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


    tears ofughter 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 youngdy 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 feltpelled to interject, saying, "But our


    situation wasn''t the same."


    "Of course, it was different. Our rtionship was even moreplicated,” 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.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Upon arriving at the studio she frequented, Mia was warmly weed 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 shy. 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.


    ncing 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''tply 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 ced a


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


    Timmo?


    Upon hearing this nickname, Timothy kept hisposure 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 y 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 hical activities to settle those debts?