Hearing these names, Bianca’s eyes widened in shock. It was as if a lightning bolt had struck her, leaving her stunned and speechless.
It had been over a decade, and the faces of these two people had faded from Bianca’s memory, but she still remembered their names clearly.
Madison was her biological mother.
Leonel, her older brother, had initially taken their mother’s surname.
Years ago, Madison had gone abroad with Leonel, and there had been no news from them for more than ten years. Bianca never expected to see them again.
Yet here they were, right in front of her, very much alive.
The strange feeling Bianca had earlier now made sense.
She was just realizing that her mother was the founder of the famous Cherish brand and that her brother had become a successful medical professor at a young age. They had recognized her and been supporting her without her knowing.
Meanwhile, Bianca felt she had been left far behind.
Her fingers tensed as she clenched them tightly.
“Bianc,” Madison said, approaching her with a trembling voice, “It’s been over ten years. You’ve grown into a beautiful woman.”
Bianca stood still, unable to speak as words failed her.
She had often dreamed about her mother and imagined their reunion many times. Now, faced with the reality, her emotions were a mix of joy and sorrow.
Bianca wanted to reconnect with her mother but didn’t know how to begin.
It felt like she and her mother were deeply connected but also like strangers.
Once, Bianca had resented her mother. Over the years, and especially after recent events, she had come to understand her mother’s actions, turning her resentment into guilt.
Bianca now regretted the harsh words she had once spoken to her mother.
The guilt made it difficult for her to face Madison, and she struggled to lift her gaze.
Seeing the tension, Ruby stepped in to ease the mood. She gently took Bianca’s hand and guided her to a seat. “You’re finally together after so long. Don’t hold back.”
Sitting next to Bianca, Leonel offered a reassuring smile. “I told you. You’d know my name sooner or later.”
“Professor…” Bianca hesitated, unsure what to call him.
“Just use my name,” he said, extending his hand to ruffle Bianca’s hair gently. It was a gesture he used when she was a child, and back then, she had followed him everywhere.
After a moment, Bianca said quietly, “Leonel.”
Leonel warmly smiled while Madison looked on with satisfaction.
“Bianc, I’ve heard about what’s been going on with you. I’ll be here for a while, so if you need anything, just let me know,” Leonel offered.
Bianca nodded silently.
“Madison, why hasn’t he arrived yet?” Ruby asked, shifting the topic.
Madison checked her watch. “He should be here soon.”
Bianca wondered who would be coming.
Just then, the door to the private room swung open.
“Ms. Lopez, I’m sorry for being late. There was heavy traffic. I apologize sincerely,” the man said politely and in a gentle tone.
Bianca looked up and saw Blake standing in the doorway, wearing a light-colored T-shirt.
When their eyes met, both were surprised.
“Here you are, Blake!” Madison quickly stood up and greeted him warmly.
“Let me introduce you to everyone here.”
Madison took Blake’s wrist and began the introductions.
“This is Ruby Garcia.”
Blake smiled warmly at Ruby and said, “Nice to meet you, Ms. Garcia.”
Ruby’s eyes narrowed slightly as she noticed how much Blake looked like her favorite student. She immediately felt a liking for him.
“I don’t need to introduce this one; you already know him.”
Even though Madison skipped over Leonel, Blake nodded at him and said, “Leonel.”
Leonel returned the nod and smiled.
“And this is my daughter, Bianca.” Madison moved closer to Bianca and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Blake’s eyes widened in surprise. “Bianca, is your daughter?”
Madison looked surprised. “Do you two know each other?”
Blake nodded with a gentle smile. “We’re old friends.”
Madison noticed a subtle change in Blake’s look towards Bianca and sensed something unusual.
With a smile, Madison said, “Bianc, I didn’t realize you two knew each other. It seems fate brought you together.”
Bianca, still confused, asked, “How do you know each other?”
Settling back comfortably, Madison explained, “I was close friends with Blake’s mother. When I found out Blake was studying in Mubluosia, I reached out to him.”
Blake nodded. “Your mother and brother took great care of me while I was there.”
“Since we all know each other, there is no need for formalities! Let’s get started!” Ruby clapped her hands, excited.
The waiters quickly served the dishes, and they began eating and chatting.
“Bianc, I hear your company is doing well. Would you consider bringing me on board?” Blake asked, looking at Bianca.
Bianca remembered her promise to act as Blake’s agent, but they hadn’t been in touch since their last meeting at the hot spring resort.
“Blake, are you thinking of joining Bianca’s company?” Madison asked, her eyes shining with excitement.
“It depends on what Bianc decides,” Blake said, giving a meaningful look towards Bianca.
Madison knew that Blake’s musical talent came from his mother. Years ago, Blake filled in for a sick bass player at a concert and wowed everyone with his amazing performance.
“Bianc, even though Blake studied finance at college, he’s also been teaching himself music. His music skills are just as impressive as his finance skills. He’s going to do great in the music industry,” Madison said excitedly about Blake.
Having Blake work at Bianca’s company was a fantastic opportunity, and it might even have brought Blake and Bianca closer.
Since Bianca had promised, she found it hard to say no, especially because they were good friends.
“Okay, welcome aboard,” Bianca said warmly.
Blake kept smiling and glancing at Bianca, which made Madison chuckle. She nudged Leonel and whispered, “I think there’s a connection between them.”
Leonel looked at Bianca, who seemed indifferent, and said, “She already has a boyfriend.”
“I’ll figure something out,” Madison replied, giving Leonel a playful pinch.
Leonel winced and said, “Mom, please don’t pinch me like I’m still a kid.”
Ignoring her son’s discomfort, Madison turned to Bianca and casually asked, “Bianc, it’s been a while since you graduated. Have you found a boyfriend yet?”
As Blake was about to get some food, everyone turned their attention to Bianca.
“Yes,” Bianca said quietly, a slight blush on her cheeks.
“And what does he do for a living?” Madison asked.
“He helps his boss at a company,” Bianca answered.
Madison smiled, realizing that Bianca’s boyfriend was just an ordinary worker.
“What about his family background?” Madison asked.