Stacey continued, tears streaming down her face. She had deliberately dressed in an old maid’s outfit from her time working for the Scotts, and she convinced Peter to wear a worn-out cotton T-shirt.
They looked genuinely poor and desperate.
Their simple clothes and Stacey’s emotional story made the onlookers begin to question Bianca, whispering to each other.
“Could it be true that she’s using her family’s money for her lover?”
“She’s so young, yet she owns a company and has gained support from many high-profile people. It’s hard to believe she did it all on her own.”
“It’s obvious now. She must have attached herself to a wealthy man to pull off such a big event.”
“She’s probably afraid that her family’s financial problems would hold her back from success. That’s likely why she chose to cut ties with them. A woman like that is quite scary.”
In a dramatic gesture to support her accusations, Stacey quickly took out a legal document from her pocket that ended the parent-child relationship, unfolding it for everyone to see.
Stacey announced, “Look at this. Bianca sent this over yesterday. She’s already agreed to it. Her mother didn’t want her, so her father raised her alone. And now look where he’s ended up.”
Sure enough, the document had Bianca’s signature, but Peter’s was missing.
Seeing the agreement only added to the criticism against Bianca.
“She’s so ungrateful.”
“Having a child like that, her parents must be cursed.”
“As doubts about her morals spread, I question the integrity of her business.”
As insults flooded the livestream chat targeting Bianca, Ashley smirked triumphantly. She believed her mother had struck a decisive blow against Bianca and eagerly awaited her response.
Leaning closer, Natalie nudged Ashley and whispered, “Is Mr. Evans Bianca’s lover?”
“Ashley snorted disdainfully and confirmed, “Yep, he’s got nothing but his looks. Have you met him?”
Natalie smiled smugly, barely containing her excitement. If Dave was chasing money, she could use that to her advantage.
No amount was too much for Natalie to obtain what she wanted.
While the crowd criticized Bianca, she approached them calmly. With a casual gesture, a suited man joined her.
With a serene smile, Bianca said, “This gentleman is my mother’s attorney. My stepmother has accused me of taking family money, but it was actually funds left to me by my mother. Interestingly, the attorney arrived today. Here’s the will to prove it. Take a close look and don’t be swayed by one-sided stories.”
Bianca had anticipated Stacey’s drama and prepared for them.
Following Bianca’s gesture, the lawyer presented Madison’s will. It named Bianca as the sole heir to her estate.
Bianca explained, “The money from my mother helped start my company. My stepmother is after my assets, twisting the truth. Instead of marrying the person she chose for me, I found someone trustworthy. But she’s turned it into a scandal to ruin my reputation and take my money. As for cutting ties with my father…”
Bianca looked at Peter, her eyes no longer innocent and reliant but disappointed and cold.
“My father worried my business would fail and affect him, so he suggested we break ties first. He chose his new family over me. So, who’s really heartless?”
Her voice was calm and strong, surprising the crowd, who hadn’t expected this twist.
Peter, flustered, stammered, “I… I never said that.”
Bianca waved her phone at him dismissively. “I recorded your words yesterday. Should I play them for everyone?”
Yesterday, Peter used far too many words. If Bianca had played the recording of their conversation, Peter’s reputation would have been completely ruined.
“Peter, don’t believe her. She didn’t record anything. It was just a bluff.”
Stacey fixed her gaze on Bianca, her eyes widening in surprise. Little did she anticipate that Bianca’s lawyer had joined the ceremony, too. It appeared as though Bianca had been one step ahead, well aware of her intentions, and had strategically positioned herself to counter her moves.
However, Stacey couldn’t believe Bianca had really recorded their conversation.
“If you have it, play the recording. I don’t believe you have one.” Stacey shouted.
Bianca smirked and played the recording on her phone. Peter’s voice filled the room…
“That’s enough!” Peter spun around and slapped Stacey across the face. He snapped, “You think I’m not embarrassed already?”
“Peter…” Stacey was stunned by the slap, almost losing her balance. She held her face, tears running down, trying to speak but silenced by Peter’s stern look.
Seeing Stacey’s distress, Bianca stopped the recording, sparing Peter more embarrassment.
But Peter’s reaction seemed to support Bianca’s earlier statements.
The conversation shifted to a new topic.
“So, it’s the stepmother’s fault. She’s really mean, wanting to ruin her stepdaughter.”
“What a wicked stepmother.”
“They say when a stepmother comes into your life, your dad’s love can fade. Looks like that’s true.”
“I feel sorry for Bianca. Why does she have a dad like that?”
The whole situation left Peter feeling embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Bianca’s company’s grand opening was impressive. She managed to attract many important people, hinting at a bright future for her business.
Peter started to think he might need to rely more on Bianca going forward.
As he reflected, he realized he didn’t really want to cut ties with Bianca. After wrestling with his thoughts, he approached her. He spoke softly, “Bianc, I think yesterday was my fault. Maybe you’re still learning about all this. Many young people jump into business, but things can get messy. I just wanted to protect you, hoping you’d be cautious. And as for cutting ties, that was just me speaking in haste. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Bianca gave him a cold look and spoke calmly, “If you truly care about me, then sign this agreement to formally end our parent-child relationship. You can live your life with Stacey and Ashley. Let’s part ways amicably. I hope you won’t regret it in the future.”
Bianca cut Peter off as he began to speak. “No need for more words,” she declared firmly. “Your attitude has changed because you see my company is still doing well. You want a safety net for your retirement, someone reliable. You know Ashley, despite her qualities, isn’t your real daughter. And with Stacey’s baby on the way, you’re waiting to see if it’s yours before making a final decision to cut ties with me. Fear of the unknown is why you’re holding onto our father-daughter relationship. Am I right?”
Peter looked at Bianca in astonishment. The girl he once saw as rebellious, innocent, and naive now struck him with each word she spoke.
Bianca was becoming more like her mother.