The man on the other end scoffed. “Why should I meet you?”
“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”
“Stacey, you’re testing your luck.”
Stacey clenched her fists as she said firmly, “Ashley is your daughter, too. How would it affect you if her true identity came to light?”
The man’s voice turned serious. “Are you trying to threaten me? Remember, my patience has limits.”
“I know you could make me disappear easily, but I have a backup plan. What if I mention that my stepdaughter’s boyfriend’s last name is Evans? Interested now?”
After a brief pause, the man on the other end of the call replied, “Tomorrow at two in the afternoon at Rivercross Club. You know where to find me.”
“Got it. See you then.”
The next day, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room and illuminating Bianca’s peaceful face as she woke up. She noticed she was nestled close to Dave, feeling his steady breath against her.
‘Was he not planning to wake up early today? Or was she waking up too soon?’
Bianca gently tried to move from his embrace, but he quickly pulled her back, wrapping his arm around her waist from behind. He spoke in a deep, relaxed voice, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“The morning is here. It’s time to get up and go to work,” Bianca said, reaching out to playfully pinch his cheek.
With a slight frown, Dave slowly opened his eyes, adjusting to the warm sunlight filtering through the curtains. He quickly pulled Bianca back onto the bed.
His tall figure loomed over her. “It’s still early.”
“Early? It’s time to get up,” Bianca protested softly from under him.
“Don’t speak so sweetly. I might lose control,” Dave smiled, his voice gentle and irresistibly alluring. His dark eyes seemed like a captivating abyss.
Bianca blushed deeply, covering her mouth, hesitant to continue with that tone. She tried to sound serious. “I had a tiring night. I have a lot to do today.”
However, Dave’s intense gaze didn’t relent. He gently took her hand away from her mouth. “I’ve noticed you’re quite good at teasing me.”
“No, that’s not it. It’s just that you have a hard time controlling yourself. You’re very passionate, with remarkable stamina, and…”
Dave held her gaze firmly. “If you keep talking, I might have to silence you myself.”
Bianca quickly closed her mouth, giving him an innocent look.
Just then, her phone rang. She pointed to it on the bedside table and playfully winked at him before reluctantly getting up.
Bianca quickly got up and answered the phone, “Hello.”
Diana’s voice sounded urgent, “Bianc, where are you? We’ve received several partnership requests today, and a group of artists is here for auditions. Can you come over and check?”
Bianca glanced at her phone. It was already eight in the morning.
“Diana, just hold on a moment. I’ll be there soon,” Bianca replied before ending the call.
Turning around, Bianca saw that Dave was already dressed. He was buttoning up his crisp white shirt, which emphasized his well-defined chest.
Bianca sighed to herself. How could she yield so easily to his charm? She quickly got out of bed and started getting dressed.
Once she was dressed, Bianca hurried out, inviting Dave, “If you’re free tonight after work, let’s go grocery shopping and cook together.”
She longed for a simple life-starting early in the day, coming home to a cozy place as the sun set, cooking and cleaning with her loved one, watching their favorite movie together after dinner, and falling asleep in each other’s arms.
Dave felt the same. Despite his prestigious job now, he missed the warmth of living with his parents in the past.
He nodded affectionately, and after Bianca left, he went downstairs.
Zane pulled up in a car, and Dave got in. He received a high-end suit jacket, putting it on over his crisp white shirt and adjusting a luxurious velvet tie, transforming into a powerful figure in the business world instantly.
“Boss, following your instructions, the 8 a. m. video call has been moved to 10 a. m., and then there’s a business negotiation at noon, followed by a 2 p. m. commitment…”
Zane carefully laid out the day’s schedule, packed with appointments until 9 p. m.
“Anything after 6 tonight, reschedule it for tomorrow,” Dave said casually, remembering Bianca’s request before she left.
Zane paused as he reviewed the schedule, then looked up at his boss. “Tomorrow is also quite full. There’s a meeting scheduled after six tonight. It was hard to arrange that time with Mubluosia Company overseas. What do you think…”
Dave’s brows furrowed briefly, but he quickly regained his calm manner.
“Got it; keep everything on track.”
He took out his phone and called Michael, who answered promptly.
“We have a meeting tonight with Mubluosia about the overseas project. Are you up for it?”
Michael’s excitement was evident. “Absolutely, I’m interested!”
“Remember what you promised me. You’re cleared to join the meeting tonight.”
After ending the call, Dave’s expression turned serious as he gazed out the window.
It was time to accelerate things…
At the office, Bianca dived into her busy day.
Following the Reed family’s banquet, her company’s reputation skyrocketed. Now, the business community was abuzz with Bianca’s ties to Imperial Treasure, attracting interest from many companies seeking partnerships with her.
Even artists from smaller firms were contemplating switching to join her.
The atmosphere was buzzing with activity.
As Bianca conducted an interview with an artist, she felt slightly overwhelmed by the sudden commotion that erupted among the crowd outside.
“Coming here like that and still having the nerve to interview-absolutely shameless.”
“These days, everyone wants a shot in the entertainment industry, but they should at least take a look in the mirror first.”
“If they’re serious about this industry, they should mind their words and their weight.”
In the middle of the noise, a girl in the crowd, who was chubby, became the target of mockery. Bianca stood up and headed towards the disturbance. As she approached, the crowd quieted down.
Bianca noticed the girl standing quietly, eyes downcast, lips tightly closed. Despite her weight, she had a charming appearance. With some weight loss, she could potentially be a star.
Bianca’s attitude turned serious as she addressed the group. “Everyone, showing politeness and respect to others is the bare minimum I expect from artists. If I see anyone being disrespectful again, don’t be surprised if I ask them to leave.”
Having made her statement, Bianca returned to her seat.
The chubby girl lifted her head, appearing bewildered as she gazed in the direction Bianca had walked.