Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Patricia rose from her seat, her tone resolute. “I believe Mia is correct. I made it clear this morning that she’s not interested in any blind dates. Besides, Mia is financially independent. She doesn’t need to depend on any man.”
“But you don’t have to be so harsh about it,” Diane countered.
“Then how should I put it? Look at the man you’re introducing-he’s a mama’s boy who doesn’t even earn as much as Mia. How can he possibly measure up to her?”
Upon hearing Mia being insulted, Patricia’s gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a fiery temper.
However, Pamela was not ready to back down. “Tsk, tsk. Isn’t your niece just a designer? If she’s earning that much, who knows where all that money is coming from? “Women like her without notable connections must be relying on other means to secure projects.”
Patricia’s voice simmered with anger as she roared, “What are you implying? Mia earns an honest living with her talents! Who are you to pass judgment on her? “Just because your son struggles to make ends meet, do you think everyone else is in the same predicament?”
“But who can truly say what’s happening here? After all, it’s common knowledge that designers don’t amass that kind of wealth.
“You should be thankful that my son is willing to overlook your niece’s past. He’s essentially doing her a favor by considering this match.
“However, if she genuinely turns over a new leaf and they end up married with twins, well, though with some hesitation, I might just offer them my blessing.”
Patricia countered sharply, her hands resting firmly on her hips, “Oh, come on. Show some decency, will you? Talking about twins-have you ever considered your son’s role in this?
“You keep claiming your ex-daughter-in-law couldn’t conceive, yet she underwent a medical examination and was in perfect health. Maybe the issue lies with your son.”
Enraged, Pamela lunged at Patricia, her fists swinging. “Shut your mouth, you old hag! Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?”
Seeing Patricia being attacked, Mia hurried forward to intervene. However, Noah swiftly shoved Mia aside, causing her to crash into the sofa.
Upon hearing the commotion, Sage and Ginger rushed out to see what was happening. At the sight of the chaos, Ginger became overwhelmed with fear and began to cry uncontrollably.
Without hesitation, Sage seized a nearby object and charged at Noah, but Noah’s strength far exceeded his own.
Seeing Sage about to be overpowered, Mia’s heart leaped into her throat. “Stop right there!” she exclaimed.
At that critical moment, several individuals burst through the front door.
Timothy strode forward, using one foot to shove Noah away before scooping Sage into his arms.
Lowering his gaze to Sage, concern and urgency tinged his voice. “Are you alright? Where did he hurt you?”
Sage stared at him blankly for a moment before exclaiming indignantly, “He hit Mommy!”
Timothy turned his attention to Mia, swiftly approaching her. “Are you hurt?”
“It’s nothing serious, just minor injuries. Aunt Patricia also got hurt,” Mia replied, moving forward to help Patricia to her feet. “Are you okay?”
With visible wounds on her face, Patricia gently held her waist, indicating a possible sprain sustained during the altercation.
Meanwhile, Pamela picked herself up from the ground, shooting a sly glance at Mia and Timothy.
“Well, well if it isn’t the sugar daddy himself. My suspicions earlier seem to be justified. How else could a designer like her be earning s much?”
Upon noticing Timothy’s striking appearance, Noah felt a pang of insecurity.
Unable to contain his bitterness, he addressed Timothy directly, “Don’t be deceived by this woman. While she’s cozying up to you, she’s also trying to go on a date with me.”
Mia’s expression twisted into a scornful grimace upon hearing Noah’s words. It appeared that the world was becoming increasingly populated by peculiar individuals. Who would have imagined that men could play the victim card so shamelessly?
Despite Mia’s astonishment, what caught her off guard even more was Noah’s audacity in addressing Timothy so boldly.
Did he truly believe that using such petty tactics to sow discord would yield any results?
Mia responded with a cold smirk but opted to stay silent.
Observing the unfolding scene, Pamela’s voice resounded, echoing Noah’s sentiments. “Absolutely! Did you know Ms. Lane has been divorced?
“I heard she married a wealthy man before, but it didn’t work out due to their different backgrounds.
“She was left high and dry, even abandoning her own children. Please, don’t be fooled by her facade. She’s nothing but two-faced.”
Timothy’s expression instantly darkened upon hearing Pamela’s words.
Directing his gaze at her, he countered, “Her ex-husband never looked down on her, and he certainly didn’t abandon their two children. Those who are ignorant should keep their mouths shut and refrain from spreading unfounded gossip.”
Pamela’s defiance flared. “Sir, I wasn’t fabricating anything just now. Everything I said is true. If you don’t believe me, you can ask around.
“Everyone in our neighborhood knows that her niece was previously married to a wealthy man. After their divorce, Ms. Lane was left to raise her two children by herself.
“I’ve heard she was doing quite well abroad, but she still returned empty-handed. Who knows if she came back because some sugar daddy abandoned her overseas?
“Anyway, her true circumstances remain a mystery. None of us know her backstory or what she’s been up to all these years abroad.”
Ginger’s anger surged upon hearing this. “You’re not a good person at all! You can’t speak about my Mommy that way!” she exclaimed tearfully.
