"This is my family matter, why is it any concern of yours?" Ralph retorted.Caleb scoffed disdainfully. "Sure, it's none of my business. But I advise you to cancel your dealings with the Bowen family promptly. Give back whatever you've gained from them."Otherwise, if the collaboration falls apart and you end up facing legal consequences, Timothy won't be able to protect you here. Remember, this is Nord City."Ralph countered, "As you pointed out, this is indeed a branch office, and within the framework of the Barrett Group's regulations, I have the authority to manage collaborations here in Nord City."Despite Timothy's position as CEO, he cannot simply order me to terminate the partnership. He, too, must adhere to the established procedures."Nonetheless, Ralph had already signed the partnership agreement with the Bowen family before Timothy's protocols came into play. This meant that even Timothy had no means to reverse this situation.Glancing back at Ralph, Timothy retorted,
Caleb decided to be direct, hoping to catch Ginger off guard.After all, it was easy to deceive children with just a few words.Upon hearing Caleb's question, Timothy grew somewhat uneasy. Why couldn't Caleb be more subtle?Since the phone was on speaker, Timothy could hear Ginger's voice on the other end as well.Just then, Ginger's sweet, childish voice came through, "I'm not sick, you're the one who's sick!"Caleb's expression shifted to one of surprise, and he shot a glance at Timothy. Could it be that Timothy's suspicion was correct?Timothy silently signaled with his eyes for Caleb to continue asking.Clearing his throat, Caleb pressed on, "Ginger, if you're not ill, why did your mom ask for bone marrow donations last time?"There was a pause on the phone before Ginger replied, "To help me get well, obviously.""Ginger, don't play games. You just admitted you're not sick. I know the secret between you and your mom."Ginger was momentarily caught off guard, feeling a bit
Sage set aside the paper he had been holding. "You were quick to act just now. It's a good thing I was here with you."When Ginger received the call on her Apple Watch earlier, Sage happened to be nearby. Upon hearing Caleb's words, he immediately sensed it was a ruse.Fortunately, Sage discreetly stepped in to prevent Ginger from revealing too much, even going as far as jotting down a response for her on paper.Given the ambiguity of the conversation, Caleb likely wouldn't take Ginger's words seriously.Resting her chin on her hand, Ginger pondered, "Why doesn't Mommy let Daddy know about you? If he knew you were unwell, he'd surely shower you with gifts.""Hmph, I'm not interested in his presents," Sage replied with a serious expression.After all, Sage wasn't as gullible as Ginger. He was well aware of how Timothy had abandoned Mia.Had it not been for Mia's brothers finding her in time, she would have faced considerable hardship.These were not matters that Timothy could si
Glancing at Mia, Sage inquired, "Mommy, why are you asking this question?"Given Ginger's affection for Timothy, Mia was interested in comprehending Sage's viewpoint as well.A smile graced Mia's lips as she responded, "Just curious, that's all.""Mommy, I have no interest in seeing him. Ginger might have been influenced, but not me."Sage's stance was unwavering; he had no intention of acknowledging Timothy.Mia couldn't help but notice the striking similarities between Sage and Timothy, extending beyond mere physical resemblance to encompass their personalities.Therefore, Sage's hesitation to acknowledge Timothy didn't come as a surprise.Two men, one older and one younger, both exhibiting a common streak of stubbornness.Mia offered Sage a comforting pat on the head. "It's alright. However you choose to engage with him, it's entirely your decision. Mommy won't meddle.""Mommy, does that mean you won't intervene if we choose to accept that man in the future?"Feeling a pan
Timothy shot a glance at Caleb. "I can handle these minor issues myself.""I understand. I just thought it would be amusing to have Mia witness the spectacle, you know? It'll be quite satisfying, and it would be a shame if she missed out. And with Mia's touch, the Bowens might squirm a little more."Soon, Mia's phone rang with Caleb's call.Glancing at the caller ID, she answered, "What's up?""Have you forgotten what today is? It's time to step out and enjoy the show," Caleb reminded her.Mia, of course, was well aware of what Caleb meant by "enjoy the show."Nonetheless, she found herself taken aback. "Wasn't the partnership with the Bowen family supposed to be terminated? Why are they still proceeding with the signing ceremony?"Mia had assumed that the ceremony would no longer take place.At first, she felt a twinge of disappointment, realizing she might miss witnessing the Bowen family's embarrassment firsthand.Yet, as it unfolded, she was in for a surprise!Caleb elabo
Mia's expression lit up with anticipation. With Caleb's imminent arrival, she anticipated that drama was about to unfold.Earlier, when Caleb had called, he sounded gleeful and eager to witness the events unfold. However, the situation seemed to have taken an unexpected turn.Mia couldn't help but wonder how Caleb would react once he found himself in the spotlight.A twinge of excitement stirred within her as she wondered what would happen later.Observing Mia's silence, Connie swiftly interjected, "Mia, why are you so quiet? Didn't you claim to know Caleb before? You even boasted about it at the hospital. Now that Caleb himself is here, why the sudden silence?"Mia wasn't silent out of guilt, but rather because she was too exhausted to bother with a response.Observing the audacious behavior of the Bowens, Mia casually retorted, "Are you certain this man is Caleb?""Absolutely; this gentleman right here is none other than Mr. Gomez," Lewis affirmed confidently.The young man b
Several other reporters spoke up as well, "Ms. Lane, considering the prestige of the Barrett Group's CEO and the prominence of the Barrett family in Bern City, it's unlikely that he would take on the role of a mere bodyguard by your side.""While we did notice a resemblance between the bodyguard wearing sunglasses and the CEO of Barrett Group, it's insufficient evidence to confirm his identity.""Ms. Lane, is it possible that Mr. Barrett is pursuing a personal interest in you, prompting him to act as your bodyguard?"At the moment, this seemed to be the most reasonable explanation.Otherwise, why would the CEO of the Barrett Group come to Nord City and assume the position of a mere bodyguard? Such a narrative would be difficult for anyone to believe.Connie interrupted the reporters, wearing a displeased expression. "What kind of questions are these? The bodyguard may resemble Mr. Barrett, but he's certainly not the CEO of the Barrett Group."Besides, why would someone as esteeme
With a mischievous grin, Caleb quipped, "Where's the Barrett Group's branch office representative for the Bowen family? They should be here by now, right?"Caleb was eager to witness the Bowens facing the consequences of their actions.Lewis replied, "It's not time yet. Why the rush?"Mia shot Caleb a meaningful look before adding, "However, there's something you should know. There's a Mr. Gomez here from Bern City, claiming to be you. Would you like to meet him?""Is that so? The last I heard from the Bowen family, they mentioned encountering a Mr. Gomez. So, he's here now, huh? Where is he? I'd like to see who's bold enough to impersonate me and deceive others!"Caleb hadn't anticipated the imposter's appearance at today's event. He was prepared to confront him personally and ensure he faced the consequences for his deception, even if it meant using force!Connie quickly declared, "Mr. Gomez is right here."However, as she turned around, he was nowhere to be found.A bystande