Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy straightened up, his serious demeanor unwavering.
Responding swiftly. Rodger and Heath rushed over, efficiently moving the car from its unauthorized spot.
Yet, an air of awkwardness lingered inside the car.
Rodger and Heath wished they could simply vanish at that moment.
Timothy bore a stern expression, his appearance disheveled. His tie was carelessly tossed aside, and his collar hung loosely, marked by creases on his shoulders.
In a corner, Mia took a moment to collect herself. She discreetly glanced at Heath in the passenger seat and whispered, “Just drop me off at the subway station up ahead.”
Heath hesitated, shooting a cautious glance at Timothy seated behind him. Without Timothy’s approval, he refrained from making any abrupt stops.
Meanwhile, Mia subtly observed Timothy beside her, noting his resolute and stern expression.
With a commanding tone, Timothy directed, “Pull over, please. You’re aware that fuel comes at a cost, right?”
Shortly afterward, the car came to a stop outside the subway station.
Without looking back, Mia swiftly opened the car door and stepped into the subway station.
It was only after Mia’s silhouette had vanished that Timothy withdrew his gaze.
Seated in the passenger seat, Heath couldn’t resist stealing glances behind, appearing to have something to say but hesitated.
Frowning, Timothy urged, “Spit it out.”
“Mr. Barrett, do you need to go to the hospital to treat that wound?” Heath finally asked.
It was then that Timothy recalled Mia had bitten the corner of his mouth.
He glanced at his phone, noting a small cut on his lip that seemed far from accidental.
Taking a deep breath, Timothy tossed his phone aside.
With a stern expression, he ordered, “Find out why Mia went to Oakwood Villa.”
Timothy found Mia’s earlier reaction odd, fueling his determination to unravel the mystery of whom she had
Mia took the subway back to the studio.
She appeared visibly unsettled, primarily due to Timothy’s impulsive actions.
The awkward kiss they had shared left her with swollen lips. Timothy’s kissing style lacked finesse, almost like he was nibbling on something.
Had he not picked up any kissing techniques during his time with Maya?
Abruptly, Wilhelmina approached. “Mia, why are you back so soon? You don’t look too well,” she remarked.
In response, Mia raised her gaze, scrutinizing Wilhelmina. “You seem rather surprised that I could return this early. Or did you already anticipate that I wouldn’t be able to come back today?”
Had it not been for the impromptu decision to employ Timothy as a bluff earlier, Mia wouldn’t have been able to leave Oakwood Villa.
It was peculiar how a prestigious design order landed directly in Mia’s hands.
After all, securing such an order proved to be a substantial deal for the studio, as it was highly sought after by everyone due to the allure of a higher commission.
Wilhelmina’s earlier words carried an unusual undertone, adding to the intrigue.
Confronted by Mia’s probing question, Wilhelmina appeared somewhat uneasy. “I was just curious. Why are you so on edge? Are you feeling paranoid or something?”
After uttering those words, Wilhelmina swiftly exited the scene and headed directly to the pantry area.
Without delay, she dialed Shelly’s number, reporting. “Ms. Barrett, everything seems to be taken care of. Mia has made significant progress with Keegan.
“Although they haven’t slept together yet, her swollen lips suggest that it’s only a matter of time.”
“Excellent work! Feel free to head to the store and pick up your handbag. I’ll personally inform the manager about your visit.”
“Thank you, Ms. Barrett. If there’s anything else in the future, you can count on me. After all I’ve got some unfinished business with Mia.”
After concluding the call Wilhelmina was thrilled, eagerly anticipating the handbag that would soon be hers.
She expressed to Shelly that once Mia entered Oakside Villa, leaving unscathed seemed unlikely.
Despite Mia’s early return, her visibly kissed¨Cswollen lips hinted at a romantic encounter.
In light of these events. Wilhelmina was enthusiastic about having Mia take over attending to Keegan.
In the afternoon, Mia found herself distracted. With every sip of water, the sensation on her lips involuntarily triggered memories of the kiss she shared with Timothy.
She couldn’t help but cover her face, grappling with the feeling of losing her sanity.
