Ch. 1061..1070

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1061-Mia didn't recognize the voice at first, but she caught a strong whiff of perfume. It was as if the person had emptied an entire bottle on themselves. She might not have registered the voice, but she knew who it was from the overwhelming fragrance.

She spun around. Indeed, it was Shelly, who just arrived at the banquet with Sharon. Shelly was fully dressed in designer brands, the pungent smell of her perfume lingering in the air. She was desperate to let everyone know what she was wearing.

Shelly had managed to stoop this low despite being part of the prestigious Barrett family.

Not wanting to meddle any further with her, Mia turned to the server and said, "Report this to the manager now. This has to be resolved right away. Such a basic mistake is unacceptable." The server nodded respectfully and left.

Shelly sneered, "Look at how arrogant you are, Mia. People might think you're actually the owner of Aide Castle Hotel."

Jasmine could no longer bear it. "Who are you to make such comments here? Mia is an expert in landscape design. It's perfectly normal for her to point out the arrangement issue to the hotel staff."

"An expert? Mia's nothing but a spoiled rich bitch. What does she know about landscape design? Aide Castle Hotel is designed by a renowned designer. What could she possibly know? What does she know about aesthetics when she's deceiving people with fake goods?"

Clearly, Shelly was still bitter about the fake goods incident. She wasn't aware that Mia Lane was actually Mia Bowen, and she'd been tricked.

Mia deliberately humiliated her with fake goods, causing her to become a laughingstock in the upper crust of Bern City, earning her the nickname "Princess of Fake Goods". She simply couldn't put the past behind her.

Mia used to grovel to her back then. How dare she deceive her with fake goods now she was suddenly a Lane?

Shelly felt indignant. Now that she was here, she thought she had to teach Mia a lesson.

However, Mia was amused. She wondered why Shelly attended the investment banquet despite her insolence.

Sharon forced a smile and said, "Shelly, Ms. Lane is no longer an orphan. You better watch your words in Nord City. Otherwise, you'll be very sorry once she complains to her family." Shelly faltered, but she steeled herself. "Only kids would complain to their family."

Before Mia could respond, Jasmine retorted, "How dare you say that when you've been nothing but a parasite that leeches off the Barrett family for years? If I were you, I would've dug a hole and buried myself out of shame a long time ago."

Infuriated, Shelly pointed at her and hollered, "Who are you? How dare you speak to me like that? Do you have any idea who I am? You're going to be very sorry for offending me!"

Mia cleared her throat. "This is the mayor's daughter, Ms. Shelbert."

Shelly froze. The color drained from her face, and she swallowed her words in haste. She hadn't expected Jasmine to be the mayor's daughter, who was someone she couldn't afford to offend as well.

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1062-Although Sharon recognized Jasmine, she merely stood by and watched Shelly make a fool of herself.

A hint of amusement flickered across her eyes. She resented Shelly for leeching off their family.

But Sharon couldn't do anything as well. The Barrett family hadn't split up, and Timothy was in charge of the family. Still, she couldn't let Shelly embarrass herself any further. The Barrett family's reputation would be tarnished if word got out.

She smoothly intervened, "Ms. Shelbert, Shelly rarely visits Nord City, so she isn't familiar with the people here. If she offended you, please kindly forgive her."

"It's better for her to refrain from going out if she doesn't know how to speak. Not everyone is as forgiving as I am. As an adult, she has to be responsible for her words and actions, right?" Jasmine snapped. Shelly was seething. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to argue with Jasmine before the public's eyes. She had more important matters to handle in Nord City, after all.

She turned to Mia and sneered, "Mia, since you're here for the investment banquet, are you thinking of working with Aide Castle Hotel as well?"

Amused, Mia said, "That's none of your business."

"Forget it, Mia. You're just a spoiled rich bitch. If you actually partnered with Aide Castle Hotel, you'll make them look bad."

Mia smirked. "You can't decide who Aide Castle Hotel wants to work with."

