Dave held her tightly in his strong embrace.
Though their separation had been short, their desire for each other was strong.
Bianca clung to his solid back, resting her head on his broad shoulder. She asked softly, “How is your grandfather? Is he feeling better?”
Dave’s expression turned serious. “Not really. I need to stay with him for a few more days.” He released her and placed his hands on her shoulders, his intense eyes glowing in the moonlight. “Why did you mention being followed? Tell me what happened.”
As Bianca recounted the events of the evening, Dave’s expression grew more concerned. He had noticed several people watching them recently.
Rupert had expressed doubts about Bianca and Dave’s relationship.
“I’ll find out what’s going on quickly,” Dave said, gently ruffling her hair. “Stay away from deserted places for now. And let me know right away if anything strange happens.”
“What will you do? Is it dangerous?” Bianca asked, wrapping her arms around his waist with worry. “Shouldn’t we involve the authorities? There have been a lot of odd things happening lately.”
“What else has happened?” Dave asked, his tone serious.
Bianca told Dave about her encounter with Professor Lopez at the research center.
“Professor Lopez…” Dave paused, then looked at her. “In the future, let me know about these kinds of incidents right away. I’m always here for you and will help whenever you need it.”
The Evans Group supported the research facility, though few people knew about it. If Bianca needed a specific drug, Dave could get it quickly.
“Okay, I understand,” Bianca replied, her tone soft and agreeable.
Dave playfully pinched her cheek and smiled. “Why the unusual submissiveness today?”
Bianca looked up, her dark eyes showing a hint of fear as she nervously bit her lip.
“I was just scared,” she admitted.
Without hesitation, Dave wrapped her in his arms, gently nibbling her earlobe and whispering in a deep voice, “You know, that look might attract unwanted attention from other men. Don’t do it again.”
Bianca playfully poked his chest. “Who would think that except you?”
Dave then grabbed her wrist and pressed it against the wall with a firm hold. His intense gaze met hers. “Don’t tease me. I don’t want to get into that kind of situation here.”
A sudden flush of color spread across Bianca’s cheeks.
“I don’t want to talk to you anymore!” she exclaimed.
Ignoring her protest, Dave leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. In a deep, gravelly voice, he asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to talk to me?”
Gritting her teeth, Bianca hesitated. “No.”
Dave kissed her again, playfully urging her, “Say it again. You really don’t want to talk to me anymore?”
Bianca’s thoughts were muddled.
Despite her intentions, she found herself pulled into his embrace and responding to his kiss without meaning to.
Dave, unnoticed by Bianca, wore a triumphant grin.
When they arrived home in the taxi, Dave stayed in the car. “I have something to take care of. You go on inside.”
Bianca nodded as she got out. “Okay, I’ll head in now.”
Dave watched as Bianca walked into her apartment complex and then signaled the driver to start the car. He waited until he saw the light in her window flicker on.
Inside the car, he made a call, his voice icy. “Someone followed Bianca. Find them and bring them to me. Also, arrange for two discreet guards. You’re responsible if anything happens to her.”
After hanging up, Dave stared out the window, his expression grim and troubled.
****
Following his meeting with Stacey, Rupert acted quickly. He sent someone to gather photos of Dave for Stacey’s identification.
Recently, Dave had become more cautious and reserved, only interacting with top executives at the Phoenix Alliance Group.
Rumors began about Dave’s frequent visits to Lucas’s mansion, making Lucas consider whether to hand over control of the Evans Group to him.
Each time Rupert met Dave at the mansion, their encounters ended abruptly, with Dave always finding a quick excuse to leave. This pattern raised suspicions.
Rupert’s instincts told him that Dave was the man Stacey had mentioned, but his search for more information was proving frustrating.
Rupert’s only hope now was Stacey. If she could confirm that Dave was connected to her stepdaughter, it would make dealing with him much easier.
In less than a day, Dave’s subordinate captured the man who had followed Bianca and brought him to Dave.
The man, dressed in black, looked up at Dave, who sat on a leather sofa, exuding a commanding presence. Fear was evident on the man’s face.
Under the pressure of questioning, the man admitted that Stacey had instructed him to follow Bianca and take a photo of her with her boyfriend.
He had no idea what Stacey planned to do with the picture.
Dave flicked cigarette ash into a crystal ashtray, his face remaining emotionless as he gave instructions to his subordinate. Then, he walked away silently, his long strides taking him out of the room.
Moments later, desperate pleas for mercy could be heard behind him.
Meanwhile, Stacey kept calling the man who had been following Bianca until he finally picked up. Anxiously, she asked, “Any updates? Have you managed to take any photos?”
Blood smeared the man’s lips as he stood surrounded by towering figures. Shaking, he tried to stay calm and said, “Not yet…”
“How much longer? If you can’t deliver, give me back the money, and I’ll find someone else!”
He quickly responded, “Fine, keep the money. Get someone else for the job!”
Stacey didn’t say a word.
After making a deal with Rupert, she sent people to follow Bianca, but they didn’t find anything. She’d been busy for a week and didn’t even manage to get a single photo.
Even though Rupert was really angry, he knew that Dave was probably behind it. Dave was too powerful for Rupert to take on, and Stacey was no match for him either.
Rupert knew that if this kept up, Dave would get suspicious, and that could backfire. To keep Dave from noticing, Rupert decided to pull back his spies and put the search for photos on hold.
The fashion gala was just a week away, and today was the start of the big annual fashion show for luxury brands.
Before the show, the excitement was all over the country. Edenfield’s main shopping street had a huge LED screen showing ads for the event.
Twitter was buzzing with updates and reports about the whole event.
This was fashion’s big annual celebration, drawing stars from all over and matching the excitement of film festivals.