Chapter 51
Mia felt a headache coming on when she saw the trending topic. She really didn’t want to be known for this.
But after checking out the trend, she realized there was only a photo of her and Liam walking into the venue.
There weren’t any photos of her face.
She relaxed a little. It was fine as long as there weren’t any photos of her. Still, what was up with the content?
Why were people talking about how she and Liam had gotten together three years ago and were only just revealing their relationship?
She supposed it was only to be expected of entertainment news. Her and Liam’s names were the only real things in this whole mess-everything else had been made up.
Mia explained everything to Gina. She told Gina how Liam was only a body double for Linden and that the paparazzi had gotten the wrong man.
Then, she went out to buy a whole bunch of stuff. They were all gifts that she’d prepared for Dominic and Eva; they could bring the things back to Nord City.
Mia looked at Liam. “Will the rumors cause any trouble for you?”
“Nah. I’ve already spoken to the media-that photo of our backs is the only one that people will see. Don’t worry about having your face revealed.” Liam was actually a little sad about this. If only he could announce to the world that Mia was his precious cousin. It was too bad the timing wasn’t right.
Dominic said tentatively, “Mia, there must be many companies wanting to hire you now that you’ve won first place in the competition. Is there any company in particular that you’re interested in? Vista Properties is the organizer, so they must be offering the best conditions.”
He was trying his best to hint that Mia should join Vista Properties. That way, he could arrange for his people to watch over her.
Vista Properties? Wasn’t that one of the companies belonging to Maya’s family?
Mia didn’t want to have anything to do with Maya, so she shook her head. “I’ve already gotten a part- time job somewhere else. Dominic.”
Dominic was rather disappointed but didn’t say anything. Mia could work anywhere she wanted as long as she liked the place.
After sending Dominic and Eva off, Mia got ready to report for duty at Felix’s studio. On her way there, she received a call. “Hi, Ms. Bowen. I’m the manager of Barrett Group’s HR department.
“I’m actually calling to ask whether you’re interested in taking up a position with us. Your compensation and benefits are negotiable.”
Barrett Group? Mia asked hesitantly, “Why do you want me to work for you?”
Before this, Timothy had been trying to poach Zoe. He hadn’t known about Mia being Zoe. But after what had happened at the awards ceremony, Timothy had to know they were one and the same. Why was he still having
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The HR manager was caught off guard by this question. After a pause, he said, “Well, you are Zoe, after all. We reached out to your friend twice before this, but you rejected us both times.
“We just wanted to make it clear that our boss genuinely admires your talent and wants to invite you to take up a position with us. It’ll be beneficial for your career development.”
Timothy admired her talent? Mia got goosebumps all over. She hurriedly said, “Sorry, but I’ve already agreed to take up a position at another studio. You can pass my thanks to your boss for his admiration, though.”
“Ms. Bowen, I’m sure anyone would know which is the better choice between us and a regular studio.”
“Yes, but there’s also something known as ‘first come, first serve.’ You’re one step behind them, so I’m gonna have to say no. Sorry about this.” Mia hung up and stared at her phone dazedly.
She honestly couldn’t understand why Timothy was still offering her an olive branch. Could it be that his people still weren’t aware of what had happened? That had to be it.
Meanwhile, the HR manager put his phone down before giving Timothy a tentative look. “I’m sure you heard what she said, Mr. Barrett. Ms. Bowen truly isn’t interested.”
He had to admit that he found it weird, though. People wouldn’t normally turn down the opportunity to work at Barrett Group.
Timothy was poker-faced. “You can go now.”
He took his phone out and checked his Instagram. When he saw the photo Mia had posted last night, he couldn’t help having mixed feelings.
As he recalled how she’d acted last night, he wanted nothing more than to trap her in his arms so he could teach her a lesson. He wanted to pinch away her dimples.