Michael sat beside Dave, his eyes following Bianca’s path. He teased Dave, “Didn’t you see enough of her at the birthday banquet? Now you’re chasing after her here. Are you starting to like her, Dave?”
Michael was leaving for Blosa the next day and had invited Dave out for a night together.
However, Dave had been preoccupied all evening. He had heard Bianca was at the party, and with the tension between her, Stacey, and Ashley, he was worried something might happen. So he had convinced Michael to join him under a flimsy excuse, both secretly keeping an eye on the party to ensure Bianca’s safety.
Michael continued, grinning, “She’s quite something. She turned the situation around on her own and embarrassed that lady. It was hilarious.”
Dave shot Michael a sharp look.
Michael’s laughter faded, and he leaned in, his voice turning serious. “Watch out for women like her. They can be tricky. Having some fun is fine, but don’t get too involved. She might try to hold onto you.”
Dave shrugged off the warning. “I’m not concerned about that.”
Michael looked surprised. “Not concerned? But what about your grandpa Lucas? I’ve heard he’s very particular about who he wants you to marry. Someone from the right background. Do you think he’d approve of you dating Bianca?”
Dave shot him a cold look. “I’ll handle it.”
Then, something seemed to dawn on him, and he raised an eyebrow. “By the way, guess whose news I’ve heard recently?”
“Who?”
“Sophia Johnson.”
Michael’s expression tightened briefly.
Dave patted him on the back, saying, “The issue you’re curious about should have some answers soon.”
****
Ashley escorted Stacey home, making sure she was safe.
As soon as Stacey entered the house, Peter lashed out, hitting her hard.
Stacey fell to the ground, her hair covering her face. Blood trickled from her lips.
Ashley was shocked. “Dad! Why did you hit Mom?”
Peter’s anger boiled over. He stared at Stacey and demanded answers. “Tell me the truth, Stacey! What really happened tonight? Did you work with the waiter to spike the drink, trying to harm the baby and blame Bianca?”
“Dad, Mom wouldn’t do that! She’s carrying your baby,” Ashley insisted, trying to grab Peter’s arm, but he pushed her away.
“Maybe Bianca’s right. Is that child really mine? What’s going on between you and Haris? Are you cheating on me?” Peter yelled angrily.
Stacey grabbed Peter’s trousers, crying. “Peter, Bianca’s accusation about me wasn’t true. Why would you believe her over me? I’m confused about what happened tonight. It seems like Bianca planned this to cause trouble between us. She’s done things like this before!”
Peter pushed her away, his eyes cold. “You organized the party and hired the waiters. Now you’re blaming Bianca for everything. Are you really innocent?”
Stacey couldn’t understand how she had lost Peter’s trust. With Ashley marrying into the Reed family soon, Stacey could easily leave her title as Mrs. Scott behind. But she wasn’t ready to give up yet.
Tears streamed down her face, and Stacey’s gaze fell on the edge of the round table.
In despair, she turned to Peter and exclaimed, “If you doubt me so much, I might as well be dead!”
With those words, she threw herself towards the table corner, hitting her forehead hard. A deep wound opened, and blood gushed out.
Peter stood frozen, shocked by her sudden and reckless action.
Ashley rushed to Stacey’s side, lifting her up, and turned to Peter, tears welling in her eyes. “Dad, can’t you see Mom’s at her breaking point? Are you still accusing her? If you let her die, Bianca will win. She wants to destroy both Mom and me!”
Peter’s mind was spinning, unable to determine truth from lies.
Seeing Peter hesitate, Ashley’s frustration and fear erupted. She shouted at him, “Dad, snap out of it! Call an ambulance right now!”
An hour later, Stacey slowly opened her eyes.
Her forehead was wrapped in bandages, and she looked pale from the blood loss, giving her a fragile appearance.
Peter’s anger had softened. He held her hand, his voice filled with concern. “Stacey, how are you feeling?”
Tears filled Stacey’s eyes again. She turned away, refusing to look at him.
“Why do you care if you don’t trust me?” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Peter’s guilt weighed heavily on him, and he admitted his fault. “I said some things I shouldn’t have earlier. I’ve been on edge since I heard about your doctor’s visit and got that message about the abortion, so…”
Stacey’s tears continued to flow.
Peter comforted her, gently stroking her hand. “I’ve made a decision. We’ll hire a maid to help with the chores. You can focus on the baby and stay home unless you need to go out.”
Fear gripped Stacey. Was he planning to keep her confined at home?
Stacey’s voice trembled with disbelief as she confronted Peter. “Peter, don’t you trust me?”
“It’s not about trust. I’m worried for your safety. I want to make sure you and the baby are okay,” Peter explained, his voice filled with concern.
Peter felt torn and unsure of whom to believe. He decided to wait until the baby was born to get a paternity test and clarify everything.
In the meantime, he decided to keep a close eye on Stacey to ensure her well-being.
Stacey was anxious but tried to stay calm as she agreed with Peter’s plans.
Once Peter left, Stacey pulled Ashley aside urgently. “Where’s Joshua? I hope he’s not upset about what happened tonight.”
Stacey’s hopes were high that Ashley’s marriage to the Reed family would free her from Peter’s control.
Ashley reassured her, “Joshua suddenly had to leave for work. But don’t worry, he doesn’t suspect anything. He thinks Bianca caused all the trouble.”
Relieved, Stacey asked, “How are things between you two? Have you talked about getting married?”
Ashley’s mood turned somber. “We’re not there yet. Joshua’s always surrounded by women, but now, I’m the one he’s officially dating.”
Stacey comforted Ashley, “You’re wise to see it that way. Wealthy men often have many admirers, but being his wife is what matters. That’s what secures your future.”
Ashley comforted her mother, “I get it, Mom. Don’t worry about me. You need to rest.” She then gave her a smile, pretending to be obedient, but her eyes flashed with anger. “Bianca’s to blame for everything! I won’t forgive her!”
Stacey quickly intervened, saying, “Forget about Bianca for now. What’s important is making your marriage with Joshua strong. Let me deal with Bianca. Don’t make things worse.”
Stacey knew her daughter had to be careful. Ashley wasn’t as smart as Bianca. Doing anything impulsive could ruin Ashley’s relationship with Joshua.