Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Balancing a book in her hand, Mia met his eyes and replied, “Well, you know what they say, the early bird
Timothy’s demeanor shifted abruptly, a shadow crossing his face. “That’s none of your concern,” he retorted sharply.
Respecting his boundary, Mia chose not to press further. She walked away with a determined stride.
As long as Maya’s brother could expertly handle Laura’s surgery, she wouldn’t allow such interactions to unsettle her.
Alone on the couch, Timothy scrolled through his phone, finding Heath’s message, “We’re still in search of a fitting doctor.”
A sigh escaped him as he massaged his temples, weariness evident on his face.
The next day, as Mia returned to college for her classes, an unsettling feeling crept over her. She sensed her classmates¡® gazes carried an unusual weight.
Before long, Gina forwarded her a link to the college’s online forum with a troubling headline. “Unveiling the Truth Behind the Early Award Recipient¨CA Hidden Patronage?”
Curious, Mia clicked on the post. Its contents were blunt¨Calleging she had secured the award due to backing from a patron.
To amplify the claim, a photo was attached, capturing a moment of her opening the door to an upscale car.
The photo was unmistakably taken on the evening she dined with her classmates and later joined Timothy in his car. Fortunately, Timothy’s face remained uncaptured in the image.
After closing the link, Mia quickly responded to Gina, saying, “I know who is behind this.”
The day before, Taylor had confronted Mia out of the blue, insinuating she had insider knowledge about Mia’s secrets.
Indeed, Taylor was skilled at elevating her own status by bringing others down.
After class, Riley phoned Mia directly, saying, “Mr. Shaw wants me to thoroughly investigate this issue. Mia, please draft a statement detailing everything.”
Without a second thought, Mia dialed Nathan’s number. He answered almost immediately, “Mia, what’s going on?”
“Nathan, I need your expertise. Can you trace an IP address for me?”
Concerned, Nathan responded, “You need to clarify the situation, Mia. Tell me everything so I can guide you appropriately.”
Mia quickly forwarded the forum link to Nathan, declaring, “I want to track down whoever is spreading these rumors.”
Upon seeing the post, Nathan’s anger flared up. Anyone who dared to spread false accusations about his sister was definitely asking for trouble.
With unwavering resolve, Nathan replied, “Just give me ten minutes. Go ahead and grab yourself a coffee
The call ended, and Mia received a Starbucks voucher from Nathan short after.
However, she put up a wry smile. Her pregnancy meant bidding farewell to her beloved coffee.
Ten minutes ticked away before Mia got the information Nathan had sent. True enough, the name tied to the IP address was none other than Taylor.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Nathan inquired, “Do you want me to reveal this person’s identity?”
Mia responded firmly. “No need, I’ll take it from here.”
The campus forum buzzed with the incident, and quickly became the talk of the college.
With no afternoon classes, Mia headed straight to the studio.
Just as she took her seat, Felix emerged from the office, saying, “Mia, I heard about the forum chaos. Remember, a clear conscience is your best defense.”
“I’m aware,” Mia replied calmly.
Having unraveled the culprit’s identity, Mia had a plan in mind to tackle the situation.
Upon learning of the incident, Wilhelmina immediately forwarded the link to Shelly, shooting her a cold glance.
Quick to react, Shelly shared the news with Sharon, saying, “Aunt Sharon, see for yourself. It appears Mia is causing a stir at college once again.”
“Typical Mia, always stirring up trouble,” Sharon said, annoyed.
She headed to the Barrett Group, anger fueling her every step.
Confronting Timothy, she exclaimed, “Timothy, come take a look. Mia’s embroiled in a scandal on campus.
“There are photos of her with some random man. If this gets out, what will it do to our family’s reputation?”
Timothy furrowed his brow in concern, reading the forum’s headlines intently.
Yet, as he scrutinized the photo, his expression noticeably softened. “Mom, this is all just hearsay.”
Sharon retorted, “How can you dismiss it? Have you seen that photo?”
