Meet My Protective Brothers Chapter 329

It wasn't just because Mia hadn't eaten much that morning. It was also because Maya nearly crashed into her, causing her breakfast to spill onto the ground.

Seeing Mia's predicament, Timothy turned to Heath, who stood nearby. "Arrange for lunch to be delivered," he ordered.

Mia quickly interjected, "Wait a moment."

Beside her, Timothy's expression hardened. "What's the issue? Am I not allowed to treat you to a meal?"

Mia discreetly cleared her throat. "No, that's not what I meant. I just lean toward lighter options, preferably something with soup and maybe a few fruits."

A tense silence followed her request.

Straightening his collar, Timothy commented, "Mia, it appears you have a talent for making demands. Did I promise to treat you to a meal?"

Without hesitation, Mia shot back, "Given that visitors have arrived to see Grandma Laura, isn't it your responsibility as her relative to provide a meal for the guests? Or has generosity taken a back seat?"

Timothy's frustration grew at Mia's response.

Was Mia placing the blame on him?

Shortly after, Heath arrived with a delectable and light lunch, accompanied by a small food trolley for added convenience.

Undeterred, Mia picked up her utensils and began eating without hesitation.

The two little ones in her belly seemed to be protesting, leaving Mia with no choice but to consume her meal.

Timothy initially had little appetite, but watching Mia relish the food, he couldn't resist indulging a bit more himself.

Looking at Mia, he remarked, "Mia, have you gained weight?"

Caught off guard, Mia couldn't help but cough nervously in response.

Mia choked a bit and promptly dismissed him, "That's absurd. I haven't gained weight. Which part of my body looks heavier?"

Were Timothy's eyes playing tricks on him?

"You even have a double chin now," Timothy pointed out.

Feeling self-conscious, Mia touched her chin and realized that it did seem a bit rounder. She immediately retorted, "It's called baby fat. Besides, it's not like you're paying for my meals."

Accustomed to Mia's sharp wit, Timothy responded calmly, "Well, you've been dining at the Barrett residence for three years."

"Yeah, but I didn't gain weight during those three years. The fact that I've gained weight in such a short time after moving out—what does that suggest?"

Timothy narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying I mistreated you?"

"Hmm, whether you mistreated me or not, deep down, you know the truth!" Mia shot back.

Exasperated, Timothy exclaimed, "Despite our lack of emotional communication over the past three years, I've never treated you unfairly. Your living expenses and pocket money have always been sufficient."

Mia coldly snorted. "Sure, you've never mistreated me in that regard. However, your mom had always implied that I shouldn't utilize your funds, emphasizing your hard work and cautioning me not to be a burden."

"Well, aren't you typically quite resourceful? You only use money when it's essential. Are you truly this compliant now?"

Mia struggled to find the right words in response, chuckling in frustration.

"That's simply because I was naive back then," she rebutted.

"If it were today, I'd undoubtedly lead a life of affluence, engaging in shopping sprees, regular beauty treatments, acquiring designer handbags, and going on extravagant vacations," she continued.

"I certainly wouldn't end up as a confined woman without much regard!"

Over time, Mia came to the realization that excessive compromise not only resulted in personal discontent but also failed to evoke emotional responses from others.

Reflecting on the three years she had spent in compromise, Mia realized how foolish she had been.

Timothy narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze profound.

"That's the way it should be. As Mrs. Barrett, you should assert yourself. Who would dare mistreat you? Even if the sky were to fall, I'd be there to support you. What is there for you to fear?"