With Rupert from the Evans family supporting her, Stacey felt Ashley should be confident that no one in Edenfield would challenge her.
Stacey had spent the night with Rupert and noticed that he seemed quite pleased with her.
She knew she needed to be patient with her plans.
If her daughter could win Rupert’s favor, she believed Peter’s company would succeed more smoothly. This would lead to Peter treating her better and improving her position within the family.
Stacey reassured Ashley with a pat on her hand, saying, “This is a great opportunity. Bianca’s company is new, and teaming up with a big brand will definitely create a lot of buzz. No need to criticize her. The higher she rises, the harder she might fall if her results don’t live up to expectations. That will hurt her reputation.”
Ashley was surprised but soon understood Stacey’s plan. She smiled, gave her mom a thumbs-up, and said, “Mom, this strategy is brilliant. You’re a genius.”
Peter walked in through the door while they were working on their plan.
Seeing him, Stacey quickly got up from the sofa, full of energy. She rushed over, grabbed Peter’s slippers, and helped him change his clothes.
Even though Stacey was Mrs. Scott, she felt like she was doing the work of a servant.
Ashley was clearly unhappy with the scene.
Peter looked tired, so Stacey made him some coffee and started massaging his shoulders while sitting beside him.
Seeing this, Peter’s annoyed expression softened as he gently held Stacey’s hand.
“Stacey, I appreciate everything you’re doing, especially since you’re pregnant and still involved with the company. Without the money you borrowed, we could have faced serious trouble…”
Stacey smiled gently. “We’re family. I have to support you and help the company through these tough times. Unlike Bianca, who seems to have forgotten those who raised her now that she’s successful.”
Peter sighed. “If only Bianca could be more like you. Maybe she wouldn’t be so distant.”
Stacey continued, “I’ve heard Bianca is doing very well. Her company is about to team up with a major global brand, and she’s likely making a lot of money. She could easily help you, but it seems she’d rather see your company fail than offer any support. It’s frustrating, especially considering how much you invested in raising her. She lives comfortably now but shows no gratitude.”
Peter clenched his fists, realization dawned on him. He stood up suddenly. “You’re right. I spent a lot raising her. Now that she’s successful, she should be helping us. I’ll go visit her tomorrow. How can a daughter ignore her parents’ needs?”
Stacey nodded gently, resting in Peter’s embrace and patting his chest. “Peter, try not to get too worked up. Just have a heart-to-heart talk with Bianca. After all, blood is thicker than water. Her heart isn’t made of stone.”
Watching Stacey’s calm approach, Ashley thought about how experience brings wisdom.
This strategy would not only unsettle Bianca but also distract her from the Cherish collaboration. As a result, she might make mistakes and jeopardize the partnership. Additionally, it could increase the tension between Peter and Bianca.
Ashley saw this as a perfect opportunity to tarnish Bianca’s reputation as an ungrateful daughter.
Everything seemed to be falling into place.
The next day, while Bianca was focused on her work, she heard a soft knock at her office door.
“Bianca, a man claiming to be your father is here to see you.”
Bianca frowned. “What’s he doing here? Let him in.”
Seeing Peter enter her office, Bianca felt no fear. She was ready to handle whatever happened.
Peter walked in with a friendly smile and sat down across from her, looking a bit self-conscious.
“Bianc, your company seems to be doing really well. Honestly, I didn’t think you’d be this successful,” Peter said with a smile.
Bianca didn’t look up from her work. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it. I’m busy.”
Peter’s smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “Here’s the thing. You know Ashley had issues with the Reed family, right? They were so upset they suspended their partnership, and my company was on the brink of bankruptcy. I came to ask if you could lend me some money to help us through this.”
Bianca paused, looking up at him. “Why should I care if your company goes bankrupt?”
Peter’s smile faded, and his frustration showed. He forced a fake smile and said, “You’re my daughter. I raised you. How can you say this doesn’t concern you?”
Bianca smirked. “Aren’t you the one who wanted to cut ties with me before? Now that my company is doing well, you suddenly want to reconcile with me? Peter Scott, you sure know how to play your cards.”
She no longer called him “Dad,” using his full name instead.
This clearly struck a nerve with Peter. His anger flared, and he shouted, “Bianca, I’m your father, and you’re my daughter. That won’t change! Now that I’m in trouble, you need to help me. If you keep ignoring my situation, don’t be surprised if I take legal action.”
Bianca found Peter’s threats amusing. She couldn’t understand why he’d even think of suing her.
With a shrug, she said, “Go ahead and sue me if you want. I’ll just wait for your lawyer to contact me. If there’s nothing else, please leave. You’re interrupting my work.”
“Damn!” Peter was furious.
Seeing that Bianca wasn’t scared by his threat, Peter felt helpless.
“Since you’re being so cold, don’t expect any sympathy from me. You’ll regret this. I’ll make sure you pay for everything you owe me!”
Peter stormed out in anger.
Meanwhile, Bianca was unaffected by his threats and continued with her work.
The more Peter walked away from her company, the angrier he became. He pulled out his phone and called his legal team to start preparing documents. He was set on taking Bianca to court.
As soon as he ended the call, his phone rang again, this time with an unknown number.
“Who’s calling?” Peter answered, sounding irritated.
“Is this Mr. Peter Scott?” the caller asked politely.
“Yes, that’s me. Who’s calling?”
“I represent LMH Group. We’re hosting a banquet this weekend and would like to invite you and your family. The official invitation will be sent to your office.”
LMH Group?!
Peter’s eyes widened in surprise. He had read in a top business magazine that LMH Group was one of the top three companies in Mubluosia, with global operations in many different sectors.
“And LMH Group also has a powerful venture capital firm with a lot of experience and vision,” the caller added.