Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
A grin spread across Mia’s face as she replied, “Absolutely, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Indeed, the opportunity to see the Bowens being exposed was too enticing to pass up.
After all, there were currently widespread speculations about the Bowen family joining forces with the Barrett family to collectively suppress the Lanes.
If Mia were to personally attend and witness the confrontation today, it would undoubtedly serve as compelling evidence.
After ending the call, Mia swiveled her chair toward Peyton. “I need to step out for a bit. Please, cancel this afternoon’s meeting.”
Peyton inquired, “Ms. Mia, are you going to the Bowen family’s signing ceremony?”
“Indeed, I am. How could I possibly resist such a spectacle?”
With that, Mia grabbed her bag and exited the office. She was determined to be present to witness the Bowen family’s facade crumble firsthand!
How dare they brazenly spread unfounded rumors about a potential marriage agreement involving her!
After all, Mia wasn’t a fool. Why would she ever entertain the idea of being interested in anyone from the Bowen family?
Without delay, Mia headed straight to the hotel where the signing ceremony was taking place. It was conveniently located in the central business district, just a brief ten-minute drive away.
Upon reaching the venue, Mia couldn’t help but notice a group of reporters stationed outside.
It was evident that the Bowen family had spared no effort in orchestrating this event!
As soon as Mia arrived, Connie approached with a smug demeanor. “Mia, why did you come alone? Where’s your penniless bodyguard?” “He hasn’t arrived yet; he’s still on his way,” Mia replied.
“Not here yet? Mia, are you trying to make excuses out of guilt? I mean, isn’t he supposed to be your bodyguard? How could he not be by your side? It’s pretty obvious you’re feeling guilty,” Connie retorted. Mia responded solemnly, “Given his role as the CEO of Barrett Group, he’s buried in work. He can’t constantly be by my side as a bodyguard.” With a smug expression, Lewis joined the conversation. “Mia, it seems like you’re still resorting to lies, huh? Didn’t you claim he was the CEO of the Barrett Group? Luckily, Mr. Gomez is here today. Maybe you should call him over and confront him directly!”
Connie added, “Exactly, Mia’s just trying to cover up her guilt.”
Taken aback, Mia asked, “Wait, did you say Mr. Gomez is here?”
But that didn’t make sense. Wasn’t Caleb supposed to accompany Timothy?
They should still be on their way.
Glancing at the young man beside him, Lewis spoke up, “That’s correct. Allow me to introduce you. This is Mr. Gomez!”
“You’re telling me he’s Caleb?”
“Yes, that’s him. Caleb, also known as Mr. Gomez. Mia, it’s time to open your eyes and see clearly. The truth is undeniable, and falsehoods won’t endure,” Lewis said confidently.
As Mia observed the young man standing beside Lewis, her disbelief was evident. Was he supposed to be Caleb?
Could there be some sort of misunderstanding?
It appeared that someone in Nord City was impersonating Caleb, attempting to deceive people.
Chapter 921
Mia’s expression lit up with anticipation. With Caleb’s imminent arrival, she anticipated that drama was about to unfold.
Earlier, when Caleb had called, he sounded gleeful and eager to witness the events unfold. However, the situation seemed to have taken an unexpected turn.
Mia couldn’t help but wonder how Caleb would react once he found himself in the spotlight.
A twinge of excitement stirred within her as she wondered what would happen later.
Observing Mia’s silence, Connie swiftly interjected, “Mia, why are you so quiet? Didn’t you claim to know Caleb before? You even boasted about it at the hospital. Now that Caleb himself is here, why the sudden silence?”
Mia wasn’t silent out of guilt, but rather because she was too exhausted to bother with a response.
Observing the audacious behavior of the Bowens, Mia casually retorted, “Are you certain this man is Caleb?”
“Absolutely; this gentleman right here is none other than Mr. Gomez,” Lewis affirmed confidently.
The young man beside him cleared his throat and addressed Mia, “Given that we’re in Nord City, not Bern City, it’s not surprising that I’m not recognized here. Ms. Lane, I would caution you against being deceived by outsiders.”
Mia couldn’t believe she was being accused of being gullible.
She glanced at the young man and remarked, “It’s certainly an odd situation. I’ve been to Bern City and have met Mr. Caleb before. However, you bear no resemblance to him whatsoever. So, who’s impersonating whom here?”
After her statement, Mia noticed a subtle shift in the man’s expression —a slight flicker of guilt that she astutely picked up on.
It confirmed her suspicion—this man was indeed a fraudulent impostor. Connie immediately interrupted, “Mia, what are you trying to say? After everything that’s happened, do you still believe the man you identified last time is the real Caleb? The evidence is right in front of you, and yet you’re still not convinced!”
Annoyed, Mia crossed her arms defensively. “Once Caleb and Timothy arrive, the truth will come out. We’ll finally know who’s the impostor.” The young man’s expression shifted subtly. Could it be that the real Caleb was on his way? If so, his facade would soon be exposed.
