’s expression hardened. “I refuse to break up!”
The doctor intervened firmly, stating, “Your medical expenses have already been taken care of, so please refrain from overstepping your boundaries.
“Ms. Lane, you’re truly a kind-hearted and beautiful person. When it comes to choosing a boyfriend in the future, please be discerning and avoid getting entangled with losers.”
Timothy’s expression immediately darkened. “Who do you think you’re calling a loser?”
As a well-bred and affluent second-generation heir, how could he possibly be compared to a loser?
The nurse regarded Timothy with disdain before firing back, “You can’t even cover your own medical expenses. If that doesn’t define being a loser, then what does?
“Not to mention, you’re also trying to mooch off the Lane family’s heiress! Have you ever stopped to consider if you’re even capable of doing so?”
Timothy was on the verge of exploding with anger. He swore that once he recovered, he would bring down this entire hospital!
Eventually, the doctor and nurse departed, leaving the room enveloped in silence once more.
Mia had been stifling her laughter throughout the ordeal.
But as soon as the medical staff left, she couldn’t contain herself any longer. “I never imagined seeing you in this situation, Timothy!”
With gritted teeth, Timothy retorted, “Are you done laughing yet?”
“Not quite. Let me indulge a bit more,” Mia replied, still chuckling. Witnessing Timothy in such a sorry state was completely unexpected for her.
After all, he had always been so arrogant and aloof, and she had never envisioned him in such a pitiful situation.
“Did you orchestrate all of this, Mia? Where have you sent my staff?” Mia finally stopped laughing and poured herself a glass of water, taking a few sips to compose herself. “Please don’t falsely accuse me.
Heath and Joe’s whereabouts are not my concern.”
“How dare you deny any connection to them? Apart from the Lane family, who else in Nord City could discreetly make Heath and Joe vanish?”
Mia pondered for a moment. “Perhaps Claude is behind this. I warned you long ago not to be so arrogant. Now, you’re facing the consequences.”
“I may have been careless before, but don’t mistake me for someone to be trifled with,” Timothy retorted, gritting his teeth.
“But consider your current situation—no secretary, no bodyguard, no phone, and unable to afford your medical bills. How do you intend to prove that you’re not just a pushover? Being tough demands more than just rhetoric!”
Mia suspected that Heath and Joe’s disappearance might be linked to her brothers. However, she found it rather amusing to see Timothy, typically so arrogant, now facing adversity.
After a brief silence, Timothy spoke up again, “Help me get my phone back.”
“Do you honestly expect me to just hand your phone over? Shouldn’t you be a bit more humble when asking for help?” Mia shot back. Frustration flickered in Timothy’s narrowed eyes.
Mia continued firmly, “So now you’re getting upset? Those exact words were spoken by Mrs. Barrett and Luna when I pleaded for your bone marrow back then.
“Today, I’m just reflecting their sentiments back to you. Isn’t that fair?” Timothy fell silent for a moment before replying, “I assure you, I will take care of this when I return.”
“You’re mistaken. I don’t need your assistance. I can handle this independently.”
Mia’s tone remained composed, as though this were just another routine conversation.
Timothy observed Mia before him, her demeanor exuding confidence and poise. It was evident that she had been well-supported by the Lane family over the past four years.
Meeting his gaze calmly, Mia stated, “The old Mia waited in vain for your accountability, only to find herself in this predicament. But I am not her anymore.”
Now, her determination shone through.
Glancing at Timothy lying in the hospital bed, Mia remarked, “I’ll arrange for Peyton to purchase a ticket for tomorrow’s flight. You should leave Nord City as soon as possible.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
Raising an eyebrow, Mia corrected, “To be more precise, I’m trying to save your life.”
With that, Mia turned and exited the hospital room without acknowledging Timothy’s presence.
She had done everything within her power.
Upon entering the car, Mia immediately instructed Peyton, “Arrange a flight for Timothy to return to Bern City. He must leave by tomorrow.” Mia’s top priority now was to be by Sage’s side and care for him until he recovered. She had no time to concern herself with Timothy’s affairs. Leaving the hospital, Mia headed straight to the private hospital to check on Sage, who remained unconscious.
Approaching Mia, Nicholas conveyed, “Sage briefly woke up this morning but then drifted back to sleep. It appears his recovery is progressing well. He should be fully awake by tomorrow. Once he’s ready, we can move him from the intensive care unit to a standard ward.”
Mia breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. “That’s wonderful news. Finally, the day I’ve been eagerly awaiting has arrived.”