Witnessing Ginger’s distress, Timothy signaled to Heath with a determined look. “Go deal with them,” he commanded.
With a nod to Joe, Heath approached Pamela and delivered a series of forceful slaps to her face, leaving her staggering.
Observing the confrontation, Noah was visibly taken aback. “Hey! Why are you resorting to violence? That’s against the law, you know?”
Heath remained composed as he addressed Noah, “It was you and your mother who initiated the disrespectful remarks and slandered Ms. Lane. We reserve the right to pursue legal action, so be prepared to receive a formal notice from our lawyer.”
Upon hearing Heath’s assertive tone, Noah felt a flicker of unease.
With his background in the financial industry, he had encountered many affluent individuals who often had security personnel like Heath in their entourage.
Despite his hesitation, Noah summoned his courage and insisted, “But what my mother said isn’t untrue. These are widely known facts.”
“What do you mean by ‘widely known facts’?” Timothy snapped as he stepped forward.
Fixing his gaze on Noah, he added, “Your mother claimed that my ex-wife was ousted and that I neglected our two children. How do you possess such detailed knowledge of the Barrett family’s affairs?” Noah was utterly bewildered, stammering nervously, “A-Are you… her ex-husband?”
Standing nearby, Patricia interjected,
“Yes, this man here is Mia’s ex-husband. Just compare yourself to him, and you’ll understand why Mia wouldn’t choose you. It’s like reaching for something far beyond your capabilities. Do you honestly believe you measure up?
Witnessing Pamela’s bruised face, Diane felt a sudden urge to flee, fear coursing through her veins.
Hastily clarifying, she added, “Aunt
Patricia, this is all a terrible misunderstanding. I had no idea. they would behave this way. If had known their true nature, I would never have arranged this meeting.
“Just look at Ms. Lane’s ex-husband-he’s so handsome, charming, and incredibly considerate. Indeed, only someone truly exceptional like him could be a suitable match for Ms. Lane.”
Who would’ve guessed that Mia’s ex-husband was so striking and wealthy?
After her divorce from him, Mia certainly wouldn’t settle for just anyone.
Timothy’s expression turned icy as he questioned Diane, “Did you arrange for my ex-wife to meet him?”
Under Timothy’s penetrating gaze, Diane recoiled, her words faltering, “I, um, couldn’t help but notice Ms. Lane’s remarkable strength in raising two children on her own-it’s quite an accomplishment, isn’t it? I simply thought introducing her to someone might lighten her load.”
Mia’s expression turned scornful as she glanced at Diane. “I manage perfectly well on my own, and I’ve never relied on a man to ease any burdens. However, it appears that some individuals have less than honorable intentions, wouldn’t you agree?”
Perhaps Mia’s financial stability and orphaned status, combined with Patricia’s gentle and easily influenced nature, made them a prime target for exploitation.
Addressing Patricia, Mia advised, “Moving forward, it’s important to be more selective about who you befriend.
“Some people are only interested in exploiting your kindness, assuming you’re an easy target. Do they seriously think no one in our family can see through their schemes?”
Mia had heard whispers about certain nosy neighbors in Patricia’s neighborhood who had a knack for taking advantage of others.
Knowing Patricia’s hesitation to turn people away, they would often prolong their visits whenever her family’s doctor arrived, hoping to receive complimentary check-ups. Each time this happened, Patricia felt too embarrassed to speak up.
With the family doctor simply obeying Dominic’s instructions and never voicing objections, this inadvertently emboldened these neighbors further.
Despite Patricia’s clear rejections of Diane’s matchmaking attempts, Diane persistently introduced people to her doorstep, disregarding boundaries and showing a lack of respect. Hence, Mia firmly resolved to directly confront these troublesome neighbors, determined to shield Patricia from any further exploitation.
Nodding in agreement, Patricia confessed, “Mia, I never anticipated they would be so bold as to behave in this manner.”
In the past, everyone had maintained a relatively harmonious relationship, making it challenging for Patricia to assert herself.
However, what Diane did today was utterly unacceptable. While Patricia could endure mistreatment directed at herself, witnessing Diane manipulate Mia was a boundary she refused to tolerate.
After expressing her frustration, Patricia turned to Diane and declared, “Leave at once, and never set foot in our home again!”
Upon hearing this, Diane’s pride suffered a visible blow. “What makes your family so exceptional anyway? You’re just a widow, after all! leame here with sincere intentions, thinking it was a gesture of respect.
“However, it seems you hold yourself in quite high regard, don’t you? Is it simply because your niece’s ex-husband is wealthy? Well, it’s net unfortunate they’re divorced now, so what significance does it have for you?”
Adding fuel to the fire, Noah joined in after Diane’s outburst. “Exactly! With my mom being assaulted so severely, I’ll definitely press charges against you. Just wait and see!”
Unfazed, Heath calmly handed out his business card. “No problem. Feel free to contact me anytime.”
Noah’s eyes widened in astonishment as he read Heath’s title on the card. “Y-You’re the secretary to the CEO of Barrett Group?”
Heath remained composed as he looked at Noah. “Is there a problem with that?”