Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“However, considering the distance to Bern City, I didn’t want to trouble her to come just for the engagement.”
With a frown, Dominic advised, “Let’s avoid discussing this with Grandma. We wouldn’t want her insisting on making the journey to Bern City.
“Considering her health, a long trip might worsen her condition.”
Maya’s eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment, but her tone remained composed. “That’s precisely my intention and the reason I called to invite you, Nathan, and Connor to come over.”
After a brief pause, Dominic responded, “Connor is already in Bern City, so he should be able to make it. I’ll
“Thanks, Dominic.” Maya said before ending the call, a trace of coldness playing on her lips.
It seemed that Dominic was only willing to compromise when it came to Laura.
Maya quietly reminded herself to endure a bit longer. Once she married Timothy and took on the title of Mrs. Barrett, she wouldn’t need to tread so carefully.
Seated in a private booth, Mia and Felix finished their dinner.
As a true gentleman, Felix apologized, “Mia, I’m sorry about the Wilhelmina situation. If I hadn’t brought her to the studio in the first place, none of this would have happened.”
“It’s not your fault, Felix, Mia reassured him.
Mia was aware of the support Wilhelmina had from Shelly and Maya, but given Wilhelmina’s timid nature, she posed no real threat to Mia.
Without power or influence, one could only endure and swallow their pride.
Taking a brief moment in the restroom, Mia looked at herself in the mirror, recalling the scene of Timothy and Maya dining together. Surely, they must have finished their meal by now.
Gently caressing her belly, she found comfort in the presence of her unborn child. With a baby on the way, there was nothing else worth fretting about.
Exiting the restroom, Mia coincidentally crossed paths with Timothy. Her gaze shifted instinctively behind him. but she didn’t spot Maya.
Was he alone?
Timothy’s gaze fell upon Mia’s hands, tenderly placed over the small bump of her abdomen.
Sensing Timothy’s gaze. Mia swiftly withdrew her hand.
She deliberately turned away, intending to stroll past him.
Despite this, Timothy deftly sidestepped, obstructing her path with an air of superiority. “Don’t you have anything to say?” he inquired condescendingly.
Lifting her gaze, Mia replied, “I don’t think there’s anything worth saying.”
“Looks like you’ve already moved on to someone else. Honestly, he seems rather ordinary. Do you genuinely find him appealing?” Timothy remarked, his tone tinged with disdain.
Indeed, his choice of words was intriguing.
Mia responded with a wry smile. “Well, it’s a two¨Cway street”
It seemed ironic that Timothy, who himself showed interest in Maya, was now criticizing Mia’s decisions.
“Mia, I never thought you’d become such a troublemaker now. You used to keep a low profile for three years. I truly feel sorry for you.” Timothy remarked.
“Speaking of which, Mr. Barrett, I’d like to remind you to manage your family affairs properly.
“Now that we’ve reached a divorce agreement, please ensure that your family, especially Shelly, refrains from creating any issues for me,” Mia warned.
Timothy couldn’t help but narrow his eyes. “What do you mean?” he quipped.
“In a literal sense, if it weren’t for Shelly’s manipulation, Wilhelmina wouldn’t have dared to defy Keegan.
“She believed that having Shelly as a supporter would provide her with protection, only to be exploited and heartlessly abandoned,” Mia explained, her eyes carrying a hint of mockery.
“I spent three yea years bowing down in servitude to your family, but now I have no ties to them whatsoever. Don’t expect me to swallow my pride like before. That’s not something I can do!” she continued.
Having said her piece, Mia proceeded to briskly walk past Timothy.
Timothy stood in place, and after a brief pause, he retrieved his phone to call Heath, instructing. “Look into the recent communications between Wilhelmina and Shelly.”
Heath swiftly returned with the investigation results. “Shelly has indeed grown closer to Wilhelmina since the Fleur International Design Competition.
“I’ve also gathered information that when Wilhelmina was being reprimanded, she consistently implicated Shelly.
“However, reluctant to stir trouble with the Barrett family, they channeled their frustrations onto Mia.”
Timothy’s expression was nuanced with surprise. For the past three years, he had assumed Mia’s life in the
Nonetheless, Timothy hadn’t anticipated Shelly daring to engage in such actions.
o meet
A stem expression replaced his initial surprise. “Return to the Barrett residence and summon Shelly to
1. me. If she refuses, deactivate all her credit cards,” he ordered.
