Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
How dare he create such a scene at her business gala? It was an outright affront!
With a stern expression, Mia intervened, “Chuck, what do you think you’re doing?”
Chuck paused momentarily, casting a defiant glance in Mia’s direction. “This is none of your concern. If you continue to ruin my mood, I might just vent my frustration on you later!”
Ignoring Mia’s presence, Chuck continued his aggressive behavior toward the woman, utterly disregarding her words.
Without hesitation, Timothy sprang into action, delivering a swift kick to Chuck, sending him crashing to the ground.
Meanwhile, Mia grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher from the corridor and aimed it at Chuck, deliberately directing a stream of foam toward his legs.
Chuck exclaimed in agony, “Mia, are you trying to get yourself killed?” Mia tossed the fire extinguisher aside and fixed Chuck with a steely gaze. “The only one in danger here is you.”
Hearing the commotion, Chuck’s bodyguards swiftly rushed over. Enraged, Chuck shouted, “What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and apprehend that woman for me! Today, I’m going to teach her a lesson!”
Mia stared at the two bodyguards sternly. “If you don’t want to end up in serious trouble, you better take him and leave right now!”
Sensing the gravity of Mia’s words, the two bodyguards quickly escorted the hysterical Chuck away from the event venue.
Mia was seething with anger. She approached the injured woman and asked, “Are you alright? Do you need me to call the police for you?” The woman, huddled up and visibly injured, tearfully nodded her head in gratitude. “Thank you.”
Turning to Timothy, Mia instructed, “Remove your jacket.”
As Timothy’s hand began to comply, he noticed the arrival of the other bodyguards.
Glancing at Miguel, Timothy ordered, “Take off your suit jacket and give it to her.”
Miguel hesitated briefly, but without a word, he removed his jacket and handed it over.
Mia gestured for the woman to put on the jacket, then turned to Miguel. “Escort her to the hospital for a check-up, and ensure this incident is reported to the police.”
“Sure thing, Ms. Mia.”
After seeing the woman off, Mia returned to the banquet hall, her demeanor now somber. A scandal like this at today’s event could have dire consequences if word got out.
Mia halted and turned to Timothy. “Why didn’t you take off your jacket when I asked you to?”
“I don’t like other women wearing my clothes,” Timothy responded firmly.
Mia paused for a moment before responding, “But you just offered me your jacket earlier.”
“You’re my woman, so it’s different,” Timothy asserted.
Mia’s expression shifted uneasily. “Who said I’m your woman? We ended things on the plane.”
As Mia’s voice faded, she spotted Peyton approaching. “Inform the public relations team immediately about this incident. We need to ensure there are no mishaps,” Mia instructed.
Peyton hesitated before speaking up, “To contain this situation, it might be best not to involve the authorities.”
Mia adamantly refused, stating, “But that woman is a victim here. It’s her right to file a police report if she wishes. I have no grounds to intervene.”
As a woman herself, Mia undoubtedly stood in solidarity with the victimized young woman.
Just then, Timothy approached and questioned, “But don’t you think this entire situation seems too coincidental?”
Mia glanced at Timothy. “Do you believe someone orchestrated this incident deliberately?”
“An impulsive, hot-headed young heir assaulting a woman at today’s gala—such news surfacing could undoubtedly tarnish your film promotion,” Timothy remarked.
“We’ve witnessed similar incidents at past events as well. Some affluent men tend to let their privilege cloud their judgment.”
Mia couldn’t shake off the suspicion that this incident might have been planned.
Timothy’s tone deepened. “But isn’t it too much of a coincidence that this incident occurred on the night of your film promotion gala? Who would dare to intentionally offend you?”
“You raise a valid point,” Mia acknowledged.
Sensing something amiss, she turned to Peyton and instructed, “Investigate Chuck’s background as well as his recent connections.” Despite just returning to the country, Chuck was acting audaciously, even going as far as to bring bodyguards while Mia was changing. It was fortunate that Timothy was there to intervene and stop him.
Given the circumstances, it seemed Chuck might be a pawn manipulated by someone else.
But who could be plotting against Mia?
After the gala ended, Mia bid farewell to the guests and friends, feeling slightly intoxicated. Luckily, no further issues arose during the evening. As Mia stepped outside, the cool breeze made her head feel heavy, and she felt a bit unsteady on her high heels.