"Indeed, but us Barretts are going to work with Aide Castle Hotel soon. Your family should stop daydreaming. No one can compete with us in Bern City."

A cold glint flashed in Mia's eyes. "Really? We'll see."

Sharon interjected, "Enough, stop talking to her. You're going to put Tim in a difficult situation if you leak any information."

Shelly nodded hastily. "Alright, Aunt Sharon. But can you introduce me to the owner of Aide Castle Hotel later? I'd like to host my birthday party here next time. The resort in Bern City is booked out for the next two or three years, so I was just wondering if I could cut in line?"

Aide Castle Hotel was a sensation in Bern City, and hosting banquets there was a mark of high status. Shelly yearned to host a party there.

Sharon replied coolly, "Fine, I'll talk to the owner and see if I can fit you in once Tim secures the deal with Aide Castle Hotel."

Elated, Shelly exclaimed, "Really? Thank you so much, Aunt Sharon! I knew you were the best."

Sharon took her hand and cooed, "Of course. You and Tim are the only youngsters in our family."

Seeing how affectionate Sharon was

toward Shelly, Mia was perplexed

She remembered Sharon had never

been fond of Shelly back then,

e

loathing her family for leeching off

the Barrett family. Content belongs

to FindNovel.net

Something didn't feel right. Why did Sharon suddenly bring Shelly along with her?

Mia began calmly, "According to my knowledge, Aide Castle Hotel's

reservation system is very striol net

They don't allow queue jumping regardless of your connections."

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1063-Sharon's confidence caught Mia off guard. She had claimed to talk to the owner and let Shelly cut in line for her banquet.

But that was impossible. As the owner, Mia would never give in to such demands. Let alone when it was Shelly who was making it.

Even if she wanted to accommodate someone, she wouldn't disrupt the reservation order for her personal connections. It didn't align with her business principles. Generally, her friends also wouldn't demand such a favor from her. There were also other places to host a banquet other than Aide Castle Hotel.

Shelly snorted, "Mia, you're so arrogant. You think it's impossible because you say so? Do you really think you're the owner?"

"Aide Castle Hotel would have to show us some respect if they want to thrive in Bern City. Mia, your worries are unnecessary," Sharon calmly interjected. "Exactly. She must've been jealous, Aunt Sharon. She's only saying that on purpose because she knows her family would lose to us Barretts this time."

Feeling indignant, Jasmine retorted, "Aide Castle Hotel never allows anyone to disrupt their reservation order. Stop embarrassing yourself if you're just an outsider who's completely oblivious to the rules." "The rules are just for show. In fact, there are plenty of backdoor deals we can work on. Just because the Lanes are incapable of that doesn't mean we can't," Shelly retorted smugly.

Crossing her arms, Mia fixed her gaze on Shelly and Sharon. "You Barrets are really something, huh? The investment banquet isn't over yet, but you're already so sure that Aide Castle Hotel's going to work with you."

Sharon replied confidently, "It's only wise to work with us. Unless Aide Castle Hotel doesn't want to thrive in Bern City."

Shelly nodded in agreement. "That's right. Come on, it's Bern City, not Nord City. The owner should know who he should work with unless he's a fool."

Mia raised her brows. "Then I'll say it to your face now. Stop daydreaming. Who Aide Castle Hotel is going to work with has yet to be decided, and the Barrett family isn't the most likely candidate either." Content

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"Mia, stop spitting nonsense. Aide Castle Hotel will work with the Barretts, and you don't stand a chance. I know you're just jealous of us. But your jealousy won't change anything," Shelly said haughtily. "I'm serious. Aide Castle Hotel isn't going to work with you guys."

Sharon sneered, "Well, well, look how serious you are. Who do you think you are? Do you really think you can decide who Aide Castle Hotel partners with?"

Shelly chimed in, "Yeah. I heard the owner of Aide Castle Hotel is very talented despite his young age. He usually keeps a low profile as well. He's the epitome of sophistication, unlike you Lanes who are always so pretentious."

