Mia made her way into the living room of the villa. She was well aware that Timothy wouldn't easily relent if he didn't get to see Ginger.Taking a seat, she began, "Remember that evening at the banquet when you saved me from falling? The media exaggerated the situation, suggesting something improper between me and a bodyguard."It almost reached my brothers, but luckily, I was able to divert their suspicions. Otherwise, you wouldn't be standing here talking to me."Timothy stood resolutely before her. "So, the best way to handle this before your brothers find out is to take me to see Ginger.""I'll find time for it later. Currently, there's always someone around Ginger, and Eva visits the hospital daily. If you show up, it will surely attract attention."Persisting, Timothy asked, "How long is 'later'?""In the next few days. I'll figure something out."Mia's response was evasive. She wasn't sure how to arrange the meeting with Ginger.Timothy scrutinized her, his gaze narrowi
Upon hearing this, Timothy remained unfazed. He turned to Mia and remarked, "Since the paparazzi have already captured rumors about us, would there be compensation if I had a casual chat with them now?"Mia clenched her teeth, cautioning, "Timothy, you're overstepping your bounds."Timothy maintained his composure as he continued, "If you want me to stay silent, it's quite simple. Just provide me with the salary I'm owed."Ultimately, Mia yielded and instructed Peyton to issue Timothy his wages for the two days. After all, Timothy had kept his end of the bargain.In this critical moment, Mia couldn't afford any information to leak to the media.Taking the 50 dollars, Timothy offered Mia a wry smile. "Is this the standard rate for being your bodyguard?"Peyton intervened to explain, "That's because you're still in a trial period. Once your employment is official, your salary will double. For now, this is the rate."Timothy remained silent as he pocketed the 50 dollars. Nonchalant
As Mia looked up, she recognized the woman as Isabella Bowen. It seemed fate had a twisted sense of humor to reunite them once more.Why couldn't the Bowen family just leave them be?Isabella strutted in, flaunting her designer handbag. "Mia, I can't believe you're being so stingy, only giving your little toy boy 50 dollars for shopping!"When Mia heard Isabella refer to Timothy as her "little boy toy", she struggled to contain her laughter.Clearing her throat, she responded, "That 50 dollars is his compensation for two days of work.""So, you're only giving him 50 bucks for two days' work? You might as well come to work for me, pretty boy. At least I won't shortchange you."Isabella was taken aback as she turned to look at Timothy, who wasn't wearing sunglasses. She hadn't expected him to be so attractive.No wonder Mia had been involved with this bodyguard!Taking a step closer to Timothy, Isabella boldly pulled out a wad of cash from her wallet and addressed him, saying, "H
Timothy lowered his gaze and glanced at Mia, asking, "So, what's your offer?"Meeting Timothy's suggestive gaze, Mia swiftly adjusted her expression, retorting, "You're mistaken. I'm a person of integrity!"Shortly afterward, the store attendant arrived with a small toy, stating, "This toy is on sale for exactly 50 dollars. It's the least expensive item in our store and also a suitable gift for you, sir."Glancing at the modest toy, Mia couldn't help but notice its simplicity compared to the lavish gifts Timothy had previously selected for Ginger.Without hesitation, Timothy picked up the toy and placed 50 dollars in cash on the table, declaring, "I'll take it."Mia was surprised by Timothy's sudden decisiveness. She hadn't realized Timothy could be so flexible and accommodating.Mia turned to the attendant nearby and asked, "Now that he's finished shopping, could you help me gather some items I need?"Having decided to visit Ginger in the hospital, Mia realized she needed to pr
Upon hearing Agatha's words, Mia found herself at a loss for where to begin her critique!It appeared that the Jones family had a close relationship with the Bowen family, evident from Lewis' prior approach to Mia regarding the Jones family's affairs.However, Mia hadn't anticipated the Jones family leveraging their partnership with the Barrett family to intimidate her.The Bowens often boasted about the Barretts' prominence in Bern City, unaware that Timothy Barrett, the CEO of the Barrett group, was currently serving as Mia's bodyguard.Despite this, Timothy had never acknowledged any collaboration with the Bowen family.Mia couldn't comprehend where the Bowen and Jones families derived their confidence to behave so arrogantly.Upon seeing Mia's continued silence, Agatha assumed she was intimidated and pressed on triumphantly, "Ms. Lane, we are both esteemed figures in Nord City's high society. There's no need to strain our relationship over a commoner woman, wouldn't you agree
Upon hearing Jason's inquiry, Mia hurried to explain, her tone betraying a hint of nervousness. "Oh, that rumor? It's merely media exaggeration. "I had a minor slip, and my bodyguard assisted me. I suspect the Bowen family is behind this, attempting to smear my reputation.""I see. Rest assured, I'll handle it."Mia felt a wave of relief as Jason seemed to accept her explanation without any hint of suspicion. Yet, she knew she couldn't conceal Timothy's presence indefinitely.Beside Mia, Timothy overheard her conversation with Jason. Her tone and demeanor were noticeably different; it was evident that Mia shared a close relationship with her family.Turning to him, Mia asked, "If I arrange for you to visit Ginger in the hospital, will you agree to leave Nord City?"Timothy's gaze narrowed slightly as he responded, "Certainly. As long as Ginger is healthy, everything is open for discussion."However, Timothy's reply merely hinted at the possibility of negotiation; he didn't outr
Timothy's expression turned cold as he observed the sudden appearance of the man. Who was he?As the car door swung open and Mia prepared to step out, she was taken aback to find Dylan unexpectedly present.A smile graced her lips as she remarked, "Dylan Lane, what a wonderful surprise to see you here."The man gracefully opening the door for Mia was none other than Dylan Lane, the male supporting actor in her current project. He was someone she viewed as having tremendous potential and wished to support.Dylan's performance in this film was exceptionally impressive. Even before the movie hit the screens, leaked footage had sparked excitement and anticipation."Mia, for an event as significant as today's, it's only fitting for me to be here to welcome you in person," Dylan expressed warmly."Well, you're certainly more considerate than most," Mia replied, returning his smile.Stepping out of the car, Mia couldn't shake off the sudden chill she felt from Timothy nearby, his eyes
As Mia was about to leave, Dylan came up to her and said, "Mia, it's been a while since we last saw each other. We discussed grabbing a meal together previously. How about we celebrate today? Let's toast to the movie's box office success in advance.""Sure, sounds good," Mia replied, her mood considerably lifted by now.However, as soon as she accepted Dylan's invitation, Mia felt a sudden chill. She turned slightly, catching sight of Timothy's darkening expression.Following her gaze, Dylan's eyes settled on Timothy, who stood behind Mia with a stern countenance, his eyes concealed behind sunglasses.Despite the shades, Timothy's striking features and athletic build were unmistakable.Dylan couldn't help but suspect that Timothy was the bodyguard who had been the subject of recent media buzz.As Dylan glanced at Timothy, a hint of complexity flickered in his eyes. He casually remarked, "Mia, is this that handsome bodyguard of yours? He looks even better in person than in photos.