Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Accustomed to a life of privilege and praise, Lewis had never faced such harsh criticism before.
Mia’s cutting remarks sparked a surge of humiliation within him, stoking the flames of his anger as he moved forward with the intention of retaliating.
But just as he was about to act, a strong hand intervened, halting Lewis in his tracks.
With a stern expression, Timothy’s cold gaze bore into him as he commanded, “Back off!”
As Lewis glared at Timothy, a contemptuous sneer contorted his lips. “Mia, so it appears you’ve decided to associate with this pauper now, have you?”
Upon hearing Lewis’ offensive remarks, Mia glanced incredulously at Timothy beside her. She then turned her attention back to Lewis and inquired, “Aren’t you familiar with him?”
In theory, Lewis should be acquainted with Timothy, considering the Bowen family had been publicly proclaiming their collaboration with the Barrett family.
After all, their goal was to establish themselves as the top powerhouse in Nord City.
However, just moments ago, Lewis had been pointing fingers and hurling insults at Timothy, clearly unaware of his identity!
The situation was undeniably peculiar.
With an air of defiance, Lewis retorted, “Of course, I know him. Isn’t he the “pretty boy’ bodyguard who made it to the gossip headlines with you?”
At the mention of “pretty boy bodyguard”, Mia immediately sensed that Timothy’s expression darkened.
It seemed that Timothy, accustomed to being pampered as the heir of his family, had never faced such insults before.
Oddly, Mia felt a certain satisfaction in this turn of events.
Nonetheless, Lewis’ failure to recognize Timothy surprised Mia.
Just moments earlier, she had assumed Timothy’s identity had been exposed.
But she had never anticipated this twist—Lewis genuinely didn’t recognize Timothy.
This raised suspicions about the validity of the Bowen family’s claims regarding their collaboration with the Barrett family.
Struggling to contain her amusement, Mia retorted, “Yes, that’s him— the bodyguard who grabbed tabloid attention with me. He’s much more handsome than you, with a great physique and plenty of charm. He’s exactly my type!”
With a disdainful glance at Lewis, Mia continued, “As for you, you’re simply unappealing, with a lackluster physique. You’re just not my cup of tea!”
Lewis erupted in fury, declaring, “He’s nothing but a pretty boy, isn’t he? What does he have to match me? The Bowens are a distinguished family in Nord City! Besides, I boast abundant wealth and status. What can’t I rival compared to a mere pretty boy like him?”
Mia stifled a laugh and deliberately glanced at the stern-faced Timothy beside her.
As she came closer, she lightly tapped his face and remarked, “Though my bodyguard may lack wealth or status at the moment, apart from his handsome appearance, he has little else to offer.
“However, I am not short on funds. I suppose I’m just that shallow. Looks are all that matter to me!”
Timothy was utterly caught off guard. He shot Mia a chilly glance, his lips pressed into a tight line. He saw through her deliberate attempt to provoke him.
Despite her efforts, Mia held no allure in his eyes. He easily discerned her calculated actions.
Fueled by indignation, Lewis fired back, “Mia, you may have wealth now, but bear in mind, the Bowen family is on the brink of a lucrative partnership with the esteemed Barrett family of Bern City.
“Once that deal is sealed, we’ll ascend to the pinnacle of wealth in Nord City. If you dare to oppose me now, then brace yourself!
“Our collective influence will be wielded against the Lane family when the time arrives. Your status as heiress will then hang in the balance!” Upon hearing Lewis’ bold words, Mia’s curiosity was piqued. Where did the Bowen family find the courage to speak so confidently?
Despite failing to recognize Timothy standing right in front of him, Lewis still exuded an air of arrogance.
Feigning surprise, Mia asked, “So, what exactly is the collaboration between your family and the Barretts about? Please, enlighten me. I’m dying to be frightened.”
“Hmph, Mia, are you feeling a bit intimidated now?” Lewis retorted with a smug expression.
“Is that why you’re so interested in our partnership with the Barrett family? Well, forget it. I wouldn’t reveal our collaboration even if you begged me.
“It’s a business secret, not something I’d share with an outsider like you. However, if you’re savvy enough to agree to the marriage alliance between our families beforehand, then maybe I’d consider letting you in on it.”
After enduring Lewis’ nonsensical remarks, Mia concluded that either Lewis was genuinely clueless, or perhaps the Bowen family had fallen victim to deception.
Losing interest, Mia stated, “Forget it. If you’re not going to tell me, then just leave. Don’t block the entrance to my villa.”
Seething with anger and embarrassment, Lewis retorted, “Mia, your arrogance knows no bounds. But mark my words, there may come a time when you’ll regret your attitude and come crawling back to me! “You’re only bold because of the Lane family’s support. Strip that away, and you’ll be insignificant. I doubt you’d even be fit to polish my shoes.” Mia’s expression shifted upon hearing Lewis” belittling remarks about her family. “With your pathetic appearance, do you really think you can threaten the Lane family? It’s probably impossible for you. Get lost and never show up in front of me again!”