Mia was bewildered. It was ironic how Shelly was unintentionally praising her.

She glanced up at them and said firmly, "Although I appreciate your praise for the owner of Aide Castle Hotel, I must inform you that the reservation order at the resort will not be changed for anyone. The rule remains no matter who Aide Castle Hôtel partners with." Content

belongs to FindNovel.net

"You're just so stubborn, Mia. We've already got in contact with the manager at Aide Castle Hotel, and they're very willing to work with us. Don't be petty just because you failed," Shely quipped.

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1064-Then, Shelly turned toward Sharon. "Aunt Sharon, didn't you say the owner of Aide Castle Hotel will be present today as well? I can't wait to rub the truth in Mia's face and see whether she dares to spout any more nonsense."

A smug smile spread across Sharon's face. "The owner will show up once the banquet starts. Don't be hasty."

"I'm just eager to see how someone's going to be humiliated. It's funny of her to think that she's actually that influential in Nord City as a Lane."

Amused, Mia turned toward them. "Do I have to remind you of how you groveled to that impostor in the Barrett family?"

Both Shelly and Sharon were rendered speechless, and their expressions turned ashen.

Fumbling with her clothes, Sharon remained silent.

Shelly, however, stubbornly replied, "Quit your nonsense, Mia. When did we ever grovel to that impostor? She showed up shamelessly because she wanted to marry Tim."

Shelly was embarrassed about her past actions, but she couldn't admit that in front of Mia.

"Really? It seems like you have amnesia. Do you need me to recite all the sweet talk you bombarded Maya with? It serves as a reminder, so you won't forget again." "What are you on about? Enough!"

A pang of shame shot through

net

Shelly. After all, she did grovel to Maya back then. She had thought Maya was the daughter of the prestigious Lane family in Nord City, and getting close to Maya meant she could continue living off the Barrett family.

Yet, little did she expect Maya to be an impostor. Mia, whom she had always regarded as an orphan, turned out to be the actual daughter of the Lane family instead.

The sudden turn of events was

beyond Shelly's wildest dreams. At

eline

one point, she even fantasized about her also being the daughter of a prestigious family, instead of someone who had to beg for an allowance from the Barrett family. It was a miserable life, indeed.

But Shelly hadn't been close with Mia. If Mia were to remarry Timothy, she might even seek revenge against her. This thought sent shivers down her spine, and she was even more resolute in preventing Mia from remarrying Timothy.

Mia turned toward Sharon. "And you. Have you forgotten already?"

Although she sympathized with Sharon's plight, it was undeniable that Sharon acted nothing like a proper socialite. She simply couldn't muster a sliver of sympathy for Sharon when she merely behaved like a shrew.

Feigning composure, Sharon replied,

"I was tricked by the impostor as well. But the way you behave screams volumes about the Lanes courtesy. I don't see the difference in behavior between an impostor and an actual member of the Lane family."

Just then, Shelly glanced to her side. Her eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "Aunt Sharon, the manager is here."

Sharon spun around. Glancing over at Philip who was clad in a suit, she smiled and said, "What a coincidence."

"Look, Aunt Sharon. He's approaching us. Perhaps he's coming over to greet you? I told you that the owner of Aide Castle Hotel is going to partner with us, that's why he sent someone over to chat with us." Mia was utterly perplexed.

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1065-Mia narrowed her eyes. She hadn't planned to reveal her identity at the banquet today. But given Sharon and Shelly's antics, she was worried that they'd tarnish her reputation.

If Shelly's comments about the queue jumping spread, others might think that there was a problem with the reservation rules at Aide Castle Hotel. It would affect the hotel's operation, and she certainly wouldn't allow that to happen.

Sharon seemed jovial as she said, "Keep it down. Don't flaunt it because we've yet to close the deal."

Shelly nodded. She glanced at Mia and said, "Well, we've yet to close the deal, but the manager of Aide Castle Hotel is coming over to greet us. Doesn't this indicate something? Some people should know when to give up."

