Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“I’m sorry, Mr. Barrett, but I have a personal policy against lending money. It’s better to avoid situations that could strain our friendship,” Mia stated intentionally, a smirk playing on her lips.
Timothy wasn’t oblivious to Mia’s deliberate attempt to complicate matters for him. Unfazed, he calmly responded, “But as your bodyguard, I should still be entitled to a salary, shouldn’t 1?”
“Of course, there’s a salary, but it’s paid on a monthly basis. You’ve only just started two days ago. Do you think it’s appropriate to ask for your salary now?”
Upon hearing Mia’s response, Timothy simply sank into the sofa, his long legs crossed, exuding a relaxed demeanor.
Observing his composed yet mischievous expression, Mia couldn’t help but anticipate what he was about to say.
“Even with just two days of service, you’re obligated to compensate me in accordance with labor laws,” Timothy asserted firmly.
“And let’s not forget the numerous times I’ve come to your rescue during these past two days. Surely, that counts for something, doesn’t it?”
Feeling somewhat uneasy, Mia swiftly glanced at Peyton beside her and questioned, “Is there any precedent for paying a bodyguard after only two days of work?”
Understanding her implication, Peyton responded calmly, “Ms. Mia, there’s no such precedent. Typically, employees must work at least seven days before they’re eligible for a salary advance. Two days is simply too short a duration.”
Upon hearing this, Timothy remained unfazed. He turned to Mia and remarked, “Since the paparazzi have already captured rumors about us, would there be compensation if I had a casual chat with them now?”
Mia clenched her teeth, cautioning, “Timothy, you’re overstepping your bounds.”
Timothy maintained his composure as he continued, “If you want me to stay silent, it’s quite simple. Just provide me with the salary I’m owed.” Ultimately, Mia yielded and instructed Peyton to issue Timothy his wages for the two days. After all, Timothy had kept his end of the bargain.
In this critical moment, Mia couldn’t afford any information to leak to the media.
Taking the 50 dollars, Timothy offered Mia a wry smile. “Is this the standard rate for being your bodyguard?”
Peyton intervened to explain, “That’s because you’re still in a trial period. Once your employment is official, your salary will double. For now, this is the rate.”
Timothy remained silent as he pocketed the 50 dollars. Nonchalantly, he stood up and exited the room.
Mia hurried after him, her tone urgent. “Are you planning to go to the mall now? The paparazzi photos likely haven’t been removed yet. If you go now, you’re bound to be seen!”
Timothy remained unfazed. “Well, that’s not something I’m going to lose sleep over.”
Mia simmered with frustration at Timothy’s unyielding attitude. What did he mean it wasn’t his concern?
Was he implying that she had to shoulder the responsibility alone?
In the end, Mia gave in and stormed off to the mall alongside Timothy. During the car ride, neither exchanged a word.
As Timothy noticed Mia’s sulky expression from the corner of his eye, his lips curled slightly.
After getting out of the car, they made their way to an exclusive elevator that took them directly to the top floor of the mall.
Sitting down on the sofa, Mia addressed Timothy, saying, “You can have whatever you need delivered here. There’s no need for you to go out.”
If Timothy were to venture outside now, he’d definitely attract the paparazzi’s attention.
Given his distinctive appearance, he would be recognized immediately. Previously, Timothy used to shop in a similar manner, with dedicated staff bringing items to the VIP room for his selection. He disliked wandering in crowded places, considering it a waste of time.
Just then, a store attendant approached and politely asked, “May I assist you in finding something, Ms. Lane?”
Glancing at Timothy beside her, Mia suggested, “You should ask him.” Timothy turned to the attendant and requested, “I need to pick out some children’s gifts. Could you please bring me the best-selling items available?”
Upon hearing Timothy’s tone, Mia propped her chin up and glanced over, remarking, “Timothy, you’ve only got 50 bucks. How can you be so bold as to ask for the best-selling items? Do you even have enough money?”
As Mia’s words hung in the air, the VIP room fell into a hush.
Despite the attendant’s extensive experience, she had never encountered such a situation before.
Timothy, usually confident and self-assured, momentarily fell silent. He turned to the attendant and inquired, “Do you have any suggestions for what I could get with 50 bucks?”
The attendant was momentarily taken aback. After all, most patrons of their establishment wouldn’t typically be constrained by a 50-dollar budget. Those who couldn’t afford it wouldn’t choose to shop there in the first place.
Despite having just 50 bucks, Timothy carried himself with confidence and an air of affluence, almost as if he had five million dollars instead. His presence was commanding, far exceeding what one would expect from someone with such a modest budget.
The attendant nervously replied, “Let me go and see what I can find. Please wait a moment.”
Once the attendant left, Mia struggled to suppress her laughter. “Mr. Barrett, have you ever considered what you can purchase with just 50 bucks?”
Unaccustomed to financial constraints, Timothy found himself in unfamiliar territory.
“Hey there, pretty boy bodyguard, need a loan?” a woman’s voice taunted from outside the room.
As Mia looked up, she recognized the woman as Isabella Bowen. It seemed fate had a twisted sense of humor to reunite them once more. Why couldn’t the Bowen family just leave them be?