In the evening, Mia returned home from the restaurant and was surprised by a call from Dominic. “Hey Mia,
Eva and I find ourselves with some free time. We’re thinking of coming to Bern City to see you.”
Given the recent upheaval, Dominic felt concerned about his sister’s emotions. Determined to ensure her well- being, he decided to personally visit her.
Sensing Dominic’s intentions, Mia reassured him, “Dominic, I’m fine. You don’t have to go out of your way to be with me. I’m not a child anymore, and I wouldn’t want to disrupt your busy work schedule.”
Despite Mia’s insistence, she couldn’t deny the solace she found in her brothers¡® unwavering support amid these recent events. To her, the reassuring backing of her family was all she needed.
Clearing his throat, Dominic responded, “Mia, I have a few days off anyway, and there’s nothing urgent at work.
“Alright, then.”
Upon learning that Dominic was on vacation, Mia chose not to press further.
Following the call, Dominic turned to Walter, his assistant, wearing a stern expression. “How did the company’s acquisition go?” he inquired.
“Very smoothly.”
“Ensure they apologize to Mia. Otherwise, I won’t leave them with a single penny.”
Dominic’s face revealed a steely resolve. If this incident hadn’t unfolded in distant Bern City, he would have undoubtedly ensured severe consequences for those involved.
After finishing his work, Dominic turned to Eva and suggested. “Babe, what do you think about bringing Mia back to Nord City to live with us? That way, no one would dare to mistreat her.”
Eva couldn’t help but sigh. “But Mia has always been living in Bern City. If we bring her here, we’ll need to have an honest conversation with her. Are you certain that Mia has fully accepted us?”
“Regardless, Maya has already chosen to marry Timothy and will be living in Bern City. Bringing Mia back to Nord City wouldn’t have any significant impact, considering the substantial distance between them.
*Besides, Maya is marrying into the prestigious Barrett family, so it’s not as though we’re treating her unfairly.
right?”
With unwavering resolve, Dominic continued, “During our upcoming trip to Bern City for Maya’s engagement. we should discuss with Maya the possibility of ending her adoption.
“We certainly can’t allow Mia to return to the Lane family only to find another girl there, replacing her. It simply wouldn’t be fair to her.”
Raising an eyebrow, Eva questioned, “Terminate Maya’s adoption? Do you think she would agree to that?”
Mia’s extraordinary journey from an orphanage to her current standing was an accomplishment most people couldn’t fathom. Besides, Eva has never been particularly fond of Maya.
Maintaining a serious expression, Dominic asserted, “I can’t let Mia endure any more injustice. When the time comes, I plan to provide Maya with some assets as a fair settlement.
“Her departure will be amicable, and I assure you there will be no mistreatment. After all, I haven’t breached our initial agreement.”
The following day, Mia resumed her routine and headed to the studio for work.
Shortly after, two female colleagues approached her, each holding a box of freshly baked cookies. “Mia, we owe you an apology. We were misled by Wilhelmina,” one of them expressed.
“Mia, please accept these as a token of our goodwill,” the other added.
Recognizing the influence Wilhelmina had on her colleagues, Mia graciously accepted the gifts, deciding not to dwell on the past. After all, she knew she had to uphold a professional relationship with them.
At that moment, Tammy nervously entered, announcing. “Mia, someone is here to see you. It’s the woman who confronted Wilhelmina last time.”
As her words lingered in the air, an uneasy atmosphere settled in the studio once again.
Mia hadn’t anticipated Fiona coming to find her. Could it be that Wilhelmina had spread more rumors about her?
As Mia rose to confront Fiona, she noticed her approaching. However, this time, Fiona seemed less arrogant. wearing a somewhat worn expression.
Maintaining a composed demeanor, Mia calmly inquired, “What brings you here?”
Suddenly, Fiona dropped to her knees with a thud, speaking earnestly, “Ms. Mia, I must confess that I fell victim to Wilhelmina’s schemes.
“Regrettably, I mistakenly believed the issue was connected to you, and I realize my words may have offended you. I sincerely apologize. Please forgive me!”
Mia was taken aback by this sudden display of humility.