Jasmine was indignant. "You don't have to give too much meaning to a mere greeting, you know. Since Aide Castle Hotel organized the banquet, of course they'll have to greet all the guests.

"But that doesn't mean they're intrigued to partner with each and every one of the guests, does it? A bit of narcissism can be useful at times, but you'll humiliate yourself if you get ahead of yourself." Then, Jasmine greeted Philip, who was approaching them. "Hello, it's been a while. The setting for tonight's banquet is magnificent. Does Aide Castle Hotel have a new theme setting again?" "You're quick, Ms. Shelbert. Today's design is one of our new themes, but not all has been revealed. We have to keep it a mystery, so we can surprise everyone later."

Seeing Jasmine greet the manager sent a surge of defiance coursing through Shelly. So, she also approached Philip boldly and chimed in, "Can I book this new theme now? I'd like to host a birthday party." Philip glanced at her and replied, "Of course you can. You can also change your theme anytime if you've already reserved a slot."

Thrilled, Shelly blurted out, "Alright then. I'll have this latest theme for my birthday party."

While she could finally prove herself, her acquaintances in Bern City would also be impressed. Aide Castle Hotel hadn't been established in Bern City for long, but it was already booked out by the prominent families to host banquets for the senior members of their families.

None of the younger generation had the privilege to host in Aide Castle Hotel yet. If Shelly made herself a pioneer, she would definitely rub it in the faces of the other socialites in Bern City.

They had been mocking her as a "Princess of Fake Goods". Frankly, it was all Mia's fault that she'd been plunged into the victim's position. Mia deceived her and made her a fool of herself. Philip nodded. "You can contact our staff directly when the time comes."

Casting a triumphant look at Jasmine and Mia, Shelly barked, "See that? This is what I call power. I told you I'm going to host my birthday party at Aide Castle Hotel. You said I can't, but see how it went. This is the power of the Barrett family."

Philip grew even more enthusiastic toward Shelly upon the mention of the Barrett family's name.

"Oh, so you're Ms. Barrett! It's my pleasure meeting you. You can come to me anytime if you encounter any issues at today's banquet. Please kindly forgive us if there's any inadequacy in our service."

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1066-Noting Philip's demeanor, Sharon cast a smug look at Mia. So what if the Lane family was a prominent family in Nord City? The Barretts weren't going to be intimidated by them. Mia scrutinized Philip and frowned. "Where's Mike, your former manager?"

She clearly remembered Mike was the manager, not this unfamiliar man whom she couldn't recognize.

Philip replied calmly, "Mr. Labeouf took a few days off to tend to his personal matters back home. So, I'll be acting as the interim manager in his absence. Please come to me if you have any issues."

Mia glanced at Shelly and began, "Ms. Barrett never made an advance reservation at Aide Castle Hotel before. And according to my knowledge, all bookings for this year are full."

Staring at Shelly, Philip asked tentatively, "Ms. Barrett, you haven't reserved a birthday-themed banquet at our hotel?"

Shelly grew visibly awkward and said in a clipped tone, "No, because I haven't decided where to host my birthday party before. I came across your design today, so I thought I'd like to make a reservation now. Can't I do that now?"

"It's not that, Ms. Barrett. The hotel has been completely booked out this year. If you really want a reservation, I can fit you in next year."

Shelly's expression fell. "Why can't you fit me in this year? It's just a birthday party. It's not like you have people coming over every day, right? Just allocate a day for me."

"I'm very sorry, Ms. Barrett. We do not accommodate guests every day because we need time to alter the designs for our themes. The plants we use for decoration take time to grow."

Visibly irritated, Shelly shrieked,

"What are you on about? You just

don't want me to book, don't you? Mind you, I'm a Barrett! I'm sure you must've heard of Timothy before, right? Do you want him to talk to you personally?"