Isabella strutted in, flaunting her designer handbag. “Mia, I can’t believe you’re being so stingy, only giving your little toy boy 50 dollars for shopping!”
When Mia heard Isabella refer to Timothy as her “little boy toy”, she struggled to contain her laughter.
Clearing her throat, she responded, “That 50 dollars is his compensation for two days of work.”
“So, you’re only giving him 50 bucks for two days’ work? You might as well come to work for me, pretty boy. At least I won’t shortchange you.” Isabella was taken aback as she turned to look at Timothy, who wasn’t wearing sunglasses. She hadn’t expected him to be so attractive.
No wonder Mia had been involved with this bodyguard!
Taking a step closer to Timothy, Isabella boldly pulled out a wad of cash from her wallet and addressed him, saying, “Hey boy toy, I make more money in a day than you do in a month of hard work.
“Don’t waste your time with a miserly woman like Mia. Come with me instead, and I promise you a life of luxury.”
Mia watched from the sidelines, astonished by Isabella’s audacity. She was tempted to grab her phone and capture this historic moment with the title writing, “The CEO of the esteemed Barret family in Bern City being enticed with money by a woman!”
If this were to leak, it would undoubtedly make headlines!
It seemed that the Bowens were indeed an eccentric bunch, with each member being more peculiar than the last!
Timothy’s expression remained stoic as he glanced at the heavily made-up Isabella. “Get lost,” he replied tersely.
“Hey, don’t act all high and mighty, little boy toy. The treatment I’m offering you is much better than what Mia gives you! Why are you refusing?”
Growing impatient, Timothy replied curtly, “Because you’re too ugly.” Upon hearing this, Mia burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. “Isabella, did you catch that? You’re simply not attractive, and your family’s genetics aren’t stellar either.
“Perhaps you should let your brother know that he’s not exactly appealing and should tone down his antics. Even if I never marry someone, I wouldn’t consider marrying him!”
Isabella’s anger flared, pointing accusingly at Timothy. “You’re the one who’s ugly here! Count yourself lucky that I’m willing to support you! “How dare you reject me? So, you’d rather stay with a stingy woman like Mia, huh? Clearly, you don’t know what’s best for you!”
Timothy had never experienced such an insult before.
His expression turned icy. “Being supported by an ugly freak is not a blessing, it’s a curse.”
Mia couldn’t resist giving a thumbs up. That was a clever retort!
As a pampered heiress, Isabella typically projected arrogance and dominance. She had never been addressed in such a manner before, especially not by a mere bodyguard.
Seething with anger, Isabella countered, “Mia, your bodyguard has some nerve to talk back to me. I’ll be sure to report this to Lewis; your little bodyguard won’t get away with it.”
Mia rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Isn’t Lewis supposed to be at the hospital getting his teeth fixed right now?”
After all, Timothy had punched Lewis a few hours ago, resulting in him losing two teeth.
As Mia’s words trailed off, she couldn’t help but notice Isabella’s bewildered expression. It seemed that Isabella was probably unaware of the altercation.
In that instant, Isabella grabbed her phone and exclaimed, “What nonsense are you spouting? I’m calling Lewis right now. He definitely won’t let your pretty boy bodyguard off the hook. Just wait and see!” As Isabella made the call, her expression shifted from determination to shock. “What? My brother got beaten up? By whom?”
After hanging up, Isabella’s anger flared. “Mia, how could you allow your pretty boy bodyguard to assault my brother? Let me warn you, the Bowen family won’t take this lightly! Be prepared to face legal consequences!”
Mia reclined on the couch, chuckling softly. “I’ll be waiting.”
With her threat delivered, Isabella stormed out in a fury.
Despite this, Mia didn’t take the Bowens’ warning seriously.
She glanced at Timothy beside her and remarked, “I must admit, your face is surprisingly valuable. Have you ever thought about switching careers?”
Timothy lowered his gaze and glanced at Mia, asking, “So, what’s your offer?”
Meeting Timothy’s suggestive gaze, Mia swiftly adjusted her expression, retorting, “You’re mistaken. I’m a person of integrity!” Shortly afterward, the store attendant arrived with a small toy, stating, “This toy is on sale for exactly 50 dollars. It’s the least expensive item in our store and also a suitable gift for you, sir.”
Glancing at the modest toy, Mia couldn’t help but notice its simplicity compared to the lavish gifts Timothy had previously selected for Ginger. Without hesitation, Timothy picked up the toy and placed 50 dollars in cash on the table, declaring, “I’ll take it.”
Mia was surprised by Timothy’s sudden decisiveness. She hadn’t realized Timothy could be so flexible and accommodating.
Mia turned to the attendant nearby and asked, “Now that he’s finished shopping, could you help me gather some items I need?”
Having decided to visit Ginger in the hospital, Mia realized she needed to prepare some gifts in advance.
Since things weren’t panning out with Timothy, she would have to persuade Ginger to play along in another scheme.
After finishing their shopping, Mia turned to Timothy and requested, “Could you help carry these items to the car?”
Seeing Timothy take up the bags, Mia’s spirits lifted. She discreetly snapped a photo of his back— perhaps it could be used as leverage in the future.
It seemed that the formidable CEO had been reduced to the role of a laborer!