“You’re becoming quite the charmer!” Bianca chuckled as she fed Dave another piece of cake.
Dave narrowed his eyes and pointed at her mouth. “You’ve got something there.”
Bianca blinked in surprise, then wiped away the cream from the corner of her mouth.
Suddenly, Dave’s expression softened. He reached out, gently cupping the back of her head, and kissed her on the lips.
Stunned by the kiss, Bianca heard his voice close to her ear, smooth and deep. “I’ve always wondered how sweet your lips would be. And they are.”
Over the weekend, the Reed family held a big party at their mansion.
Outside, lanterns on the hill glowed like stars in the sky.
Bianca followed Ashley’s directions and arrived at the mansion with Dave. She looked up at the hill, now covered in lights, and thought about how rich the Reed family must be to throw such a fancy party.
Ashley came to the mansion’s entrance and saw Bianca admiring the view. She joked, “Bianca, it caught your eye, huh? You don’t see something this fancy every day.”
Bianca turned and saw Ashley wearing an elegant and classy flowing silk gown.
Ashley had toned down her usual bold makeup, opting for a softer touch, and her hair was styled in a classic bun, giving her a refined appearance.
In contrast, Bianca chose a more modest outfit, wearing a white blouse and a floral skirt. Compared to Ashley’s extravagant attire, Bianca looked quite simple.
Ashley couldn’t help but smirk slightly, satisfied that Bianca hadn’t tried to outshine her today.
She thought to herself that at least Bianca knew her place.
Then, her gaze shifted to the man standing beside Bianca. He had his hand casually in his pocket, wearing a black jacket that enhanced his commanding presence. His striking appearance made him stand out, no matter the occasion.
“But what did it matter? He was just a nobody to her.”
A hint of envy flashed through her, but she swiftly replaced it with disdain, a feeling she had nurtured for years.
“The Reed family really knows how to make an impression,” Bianca observed with a serene smile. “Ashley, marrying into the Reed family would be like a Cinderella story for you. You’d suddenly be wealthy and famous. Dad’s relying on you to bring some of that Reed family wealth to our business and help the Scott family through this tough time. Don’t disappoint him.”
Ashley sensed Bianca’s skepticism about her becoming Mrs. Reed. But she didn’t care; Bianca would soon realize she was mistaken.
“Why would I disappoint Dad? Unlike you, I don’t go against him. I’m his favorite now,” Ashley retorted, raising her chin arrogantly as she looked down on Bianca.
“Let’s go inside. I’ll show you what a real wealthy family’s home looks like.”
Inside the grand villa, grandeur overflowed.
Passing through the intricately carved doors, they entered a lively party. Lights sparkled, music filled the air like a gentle breeze, and guests held their glasses with elegance, smiling brightly.
Outside, through expansive windows, the shimmering infinity pool mirrored the villa’s grandeur.
Ashley looked at Bianca and Dave, anticipating their awe at the splendor. She almost expected jealousy to show in their eyes.
But Bianca didn’t seem surprised or envious. A small smile played on her lips, her gaze keen and determined.
To Dave, the extravagance was just another day.
He fit in effortlessly, radiating confidence even in a casual leather jacket.
Tall and with sharp features, he carried himself with authority that caught the attention of young women.
‘Was the woman beside him his girlfriend?’
Bianca held onto Dave’s arm, drawing jealous stares from the other women at the party.
They appeared unruffled as if they were simply at an ordinary gathering, which made Ashley inwardly scoff at their manner.
“You’ve become the center of attention. You really know how to charm the ladies,” Bianca remarked, noticing the women eyeing Dave.
“Feeling jealous?” Dave teased, smiling affectionately at her. “Should I keep being the life of the party? I do enjoy teasing you,” he added playfully.
“Jealous? Not at all,” Bianca replied sharply, halting in her tracks.
She noticed Stacey and Petter politely mingling with some notable guests.
Ashley eagerly approached, linking arms with Petter. “Dad, mom, look who’s here.”
Petter’s smile faded as he turned to see Bianca standing calmly, hands clasped in front of her, holding her purse. “Hello, Dad. Hello, Stacey,” Bianca greeted them politely.
“Why are you here?” Stacey asked sharply, clearly displeased by Bianca’s presence.
Bianca glanced at Ashley and replied, “Ashley invited me. I wanted to see how things were going for her.”
Ashley let out an exasperated sigh. “Mom, Bianca doubts I can marry into the Reed family, so I brought her here to prove her wrong. Don’t be too envious.”
Bianca maintained her smile, opting to say nothing.
Petter approached Bianca, looking into her bright eyes, but her thoughts remained unreadable to him.
“Bianc, tonight is important for us. Now that you’re here, please keep a low profile. Don’t interfere with Ashley’s chance, or else…”
Narrowing her eyes, Bianca cut in, “Or else what? Cut ties with me? Dad, remember, I handed that contract to you. You’re the one who tore it up and refused to sign. And if Ashley is as capable as she claims, I shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
Petter’s face tightened. “Do as you wish,” he conceded, turning away to mingle with the elite crowd, a glass of wine in hand.
As Stacey walked by Bianca, she leaned in with a low, intense warning. “Bianca, don’t stir up trouble, or you’ll regret it.”
Bianca flashed a mysterious smile in response. “Since you’ve put it that way, I’ll ensure you’re not disappointed tonight.”
“You’d better not,” Stacey retorted sharply, giving Bianca one final piercing glare before walking away.
“Bianca, they’re hosting a big dinner tonight for Old Mrs. Reed’s birthday,” Ashley announced as she walked over to join Bianca, a smirk dancing on her lips. “Try not to embarrass us, okay? Just stay out of the limelight and don’t act like a country bumpkin.”
Joshua descended from upstairs, looking sharp in a finely tailored suit, holding a bottle of red wine.
His smile broadened upon seeing Bianca and Dave.
Having Bianca around wasn’t just Ashley’s idea; Joshua had given his approval, too. Ever since he dropped a hefty sum at the equestrian club, he’d been waiting for a chance to outshine Dave.
This party presented the perfect opportunity to put them in their place.
Noticing Joshua, Ashley turned on her charm with a sweet greeting. “Mr. Reed.”
Joshua responded by pulling her close, his arm draped intimately around her waist.
He had just chosen an exceptional bottle of wine from his collection.