Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
With a sense of resignation, Mia reluctantly answered the call, “Hello?”
“You brat, what’s going on? Why didn’t you pick up when I called? Don’t you know I have something urgent to discuss with you?”
Mia replied coldly. “What’s the matter?”
On the other end of the line, Mary exclaimed, “Mia, transfer a hundred thousand dollars to me right away!”
“A hundred thousand? Why don’t you just rob a bank?”
Mia knew that whenever Mary called, it surely involved money, and this time was no exception, with a demand for a hefty sum right from the start.
“Mia, spare me the act. Your husband is loaded. After all, you’re in charge of your family’s finances. Now that your biological family is in the picture, there’s no way you’re short on a hundred grand.
“I’ve been considerate enough not to bother you recently, but if you can’t come up with the money, I’ll make your life a living hell”
Upon hearing this, Mia couldn’t help but frown. “What do you need a hundred thousand dollars for?” she inquired.
“Your younger brother, Ted, has a girlfriend who is expecting, and they’re getting ready to tie the knot. They need financial support right now.
“Considering he’s your brother, you wouldn’t want to see him facing difficulties in getting married, would you?”
Mia retorted with a cold tone, “I don’t have the money. I’m using Aunt Patricia’s funds to pay for my college tuition.”
Mary’s tone turned sharp as she quipped. “Come on, Mia, stop lying. Didn’t you win a million dollars in that design competition?
“With Aunt Patricia’s money at your disposal, don’t tell me you’re strapped for cash. I’m giving you one day to transfer the money to my bank account. Otherwise, I won’t let you off the hook.”
After ending the call, Mia frowned as she stared at her phone. Without hesitation, she decided to block Mary’s number.
She wasn’t Mary’s personal ATM, ready to dispense a hundred thousand dollars on demand.
As Mia gently caressed her belly, she couldn’t help but recognize that she, too, was in need of money.
Having endured bullying from Mary’s twins growing up, Ted getting married held no significance for Mia. Even uneasy expression.
Later that evening, upon returning home from work, Mia couldn’t help but notice Patricia’s uneasy
Turning her gaze toward her, Mia inquired, “Aunt Patricia, did Mary discuss something with you on the phone?”
*She called asking for money, didn’t she?” Patricia replied.
Mia nodded. “Yes, she demanded a hundred thousand dollars within a day. But where am I supposed to get that much money? m still paying off my mortgage every month.”
“Mia, there’s no need to stress about this. I just got a call from a neighbor at our old place. It turns out Mary and her family paid a visit there, trying to find out where we live now.
“However, I didn’t disclose anything, so they shouldn’t be able to track us down.”
“I understand. I won’t give them any money.” Mia reassured Patricia.
Mia assured her that if Bob and Mary showed up and caused trouble, she could count on her six brothers, who wouldn’t hesitate to stand their ground in any conflict.
Bob and Mary managed to maintain peace for an extended period, likely out of concern for avoiding conflicts with Mia’s brothers.
In the countryside, having a predominantly male household provided an advantage in physical altercations.
Nonetheless, Mia remained undeterred by the situation. The following day, she attended her classes as usual.
Approaching her, Riley informed, “Mia, your adoptive parents contacted the college. They claim they’ve been unable to reach you and have something important to discuss.”
Mia grew uneasy. “I don’t want to meet them. They’re demanding a hundred thousand dollars to fund my brother’s wedding.
“How am I supposed to cough up that amount of money?”
Riley, familiar with Mia’s family background, chose not to press the matter.
Throughout her classes, Mia found herself somewhat distracted.
To her surprise, Bob and Mary were able to locate Mia’s college and were even familiar with her previous educational background.
Chapter 182
This was certainly bad news.
After class, Mia discreetly exited the college, concealing her identity with a hat and mask, wary of being spotted by Bob and Mary.
After all, they were entirely capable of resorting to disruptive actions, such as blocking the college entrance.
Upon reaching the roadside, Mia carefully surveyed her surroundings, ensuring there were no suspicious figures around.
Finding none, she breathed a sigh of relief and decided to hail a taxi for her journey back home.
“Mia, stop right there!”
Suddenly, a red sports car pulled over by the roadside, and Shelly emerged, visibly agitated. “Where else do you think you can hide?” Mia maintained her composure. “I haven’t been hiding.” “Then why are you wearing a mask and hat on such a scorching day if you’re not trying to hide?” Shelly retorted.
