Chapter 837

"Are you referring to my supposed engagement with the Bowen family?" Mia asked, wiping away the

tears of laughter with a tissue. “That was just wishful thinking on the Bowen family's part. I never

agreed to be engaged to their son."

With a frown, Timothy cautioned, "As the only young lady of the Lane family, these men are naturally

plotting to marry you. I suggest you not be naive and fall for their schemes."

Mia's lips formed a cold smile as she looked at him meaningfully. “I don't need you to remind me of

that. After all, I've been deceived by a man before, and I won't fall into the same trap twice."

Timothy knew exactly whom Mia was referring to. He felt compelled to interject, saying, "But our

situation wasn't the same."

"Of course, it was different. Our relationship was even more complicated,” Mia replied sharply. "You

should be grateful that I haven't fully regained my memory. If I remembered everything, do you think I

could still speak to you like this?"

Mia didn't want to waste any more words with Timothy. With the banquet approaching, she still needed

to change outfits, have her makeup done, and style her hair.

Upon arriving at the studio she frequented, Mia was warmly welcomed by the manager. "Ms. Lane, are

you here today for your styling session for the banquet? Do you have any specific ideas in mind?"

“I just want to enhance my appearance subtly, without appearing too flashy. Considering my film's

positive and uplifting theme, I'd prefer not to dress too conspicuously.”

"Understood, please follow me."

Timothy reluctantly set down all the items Mia had bought. Shortly after, someone arrived to select

clothes and shoes from the purchases. Timothy had never waited for a woman during a styling session

before, as he considered his time to be extremely valuable and didn't want to waste it on such matters.

Glancing at the nearby staff, he inquired, "How much time will this take?"

"Approximately two to three hours."

Timothy was somewhat puzzled by the lengthy duration. Why would it take so long for a woman to do

her makeup and styling?

Turning to one of the nearby bodyguards, Timothy asked, "Hey, do you mind if I borrow your phone for

a moment?"

The bodyguard appeared uneasy. "I'm sorry, but my phone is off-limits.” Timothy's frown deepened. It

was clear that his refusal was deliberate. Peyton approached and informed Timothy, "Ms. Mia's orders

are clear. We cannot lend you money or allow you to use a phone. If you can't comply with her rules,

you should consider leaving Nord City."

Timothy understood the implications, but leaving Nord City at that moment wasn't an option for him.

After Peyton had departed, the bodyguard stowed his phone and inquired, "How much debt are you

in?"

Timothy frowned in confusion. "Debt?"

At that moment, the head of the security team, Miguel Gonzales, came over and casually placed a

hand on Timothy's shoulder. “Timmo, need some life advice from an old-timer?"

Timmo?

Upon hearing this nickname, Timothy kept his composure as he calmly looked at Miguel. It was rare for

anyone to address him so informally. Interpreting Timothy's silence as agreement, Miguel continued,

"Timmo, being favored by Ms. Mia is a stroke of luck. Perhaps you shouldn't play hard to get any

longer.

"With your financial troubles and the looming threat of loan sharks, submitting to Ms. Mia's authority will

be your best choice. Rest assured, she won't treat you poorly."

Timothy's expression darkened even further. What sort of false narrative had Mia constructed about

him?

Did it depict him as facing substantial financial struggles? Or did Mia go so far as to portray him as

resorting to unethical activities to settle those debts?