Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Over the years, countless media companies have tried to ask about his private life but Timothy never responded. The reporter who asked that question initially thought that it would go unanswered as always, but Timothy unexpectedly looked up at the reporter.

His thin lips moved and he uttered a single word, "Yes."

As simple that word was, it caused a huge sensation in an instant.

He had finally answered, and the answer he gave was a huge bombshell no less.

The reporters, now excited, began asking all kinds of questions.

One of them put forth a question, "Mr. Barker, since you said that you'll remarry, does that mean it's on the horizon?"

A second asked, "Ms. Harmony Johnson has been by your side all these years. Will she be the future Mrs. Barker?"

Then a third reporter questioned, "Mr. Barker, can you tell us when is your wedding date?"

Timothy's black pupils glanced across everyone and he said again, "My wedding will be held on the first of the next month. Thank you all."

That remark drew yet another gasp.

There were only about 20 days left before the first of next month.

The reporters asked, "Mr. Barker, why is it so sudden?"

"Is there any other reason? Will you be able to arrange everything in time?"

After all, given Timothy's social status as a monopolistic business tycoon, his wedding would be the wedding of the century. How could 20 days be enough time to prepare?

Timothy did not answer any further questions. He turned around and strode off with his bodyguards' assistance.

Ronald had already been waiting for Timothy by the car door. Once he saw the man coming out, he immediately opened the car door and waited for him to get in and sit in the passenger seat.

The car then started.

Ronald glanced at the rearview mirror to look at Timothy sitting in the back seat. His expression was much sterner and his facial contours were more prominent. His looks were unmatched and he…carried a sinister aura.

During the past three years, his methods in the business world have become more ruthless and self-reliant. His work style has leaned more toward a similar style as that of the Barkers and was even capable of surpassing them.

In the past, Old Master Barker went to the Capital City and started his own business due to the conflict with his family's philosophy of doing things.

Timothy's style used to be like the old man—although he was still very strong, there was still a trace of sentiment within his strength.

That had since evolved to 'anyone who stands in my way will be destroyed'.

Ronald sighed slightly in his heart.

Saying that Timothy had become worse was a bit of a stretch. Business-wise, Timothy had excelled, so much so that Ronald had already purchased three properties in Capital City with the bonus he received in the past three years.

However, Timothy was simply too cold-hearted, unlike when he was with Samantha. Ronald could sometimes joke with him then, and there were occasions he felt that Timothy was an ordinary man with a smile and warmth.

At the thought of Samantha, Ronald could not help but feel an ache in his heart.

When he heard the bad news of Samantha's death, he cried the entire night and ended up with eyes the size of light bulbs the next day.

Before he knew it, three years had passed.

Ronald could not help but remember what the big boss said at the summit earlier. He pursed his lips slightly and hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "Mr. Barker, will you…really be getting married on the first of next month?"

Even Timothy's special assistant was shocked at that news!

He did not even know about it until Timothy mentioned it that day!

Timothy was flipping through some documents when he heard those words. He raised his eyes and squinted at Ronald.

Ronald gulped sharply and immediately understood.

During the past three years, he had been able to infer the man's intentions with a simple glance.

His big boss truly was going to get married on the first of the coming month.

The bride...was none other than Harmony.

Ronald had to admit that Harmony was spectacularly good at putting on an act. She used the Barker Foundation to do a lot of 'good deeds' in the past three years. She donated funds, aided those in disaster, provided for children, and took care of the elderly. Coupled with the perfect public relations every single time, she had covered up all her scandals from three years ago and had become an angel in everyone's eyes.

The only thing she had to endure was Rochelle, who was vice-president of the charity. However, Rochelle's position was that of a wife to Jonathan, who doted on her a lot. Under the two different factions, 70% sided with Rochelle, which frequently left Harmony brooding with resentment.

On the first of the coming month, Harmony would get married to Timothy and officially become Mrs. Barker.

They had arrived at the airport while Ronald's thoughts were all over the place.

Timothy entered with Ronald, and he had to answer a call when his cell phone rang.

Ronald whispered, "Mr. Barker, I'll check the luggage first."

Timothy nodded lightly.

Ronald pushed both their luggage and left.

All of a sudden, a small figure ran out of nowhere and leaped straight at Timothy to hug the man's calf.

Timothy's eyes narrowed and he lowered his gaze to see a little boy. The boy was wearing a small suit, carried a small schoolbag, and wore a small yellow hat on his head, looking very much like a character from one of those cartoons.

From his point of view, he was unable to see the little boy's full appearance. He only noticed that the boy had fair skin, long eyelashes, and the baby fat that only little kids would have. The boy looked like he was about three years old.

Where did that little kid come from?

He never liked being close with anyone, and the few women who wanted to get close to him through willful ignorance would unceremoniously be shoved away.

However, he decided to endure it after considering how he was just a little kid.

Timothy opened his lips and said, "Hello."

Before he could say anything, the little boy's adorable little face looked up and he smiled at Timothy while calling out in a childish voice, "Daddy!"

Timothy was thoroughly lost for words.

He had seen plenty of things in the past but none were able to leave him utterly speechless. For was the first time, he was so speechless that he did not know how to respond at all.

The little kid yelled again and hugged even tighter.

Timothy's lips curled up into a cold grin and there was a coldness in his eyes. "Who are you calling 'Daddy'? Why are you screaming? Go away!"

The little kid pouted when he looked at Timothy's icy expression and heard those fierce words. "Daddy, don't you want me anymore?"

Tears appeared in his eyes as he asked that and he began to cry out in a loud voice, "Daddy, don't you want me, waaaaaa..."

He was crying rather loudly.

In an instant, the passers-by within the airport stopped to watch.

One of them happened to be a passing tour group. The members of the group were all elderly people and became increasingly unsettled by what they saw. They immediately gathered around and started lecturing Timothy.

"What kind of a father are you? How could you leave such a small child alone?"

"It's very unbecoming for you not to comfort him when he's already crying like that. I'm going to report you for child abuse!"