“Watch your step.”
Timothy’s steady hand gently supported Mia’s shoulder as he guided her safely to the car. He carefully opened the door, shielding her from any potential collisions and ensuring her head was protected.
Seated in the car, Mia felt a wave of relief wash over her.
She couldn’t help but steal a glance at Timothy beside her. He was clad in his black security uniform, sleeves rolled up, revealing his muscular forearms.
In Mia’s thoughts, images of Timothy flashed through her mind. She mostly remembered him in sleek, sophisticated suits, emanating an air of aloofness and coldness with his distant, icy eyes.
Feeling unsettled, Mia instinctively clutched her chest. “Timothy, please, just leave me alone,” her voice echoed softly in the quiet car interior.
Timothy looked at her with surprise, noticing that she had closed her eyes and was murmuring for him to leave.
Was she intoxicated?
Timothy gently draped his jacket over her shoulders, his voice soft as he spoke, “I can’t simply leave.”
Mia mumbled, “Then get out of my head.”
A faint smile appeared on Timothy’s face. So, he was on her mind after all?
Timothy straightened up and casually glanced at the driver. “Start the engine and take her home,” he instructed.
His tone was calm and authoritative, unlike that of a typical bodyguard. The driver instinctively complied, turning to Peyton in the passenger seat. “Where should we go?”
After a brief pause, Peyton suggested, “Let’s head to Meadowview Estate.”
It wouldn’t be prudent to send Mia back to the Lane residence at such a late hour.
If the Lanes were to discover Mia with Timothy, it could lead to considerable trouble.
The vehicle soon pulled up outside Meadowview Estate.
Timothy crouched down and gently lifted Mia out of the car. She seemed to have drifted off to sleep, her eyes barely open.
As Timothy carried Mia into the living room, he couldn’t help but notice that the villa’s decor beautifully mirrored her taste.
The maid, Gertrude Montgomery, approached them and asked, “Is Ms. Mia drunk?”
Timothy’s expression remained stoic. “Where is her bedroom?”
“I-It’s upstairs, let me show you,” Gertrude stammered.
This was the first time she had seen this particular bodyguard. Despite his undeniable charm, there was a distinct air of aloofness surrounding him.
Peyton also followed them upstairs. Turning to Timothy, she suggested, “Mr. Barrett, now that Ms. Mia is home, perhaps you should lay her down.”
Timothy replied curtly, “She’s not heavy.”
Timothy entered the bedroom, gently placing Mia on the bed before kneeling beside her to remove her high heels.
Upon noticing the blisters on her feet, he proceeded to massage them with care.
Once he finished, Timothy stood up and calmly instructed Peyton and Gertrude, “Please bring some hangover remedy.”
Gertrude nodded promptly. “Of course, I’ll prepare it right away.” Peyton stood in place, his expression betraying a hint of discomfort. “Mr. Barrett, Gertrude is here to attend to Ms. Mia. You can leave now.” “It’s alright, I’ll stay. You can go.”
Upon hearing this, Peyton felt a lump form in his throat.
Timothy’s words exuded confidence, seemingly unconcerned about any potential wrongdoing on his part.
Given Timothy’s gender, it was inappropriate for him to offer such intimate, personal care to Mia.
Peyton was also mindful of the dynamic between them; navigating the present circumstances was undoubtedly challenging.
Recognizing the possibility of Timothy becoming the future master of the house, Peyton realized he couldn’t afford to offend him. Nonetheless, Peyton remained committed to his professional ethics as Mia’s assistant.
Clearing his throat, he spoke up, “Mr. Barrett, I’ll leave Ms. Mia in your care for now. But remember, your role is that of a bodyguard. It’s important not to overstep your boundaries.”
Timothy’s eyebrows raised slightly as he caught the implication in Peyton’s words. “I won’t do anything to her for now,” he replied.
Upon hearing Timothy’s reassurance, Peyton finally felt comfortable enough to leave the bedroom.
However, a lingering sense of unease persisted; he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about Timothy’s words.
The emphasis Timothy placed on “now” left Peyton pondering his intentions for the future.
It seemed that Timothy was indeed a wolf in sheep’s clothing.