“No, I need to stay composed.” She urged herself.
Pouring herself a glass of cold water, Mia questioned how she could harbor any feelings for Timothy.
The following day, Mia headed straight to the studio after attending her morning classes.
It didn’t take long before a commotion erupted outside, capturing everyone’s attention.
A commanding voice cut through the air, demanding. “Where’s Mia? Drag this woman out to see me! It’s unbelievable that someone so young dares to cozy up to my father.
“My dad, at his age, is practically halfway into the grave, and you still dare to flirt with him! Can you handle the consequences if anything happens to him?”
Responding to the disturbance, Mia stepped out and was greeted by the sight of a young woman dressed in designer clothes whose facial features struck her as oddly familiar.
Mia was taken aback by the uncanny resemblance of the woman before her to Keegan, whom she had encountered at Oakwood Villa just the day before.
Ridden with guilt, Wilhelmina quietly located a hiding spot nearby and seized the opportunity to slip out of the studio without being noticed.
Having indulged in drug use during her time with Keegan, Wilhelmina hadn’t expected to be confronted by his children and believed it was wise to keep a low profile for a while.
*So, you must be Mia,” Fiona remarked with an air of arrogance and disdain. “How shameless! Does your
Despite the accusatory tone, Mia remained composed and countered. “Miss, if you’re going to make such serious accusations, you need to provide evidence.”
“You’re the true drama queen here. It likely runs in your entire family!” Fiona retorted sharply.
Mia sneered, “I’m simply giving you a taste of your own medicine. Why are you so angry? If you persist in causing a scene, I have to call the police.”
“Call the police? Go ahead. Once we’re at the station, I’ll make sure you’re arrested! Let’s investigate the drugs you’ve been using on my dad. The doctor warned that those substances could harm him!”
As Mia recollected the unsettling incident from the previous day, she found it hard to believe that Keegan was involved in such activities.
Nevertheless, it had nothing to do with her. Why should she fear involving the police?
At that moment, Felix entered. “Excuse me, miss, there seems to be a misunderstanding. There’s no one like that in my studio. Is there some confusion?”
“What confusion? Mia, do you dare deny visiting my dad’s villa yesterday?”
Mia nodded. “I did go, but solely for work purposes.”
Fiona couldn’t help but chuckle. “What kind of work? You obviously went to the villa to flirt with my dad! His mansion doesn’t require any renovations. Stop making excuses!” she retorted.
Felix interjected. “We have records of this design order on our end. Ms. Bowen went to your father’s mansion following the specifications. It’s a standard part of our workflow.
“If you’re going to defame my colleague over this, we reserve the right to pursue legal action.”
“Legal action? Please, you’re just a bunch of lowly workers¨Cwhat right do you even have?” Fiona scoffed.
Felix’s expression turned cold. “While we are employees, the female designers in my studio earn their living. based on their skills. They are not inferior to anyone. Please leave immediately.”
“Fine, if that’s how you all want to behave, just wait and see!” Fiona grumbled before storming out.
With Fiona’s departure, a sense of calm returned to the studio. However, Mia couldn’t shake the feeling of her colleagues¡® peculiar stares, leaving her somewhat uneasy.
Breaking the silence. Felix suggested, “How about we all disperse? I’ll take responsibility for safeguarding the rights of our female employees in the company.”
Feeling relieved, Mia expressed her gratitude. “Thank you, Felix, for believing in me.”
“Of course, I have complete faith in you. Work situations can be tricky, but I’ll take charge of this matter. We can forgo this design order.” Felix assured.
Nodding, Mia agreed. “I apologize for any inconvenience. Nonetheless, I have already secured the design order.
Felix’s expression betrayed a hint of surprise. “Really?”
Caught off guard by the unfolding events, Felix was taken aback to learn that Mia had confirmed the design order yesterday.
“Yes, it’s true, but there’s nothing shady about it.” Mia clarified.
She purposefully refrained from delving into the details of her visit, deciding against disclosing Timothy’s involvement. After all, bringing it up would be disadvantageous in this situation.
After a brief pause, Felix smiled and replied, “I understand. It just underscores your capability. After all you’re.