Timothy replied with certainty, “I have. That car in the picture belongs to me.”
For a moment, Sharon was rendered speechless. Eventually, she managed to ask, “Tim, are you being honest?”
“Absolutely,” Timothy affirmed.
Collecting herself, Sharon straightened her attire before saying, “Regardless, Mia seems to have a knack for stirring up trouble just when we least need it.
“And speaking of timing, the doctor you enlisted met with an accident. Have you thought about your next steps?” Sharon added.
“Considering Connor’s recent departure from the Red Cross, Maya mentioned he might have some availability. Have you considered accelerating your divorce proceedings with Mia?” Sharon questioned Tim.
Timothy responded calmly, “Mom, I’m fully aware of the circumstances.”
In a fit of indignation, Sharon stormed out of the office.
Once outside, she directed her assistant. “Notify Mr. Shaw¨CMia’s grant should be revoked. Someone causing such trouble shouldn’t benefit from the Barrett family’s support.”
She couldn’t help but wonder, would her son have become so passive if it weren’t for Mia?
After wrapping up her work, Mia’s phone buzzed with a call from Riley. “Mia, due to the escalating rumors, the college has decided to revoke your grant.”
Mia’s expression hardened with resolve. “Ms. Matterson, I intend to clarify everything with Mr. Shaw firsthand tomorrow regarding the forum incident.”
As she ended the call, a wave of despondency washed over her.
Arriving home that evening, Timothy was conspicuously absent.
Noticing her concern, Martha relayed, “Mr. Barrett called to mention he’ll be working late and won’t be home for dinner.”
Burdened by the weight of the forum controversy, Mia’s gaze fell downward.
Yet, fueled by determination to address the matter directly, she marched to Kennedy’s office the following morning.
There, she laid out the evidence she had meticulously collected. “Mr. Shaw, I’ve traced the IP address of the person disseminating these rumors.”
Kennedy responded sharply, “And? The damage is already done. Furthermore, can you refute their claims?
“Given your family’s financial situation, how can you explain your association with someone who owns such an extravagant car?” Kennedy asked pointedly.
Kennedy’s probing questions felt like an onslaught to Mia.
Gathering her composure, Mia replied, “Just because my family isn’t affluent, does a single photograph imply I’m involved with a wealthy individual?”
Kennedy countered, “Then how do you justify that image? Whose luxury car is captured in it?”
“That car belongs to me!”
Suddenly, a chilling, resonant voice sliced through the tension within the office.
Mia turned around, her eyes locking onto Timothy’s silhouette by the doorway. His towering and commanding presence seemed to eclipse the ambient light.
Yet, amidst the gravity of the moment, a peculiar flutter stirred within her heart.
Timothy’s authoritative aura filled the space as he entered the room.
Kennedy quickly interjected, “Mr. Barrett, what brings you here?”
Timothy’s eyes held a piercing intensity as he declared, “I’m here to clarify. The car shown in the photo belongs to me.”
Upon hearing this unexpected revelation, Kennedy’s expression stiffened, leaving him momentarily speechless as he worked to regain his composure.
The last thing he anticipated was that the car in question belonged to Timothy.
Stammering, Kennedy tried to defuse the tension, assuring, “Mr. Barrett, our sole purpose is to investigate the matter. There are no ulterior motives.”
Unfazed, Timothy casually sat on a nearby sofa, saying, “Feel free to carry on with your investigation.”
Turning her attention back to Kennedy, Mia handed over the incriminating evidence, stating, “Here’s the IP address of the individual behind the rumors.”
Holding the evidence, Kennedy cleared his throat nervously before declaring, “Rest assured, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation and won’t tolerate any falsehoods in our midst.”
Following his statement, Kennedy anxiously shifted his gaze toward Timothy and inquired, “Mr. Barrett, what are your thoughts on this?”
Little did anyone expect that Mia and Timothy shared a connection that was far from ordinary.