Bianca squeezed Sophia’s hand gently and spoke with reassurance, “You’re the victim in all of this. If Gabriel tries anything, we’ll expose all his crimes. You have me and the best lawyer in the country on your side. The police already have evidence against Gabriel. You’re going to come out on top. There’s nothing to fear, Sophia. You’re innocent and have nothing to hide. Those with hidden agendas should be the ones worried.”
Sophia’s fears were rooted in Gabriel’s manipulation and abuse over the years. Accusations from others often left her feeling anxious and uncertain.
Despite growing up in the Hayes family, where she often felt inferior, Sophia gained confidence through her success in the entertainment industry.
But now, she felt like she had reverted to the timid girl she once was, seeking refuge in others.
Listening to Bianca’s words, Sophia pressed her lips together and gave a small nod.
Her eyes glistened with tears she held back, but she regained her composure quickly. Looking at Bianca with a smile, Sophia said, “It’s lucky you found that photo from five years ago. Without it, proving the truth would have taken much longer.”
Sophia’s comment reminded Bianca of something. She put down her food and took the photo to examine it again.
Just then, Michael appeared, who was acquainted with Dave…
Bianca briefly thought of Dave, but she pushed the thought away almost immediately.
Dave was overseas, and after their last unpleasant interaction, they hadn’t been in contact for a while. It seemed unlikely he would be involved.
Moreover, the person who gave them the photo must know Champs Le Bar well, possibly visiting or working there often.
Bianca recalled meeting Dave there and discussing business on behalf of his employer. This made it unlikely for him to be an employee.
The regulars at that bar were wealthy and influential. As an ordinary person, Dave wouldn’t have had the means to visit such an upscale place regularly.
If not Dave, then who could it be?
Bianca’s thoughts shifted to Michael.
The Hayes Group, rumored to have invested in Champs Le Bar, meant Michael would likely be familiar with it. He had arrived with the bar’s general manager…
But why was he helping her?
Bianca glanced at Sophia, remembering how Michael had glanced at her earlier. Was there a connection between them?
“Sophia,” Bianca asked with a knowing smile, “Are you close with Michael?”
Sophia’s response was quick; her eyes blinked rapidly, and she gave Bianca a brief glance. She pressed her lips together before replying, “Why are you asking about him all of a sudden?”
“The photo came anonymously to me, and then Michael arrived with the Champs Le Bar manager to verify it. Thinking it over, I can’t think of anyone else who would do that except Michael. But I can’t figure out why he’d help me out like this, so… maybe he did it for your sake.”
Sophia’s face paled briefly, but she quickly covered it with a forced smile. “How could that be possible? I barely know him… It might just be a coincidence. And like you said, the photo arrived anonymously. It might not be him. He usually wouldn’t get involved in such things.”
“Really? But he actively came forward with the manager to question the photo’s timeframe. Given his position, it doesn’t seem like something he’d do on his own.”
“He did it because his club was involved. He didn’t want to be dragged into it,” Sophia replied, her lips tightening.
Bianca raised her eyebrows. Sophia had earlier said she didn’t know Michael well, yet now she seemed knowledgeable about him.
Bianca felt that Sophia was holding something back. The relationship between Sophia and Michael appeared more complicated than she had thought.
Lost in her thoughts, Bianca suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder from behind.
Startled, she turned around, her eyes wide with surprise.
‘Blake? What brings him here?’ Bianca wondered silently, surprised to see him.
Blake greeted Bianca with a bright, genuine smile. Dressed in a white shirt and black suit pants, he exuded youthful charm rather than the mature elegance of someone like Dave.
Just as Bianca was about to return the greeting, Paige joined them.
“Bianca, let me introduce you. This is Blake Lawson, my godson. He completed his master’s degree at twenty-three and is currently single,” Paige said with a pleased expression, casually attempting to play matchmaker.
‘Hold on… Blake was Vincent and Paige’s godson?’
The revelation left Bianca utterly stunned, her mind going blank.
“I’ve known Bianca for quite some time now,” Blake added.
Paige’s excitement grew upon hearing Blake’s response. “Really? What a coincidence! How did you two meet? How serious is it?”
Blake looked a bit embarrassed, touching his nose as he clarified, “Actually, Bianca has a fiance. We… are just friends.”
He subtly glanced at Bianca while he spoke.
“What?” Paige’s surprise was clear as she turned to Bianca. “Bianca, you’re engaged at such a young age? Tell me about your fiance. Is he handsome? What does he do? How does he compare to Blake?”
Paige was genuinely curious about the man who had captured Bianca’s heart and whether he was a better match than Blake. She was worried that Bianca, being kind-hearted, might be prone to deception in a relationship.
Paige’s concern was for Bianca’s lifelong happiness.
Bianca’s gaze dropped as she thought about her situation with Dave.
She felt a pang in her heart.
Since that phone call, she hadn’t been in touch with him.
The engagement felt like a facade, and it was becoming clear their paths were leading in different directions. This reality needed to be faced.
Bianca looked up at Paige, took a deep breath to gather herself, and explained, “There seems to be a misunderstanding. The truth is, I… I’m not actually engaged.”
“Really?” Blake’s face lit up immediately.
Paige, with her worldly wisdom, immediately sensed something in Blake’s reaction. Affectionately taking Bianca’s hand, she clearly admired the bright and attractive young woman before her. She asked, “Do you have a boyfriend right now?”
Bianca simply shook her head in response.
“Great! Blake is not just charming and sociable, but he’s also incredibly caring towards women. Whoever becomes his girlfriend will surely be treated well.”
Understanding the implication in Paige’s words, Bianca replied politely, “Mrs. Lopez, I appreciate your kindness, but… I’m currently focused on my career and not looking to start a relationship…”
“Understood. I know you’re busy. But there’s no harm in spending time with Blake. Whenever you’re free, you’re welcome to visit us.”
After her words, she raised her eyebrows and gave Blake a knowing look, encouraging him to seize the opportunity. Then she turned and walked away.