Timothy, too, had no interest in engaging with someone as foolish as Lewis. As soon as he could reach his subordinates, he planned to find out who in the branch was foolish enough to agree to a partnership with the Bowen family.
Turning to Mia, Timothy spoke, “Let’s leave. There’s no point in wasting any more time here.”
Lewis, who was within earshot, exploded in rage upon hearing Timothy’s words. “You, a destitute pretty boy, how dare you speak with such arrogance in my presence?
“Though I may not have access to Mia now, dealing with a mere bodyguard like you is well within my capabilities! You’re nothing but a pretty face, after all.
“And as for Mia, this fickle woman, how long do you think she will keep you by her side?”
Upon hearing this, Timothy’s expression hardened. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and delivered a punch to Lewis.
Although Timothy could withstand insults directed at himself, he couldn’t bear to hear Mia being disparaged.
The impact of Timothy’s punch knocked Lewis to the ground, blood gushing from his mouth as he cradled it.
Mia quickly noticed that two of Lewis’ teeth had been expelled from his mouth. She gasped, realizing the strength behind Timothy’s blow that caused them to dislodge.
Despite the violence, Mia couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Clutching his bleeding mouth, Lewis was unable to speak as pain radiated through him.
Lewis’ bodyguard swiftly stepped in, accusing, “Ms. Lane, your bodyguard launched a brutal attack without restraint. The Bowen family should not be taken lightly.”
With a smirk, Mia turned to Lewis’ entourage and stated, “Well, I’ll say the same to you. The Lane family is not to be underestimated either.” Turning back to Lewis, Mia retorted, “Your offensive language is what got you into this mess. Consider yourself lucky that Timothy only knocked out two of your teeth instead of taking your life.”
Had Dominic caught wind of those words, Lewis would have likely faced even harsher consequences.
Hastily, the Bowen family escorted Lewis to the hospital for treatment. Glancing back at Timothy, Mia remarked, “You seem to be getting quite hot-headed lately, resorting to violence so easily.”
Timothy, still clad in his security uniform, massaged his wrist and replied, “Dealing with these nuisances around you can be quite vexing.” Rudeness seemed to be a common characteristic among these men, with Miguel being no exception.
Nonetheless, Timothy didn’t seem to hold the Bowens in high regard either. He turned to Mia and asked, “What have you been up to today? How did Ginger’s treatment go?”
Avoiding his gaze, Mia replied, “Ginger’s treatment went smoothly. There were no complications.”
Timothy asserted firmly, “I want to visit Ginger at the hospital.”
Mia couldn’t help but feel torn by his request.
Mia made her way into the living room of the villa. She was well aware that Timothy wouldn’t easily relent if he didn’t get to see Ginger. Taking a seat, she began, “Remember that evening at the banquet when you saved me from falling? The media exaggerated the situation, suggesting something improper between me and a bodyguard.
“It almost reached my brothers, but luckily, I was able to divert their suspicions. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be standing here talking to me.” Timothy stood resolutely before her. “So, the best way to handle this before your brothers find out is to take me to see Ginger.”
“I’ll find time for it later. Currently, there’s always someone around Ginger, and Eva visits the hospital daily. If you show up, it will surely attract attention.”
Persisting, Timothy asked, “How long is “later’?”
“In the next few days. I’ll figure something out.”
Mia’s response was evasive. She wasn’t sure how to arrange the meeting with Ginger.
Timothy scrutinized her, his gaze narrowing. “Mia, what else aren’t you telling me?”
“I’m not keeping anything from you,” Mia asserted. “I mentioned I’ll arrange for you to see Ginger later, but I need to find the right opportunity. If my brothers catch wind of this, they’ll prevent you from seeing her altogether.”
Meeting Timothy’s gaze, Mia added, “If you doubt me, there’s not much I can do.”
Timothy analyzed her expression, searching for any hint of deceit, but found none.
Though he found Mia’s behavior concerning Ginger peculiar, he lacked evidence to support his suspicions.
Without his phone and with everyone around him absent, he currently had no chance to investigate this matter.
Meanwhile, despite her outward composure, Mia was fraught with anxiety.
After a moment of silence, Timothy spoke up, “I’d like to go to the mall.” “Why the sudden interest in the mall?” Mia inquired.
“To buy some gifts for Ginger,” he responded.
Mia nodded and gave Timothy a quick once-over. “I hate to break it to you, but do you even have any money on you at the moment?” Timothy met her gaze squarely. “I may not have money right now, but you do.”
Upon hearing Timothy’s confident words, Mia crossed her legs and retorted, “But we’re already divorced. Why should I be shelling out money for you?”
Timothy seemed rather naive in his approach.
Meeting Mia’s gaze, he calmly suggested, “Think of it as a loan to me. I’ll repay you double in the future. Money isn’t an issue for me, and I can handle it.”
His audacity was truly something to behold.
However, Timothy’s claims were true; he certainly wasn’t lacking in financial resources.
Despite this, Mia wasn’t willing to concede to his request.