With an air of confidence, Connie added, “Mia, let’s settle this with a showdown later. We’ll find out who’s telling the truth and who’s lying once and for all.”
“Mia, let’s face it. The Lane family wields significant influence as well. Out of generosity, we extended an invitation for you to attend our family’s signing ceremony today.
“But instead of showing gratitude, you come here and stir up trouble, accusing my distinguished guest of being an impostor.
“If word of this gets out, how will it reflect on the Lane family in the public eye?” Lewis retorted with a smug expression.
Today, he finally had the chance to assert himself in front of the Lane family.
“I couldn’t care less about how others perceive the Lane family. I’m not here today to offer congratulations on your family’s contract signing; I’m just here to enjoy the spectacle.
“Considering how certain individuals have been misled and manipulated, today’s event is bound to be quite the show.”
As Mia uttered those words, she couldn’t help but glance at the influential media figures beside her. It seemed the Bowen family had drawn quite a crowd to sway public opinion in their favor.
Mia turned directly to the media representatives and addressed them, “I’m well aware that the Bowen family has been showering you with numerous perks lately, all while boasting about their supposed collaboration with the Barrett family.
“But let me assure you, it’s all smoke and mirrors. Just wait until the CEO of Barrett Group and the real Mr. Gomez arrive. Then you’ll learn the truth.”
One of the reporters interjected, “Ms. Lane, it’s true that there have been widespread rumors about a partnership between the Bowen and Barrett families.
“However, the idea that the president of the Barrett Group would act as your bodyguard is something we find difficult to believe.”
Chapter 922
Several other reporters spoke up as well, “Ms. Lane, considering the prestige of the Barrett Group’s CEO and the prominence of the Barrett family in Bern City, it’s unlikely that he would take on the role of a mere bodyguard by your side.”
“While we did notice a resemblance between the bodyguard wearing sunglasses and the CEO of Barrett Group, it’s insufficient evidence to confirm his identity.”
“Ms. Lane, is it possible that Mr. Barrett is pursuing a personal interest in you, prompting him to act as your bodyguard?”
At the moment, this seemed to be the most reasonable explanation. Otherwise, why would the CEO of the Barrett Group come to Nord City and assume the position of a mere bodyguard? Such a narrative would be difficult for anyone to believe.
Connie interrupted the reporters, wearing a displeased expression. “What kind of questions are these? The bodyguard may resemble Mr. Barrett, but he’s certainly not the CEO of the Barrett Group.
“Besides, why would someone as esteemed as Mr. Barrett take any interest in Mia, especially considering she’s a divorced woman?” Connie couldn’t tolerate these speculations. It was obvious that Mia was reaping the benefits of Lewis” interest in her.
However, despite this, the Lane family had turned down the proposal for a marriage alliance with the Bowen family.
For Connie, it felt like a personal affront. What value did a divorced woman like Mia hold, anyway?
As a divorcee, Mia should consider herself fortunate to have any man interested in her.
Just then, a luxurious car pulled up outside, immediately capturing everyone’s attention.
Mia glanced over and calmly remarked, “It’s about time. They should be arriving soon.”
No matter how tardy Caleb and Timothy were, they couldn’t possibly be this late.
Observing the luxury car outside, Lewis turned to Mia and quipped, “So, are you saying that the penniless bodyguard and the phony Mr. Gomez have arrived? It seems they’ve even managed to secure a fancy car this time. I wonder where they rented it from?”
With that, the Bowen family’s relatives joined in on the mockery as well. Connie chimed in, “Lewis, you’ve got a keen eye! It’s clear their car is rented. How could a financially strained bodyguard possibly afford such a luxurious vehicle?”
A sly smile painted Mia’s lips as she glanced at Lewis and Connie. Soon, their moment of embarrassment would unfold before their eyes. Mia couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement as she anticipated the upcoming scene.
As the car door swung open, Timothy and Caleb emerged.
Timothy was dressed in a finely tailored suit, reflecting his usual professional attire. With each step, he exuded an aura of authority. Timothy entered the hotel lobby with a serious expression, causing almost everyone to turn their heads toward him and Caleb. Considering the prominence of the individuals present, it was often simple to gauge someone’s wealth with just a single glance.
At that moment, a subtle tension filled the air.
As Timothy caught sight of Mia, he headed straight toward her, his steps unwavering and his gaze intense.
Reaching Mia’s side, Timothy leaned in and murmured, “Apologies for the delay; traffic held us up.”
Mia responded casually, “I happened to be nearby running errands, so I arrived a bit earlier.”
Some journalists nearby couldn’t help but comment, “Wow, this guy really does resemble Mr. Barrett.”
“I’ve seen interviews with Mr. Barrett before. It’s not just a similarity; he’s practically a dead ringer.”
“Could it really be… him? Mr. Timothy Barrett himself?”
Connie interjected with a scoff, her disdain evident, “It’s just a resemblance, nothing more. Just because someone looks like Mr. Barrett doesn’t mean he’s automatically the CEO of the Barrett Group. Can you imagine a CEO stooping to the level of a penniless bodyguard?”