Philip explained in haste, "Ms. Barrett, please don't get angry. That's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean? You better make yourself clear today."

Jasmine stifled her laughter with her hand. "Oh dear, some people claim to host a birthday party with today's theme when they haven't even made a reservation. You should only speak about it once you get the deed done."

n

Shelly was outraged. She swerved toward Sharon and said, "Aunt Sharon, look at how they're bullying us! I just want to host a birthday party here, yet they're so unwilling to accommodate us. How can we even work with them in the future?"

Furrowing her brows, Sharon turned to Philip and said, "It's simple. Just allocate any day for her birthday party. You don't have to make a fuss."

Shelly felt slightly uneasy. Of course, she'd like to pick a date, but it wasn't up to her now. She would comply as long as she could host a birthday banquet at Aide Castle Hotel.

"Mrs. Barrett, why don't I go back and take another look at this matter to see if I can adjust a day for Ms. Barrett? How does that sound?"

"Splendid."

Shelly shot a victorious glance at Jasmine and Mia. "See? What you can't do doesn't mean the Barretts can't do it."

Mia glanced at Philip and said, "Who told you it's appropriate to tamper with the reservation schedule for a birthday party when the hotel's already fully booked?"

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1067-Mia was furious. The strict reservation policy at Aide Castle Hotel left no room for exceptions, not even for her family.

She couldn't believe Philip dared to make such a decision. Any leak of this breach could severely tarnish the hotel's reputation.

He said nervously, "Ms. Lane, perhaps we should handle this discreetly. If you need any special arrangements, I can also help with that."

"Do you think I need your help? Who authorized you to change the guest reservations?"

Philip said nothing.

Then, Shelly chimed in, "As the manager, he has the authority to change the reservation list to accommodate my birthday banquet. I understand you're upset about us potentially jumping the queue, but you shouldn't take it out on him."

"Shelly, shut up. This is between me and him. His actions had violated the Aide Castle Hotel's employee guidelines," Mia retorted sharply.

She hadn't expected the acting manager to be so unethical. She had explicitly stated that reservations should not be changed for any reason other than the guest's request.

On an important investor banquet day, Philip dared to promise to rearrange the reservation list order. This was a slap in the face and a blatant disregard for her authority.

After being yelled at, Shelly felt momentarily deflated but quickly straightened up and retorted, "Mia, how dare you yell at me?

"I'm just standing up for him. He already promised to let me skip the line and reserve a slot for my birthday banquet later. What's there for you to envy?

"All this talk about employee guidelines is ridiculous. Rules are just pieces of paper meant to control the poor."

Seeing the situation escalating,

et

Philip tried to intervene. "Ms. Lane Ms. Barrett, let's not make a scene. If there are any issues, we can discuss them privately. S

"I have some matters to attend to right now. So, please enjoy the food since the event is about to begin."

He wanted to calm things down to avoid jeopardizing his job.

"Stop right there!" Mia stopped him with a stern gaze. "If you can't justify your actions, your job is at risk."

Philip's expression changed, and he pleaded, Ms. Lane, I've just become a full-time employee. Please don't report me. I'll lose everything. can help with event reservations@f you need to. Just keep this between us."

"You think I'm talking to you just to get a reservation?" Mia retorted.

The look on his face made it clear he thought that was what she wanted. "You're fired," she said firmly.

She continued, "You don't need to come in tomorrow. The hotel strictly forbids changing guest reservations under any circumstances. You've breached that rule, and the hotel's reputation could suffer irreparably."

"Mia, drop the act. You can't just terminate him. Do you think you own the hotel?"

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1068-Philip quickly turned to Shelly and said, "Ms. Barrett, I'm just a staff trying to make a living here. Could you please talk to Ms. Lane and ask her not to report me?" Feeling pressured to please the affluent, he couldn't understand why they targeted him.

Sharon said, "Mia, it's important to be forgiving and understanding. Just because you've become a wealthy heiress doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. "And jobs aren't easy to find. If you want him to arrange a banquet, just ask him directly. There's no need to terminate and report him."