She intercepted Mia, obstructing her path. “You’re the one who ratted me out to my family.
“Now, I’m stuck with a measly monthly allowance of fifty thousand dollars, which is nowhere near enough for my expenses.
“Come with me to clarify things with Timothy. The whole Wilhelmina incident has nothing to do with me. It was all her fault, and I have zero connection to it.” The financial strain had become unbearable for Mia lately. She avoided social gatherings with friends and hesitated to visit shopping malls. The experience was utterly agonizing.
As Mia observed Shelly’s irritable demeanor, she couldn’t help but reflect on the lavish lifestyle Shelly had once led.
Accustomed to a life of extravagance and consistently indulging in opulence, the unexpected freeze of her credit card was undoubtedly distressing for Shelly.
Nonetheless, Timothy’s strategy had proven remarkably effective.
Maintaining her indifference, Mia casually remarked, “Well, it’s not like I’m the one who cut off your credit card. So, this is none of my business.
“Besides, Wilhelmina openly confessed that this incident is linked to you. Are you trying to claim innocence?” “It had nothing to do with me in the first place. You simply have too many enemies, and Wilhelmina targeted you out of personal animosity. How does | that implicate me?” Certainly, Shelly wasn’t going to admit any involvement in the matter.
With everything sorted out on Wilhelmina’s end, Shelly was confident that she wouldn’t risk speaking up. So, for now, Shelly felt safe.
Aware that Shelly wouldn’t admit any wrongdoing, Mia chose not to engage in pointless arguments. &? Suddenly, she noticed a middle-aged couple approaching from across the street—weren’t they Bob and Mary? It was all Shelly’s fault for holding her up. Otherwise, she would have left already and wouldn’t have been caught in this situation.
Mia instinctively lowered her head, hoping to avoid them. However, Mary’s voice rang out from across the road, “Mia, you brat! I see you. How dare you hide?” Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Mia contemplated a swift escape.
However, Shelly seized her,
| questioning, “Where do you think you’re going? Aren’t those your adoptive parents? Why hide? Talking to them might be a good idea, don’t you think?” “Shelly, let go of me!” Mia yelled.
“You want me to let go? Fine, but you have to get in the car and come with me to meet Timothy.” Observing Bob and Mary approaching, Mia acted without hesitation, jumping into Shelly’s car.
Compared to confronting Timothy, she was even more averse to getting entangled with her adoptive parents at that moment.
Shelly promptly sped away, leaving Bob and Mary trailing behind in the distance.
Mia glanced back, catching a glimpse of them running and uttering curses, A faint smile crept onto the corner of her mouth. Fortunately, she was fast! In a triumphant tone, Shelly declared, “Consider yourself saved this time.
However, you’ll have to explain everything to Timothy later.” Turning toward her, Mia inquired, “What exactly is it that you want me to explain?” “Twant you to clarify that this situation has nothing to do with me.
It’s crucial to have Timothy reinstate my credit card limit immediately.”
“Do you honestly think Timothy is gullible? If he didn’t uncover any wrongdoing, how could he have decided to block your credit card?”
Upon hearing this, Shelly’s frustration grew. “Mia, are you unwilling to clarify matters with Timothy? If so, I’ll take you back immediately!” Deep down, Mia harbored an intense desire to unleash a torrent of profanities.
Just as Shelly was on the verge of turning around, Mia swiftly Interjected, “Let’s discuss matters calmly, there’s no need to be impulsive.”
Mia was determined not to become entangled with her adoptive parents again, having finally distanced herself from her old neighborhood.
Despite any resentment that Bob and Mary might harbor, Mia was aware that they couldn’t exert any control over her.
She was adamant about preserving the tranquility of her current life.
Wearing a smug expression, Shelly continued to drive forward.
Before long, Mia noticed the Barrett Group nearby. She hadn’t anticipated coming here.
Parking her car in the designated spot, Shelly proudly remarked, “Mia, this place is unfamiliar to you, isn’t it?
Allow me to give you a guided tour this time.
“Back when you were the Barrett family heiress, you didn’t consider this building worthy of visiting. However,
I’ll gladly show you around now. Don’t bother thanking me!*
Mia gazed at Shelly impassively and remarked, “Actually, there’s a question I’ve been meaning to ask.”
Shelly arrogantly tilted her head back, inviting. “Go ahead, ask.”
“How do you keep up that haughty attitude?” Mia quipped.
Shelly became furious. “What do you mean?” she shot back.