Shelly added, "Are you jealous that we can skip the line for our reservation? Is that why you're reporting him? If you have a problem, why not come straight to me?" Mia smirked. "Why would I bother taking my frustrations out on you? Everyone knows that Aide Castle Hotel has a strict reservation policy.

"Changing the reservation list for anyone is out of the question. The manager is breaking the rules and being unfair to everyone else."

Jasmine nodded. "Exactly. Mia's got a point. Money doesn't override everything.

"The hotel's reservation system is solid. It stops people from relying on shady connections to get what they want."

Mia looked at Philip and said, "You're not needed here. You can go."

His complexion paled as he pleaded, "Ms. Lane, please don't report me! I'm willing to agree to anything.

"Our hotel has special-themed banquets, and I'll reserve them for you if you don't report me. You know how hard it is to book one of our themed events."

Shelly's eyes widened with excitement. "Is it really that hard to book? Can you arrange one for me as well?"

Jasmine scoffed, "You want another one? The manager is about to lose his job for allowing you to jump the queue."

"How is that my fault? I'm not to blame for someone else's jealousy leading to reporting him. If she

hadn't insisted on reporting, none of this would've happened."

Mia stated, "I'm doing this to protect the reputation of Aide Castle Hotel. Today's event is all about securing partnerships for the hotel."

She turned to Philip and added, "Do you understand the potential damage your words could inflict on the hotel's reputation if made public?"

He quickly apologized, "I understand now. Ms. Lane, please pretend you didn't hear what I said earlier, okay?"

Shelly was livid. "So, does that mean the promise to fit us into the reservation list for my birthday banquet is null and void?"

He looked conflicted and replied,

"I'm sorry, Ms. Barrett, but I cannot

go against company policy. My job could be at stake. Let's just forget about what I mentioned earlier."

Then, he quickly left because he was worried about getting reported if he stayed around.

Mia watched Philip's retreating

figure with a mix of amusement and

disbelief. Did he truly think he could

just walk away as if nothing had happened?

Shelly seethed and accused, "Mia, you've ruined my birthday banquet! Are you satisfied now?"

Mia raised an eyebrow in response. "Did you honestly think he'd be able to secure you a spot on the reservation list?"

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1069-Shelly countered, "Why do you assume I couldn't get on the reservation list? Your family doesn't own Nord City."

At that moment, Sharon added, "Shelly, let's save the birthday talk after securing the collaboration. There's still plenty of time before your birthday."

Shelly was fuming with indignation. Philip had promised to secure her reservation, but Mia's interference and threats had made him back out. Shelly suspected Mia was just jealous.

She glared at Mia and said, "Are you happy now? But don't celebrate too soon. Once Aide Castle Hotel collaborates with us, I'll still get my birthday banquet. Let's see you try to stop me then."

Mia shot back, "Let me save you the trouble. None of that will ever happen, and there's no chance you'll have your birthday banquet here."

"Wow, Mia, you're really full of yourself. Do you think you own the hotel? You've been acting high and mighty, bossing the manager around and firing him like you're in charge."

"Why? Do you think I'm not the hotel's owner?"

"You're claiming you're the owner? Give me a break. If you're going to lie, at least make it believable."

Jasmine's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Mia. Though not entirely unexpected, this revelation was still astonishing.

After all, the initial investors in Aide Castle were related to the Lane family. The actual owner had always remained a mystery, which made many suspect it was someone from the Lane family keeping a low profile.

Since Dominic was one of the investors, rumors circulated that the hotel was established for his mistress, and her identity was kept secret to avoid Eva's wrath.

Upon learning that Mia might be the owner, Jasmine found it plausible. She couldn't believe Mia, who always seemed like a carefree socialite, owned Aide Castle Hotel. Jasmine had heard about Mia's passion for landscape design and her awards in the field, so it made sense that she designed all the unique themes at the hotel. The hotel's success was primarily due to its innovative and distinctive designs. Jasmine was impressed and realized Mia was much more talented than she had thought. Mia calmly responded, "Why should I lie?"

"If you claim to be the owner of Aide Castle Hotel, why didn't the manager recognize you earlier?"

"Well, he's just filling in as the manager temporarily. Naturally, some of the newer staff members haven't had the chance to meet me yet," Mia explained.

"You're really into this act, huh? If you're really the hotel owner, with so many people here today, someone should know you."

"They probably wouldn't recognize me. I've stayed out of the spotlight for years and have never publicly appeared at my workplace."

Previously she had amnesia and had to hide her identity to avoid being discovered by Timothy. So, she had others manage her businesses while she stayed in the background.

"Seriously, Mia, there's only so much we can believe. I can't imagine none of these guests know who owns Aide Castle. If someone does, your lie will be busted," Shelly asserted. She was skeptical of Mia's claim.

Jasmine chimed in, "Maybe Mia's telling the truth. The owner of Aide Castle Hotel has been a mystery for ages. + didn't even know it was her. She's done a great job keeping it a secret."

Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen chapter 1070-Mia said, "I've kept it a secret for personal reasons."

Shelly rolled her eyes at Jasmine. "Of course, you're taking Mia's side since you're in league with her. I don't believe that a carefree socialite like her owns Aide Castle Hotel."

"Just because you can't do something doesn't mean others can't," Jasmine countered.

Sharon looked at Mia skeptically. "You say you're the hotel's owner. How do you prove it? Are you going to call the former manager, Mike? But how do we know the person you call is him?"

Mia nodded. "You're right. But I don't see any reason to prove my identity to you. It's simply a waste of time, especially since I have a busy evening ahead."

With that, Mia turned and left. She wanted to call someone to deal with Philip.

There couldn't be any slip-ups at the investment banquet. Besides, she had no time to spare with Sharon and Shelly.

Jasmine chimed in, "Mia, you're right. Let's not waste our time on people who don't matter."

Shelly, feeling offended, stepped forward. "What do you mean by 'people who don't matter?' I think Mia's just feeling guilty.

"She can't prove she's the hotel's owner, so she's making excuses to leave. But her lies will be exposed once the guests arrive and the real owner of Aide Castle Hotel shows up. Let's see how she explains it then."

Sharon calmly adjusted her stylish coat and said, "Shelly, there's no need to waste our time on irrelevant people. The guests are all here. You should go and greet them."

Shelly nodded in response.

After they left, Mia immediately pulled out her phone to call Peyton, "What's going on with the acting manager? Get him replaced right away." Peyton asked respectfully, "Ms. Mia, what happened?"

"The acting manager promised the Barrett family they'd get priority on the reservation list. If this gets out, tonight's event will be a disaster." "Got it, Ms. Mia. I'll handle it and shuffle the staff for the event," he responded.

Mia angrily hung up the phone and double-checked the event venue The food placement problem was fixed. After taking a glance, she felt that everything was in order and breathed a sigh of relief.

She looked up and spotted Sharon and Shelly chatting with a few guests, including a young man around Shelly's age. It looked like a blind date.

Mia wondered why Sharon had suddenly brought Shelly to the event. Didn't Sharon remember how Shelly had embarrassed the Barrett family in public?

At that moment, Jasmine approached her and said, "I just checked. Shelly is definitely on a blind date with that man. But it feels more like a business transaction than a romantic setup.

"The man is a nouveau riche, and his

son is into all sorts of unsavory activities like drinking, partying, and gambling No decent family in Nord City wants to be associated with them. However, they have high standards and only seek to marry daughters from wealthy families.

"Even though Shelly isn't someone with status, the people of Nord City don't know her background. All they know is she's Timothy's cousin, and that's enough for them to see her as a suitable match."

Mia responded, "Well, my ex-mother-in-law isn't exactly known for her kindness. Why would she willingly introduce Shelly to these people?"