Dave replied calmly, “I started looking into things when you had Stacey follow Bianca. Would I really confront you like this if I didn’t know that? Isn’t that right, Uncle Rupert?”
“You saw this coming all along?” Rupert’s voice showed a hint of frustration.
“Yes, but things moved quicker than I thought because of Ashley’s bold attempt to set up my girlfriend.”
Rupert had believed he was being clever, planning to surprise Dave, but he didn’t realize Dave had already caught on to his plan and had cornered him first.
This revelation made Rupert pause.
Frustrated, Rupert punched the wall. He realized he needed to be more cautious in dealing with Dave.
“Do you really think you can hide your involvement with Bianca from your grandfather?” Rupert asked, still unwilling to back down.
“This is my business. You don’t need to worry about it. Instead of focusing on me, maybe you should handle your own issues. Just think about how Grandpa and your wife would react if they found out about your affair and the child you had outside your marriage. Remember, Uncle Rupert, I’ve always supported you, and I trust you’ll do the same for me.”
Dave played with a pen, his voice light but with a threatening end.
“Of course, I’ll always support you,” Rupert said with a faint smile. After a moment, he added, “Since we’re in the same situation, could you go easy on Ashley this time?”
Dave let out a low, magnetic chuckle. “Are you begging me? If you are, I might consider it.”
Rupert’s hand clenched into a fist, clearly stung by Dave’s mockery.
‘Beg him? No way he’ll do it!’
Dave’s voice came through again, deep and firm. “Uncle Rupert, you know me. Anyone who hurts my loved ones will face consequences, no matter who they are.”
Dave’s words lingered in the air after he ended the call.
It seemed like he was warning both Sheila and Rupert.
Rupert clenched his fists, and anger filled his face.
He promised himself that he would beat Dave and watch him fall sooner or later.
Burning with a desire for revenge, Rupert turned and walked out of the hospital.
In the hospital ward, Reese turned to Bianca with a curious expression. “Bianca, who was that man?”
“He’s my boyfriend’s uncle,” Bianca answered with a smile while she peeled an apple.
“You have a boyfriend! Really?” Reese’s eyes widened in surprise as if she had just heard something big.
Bianca glanced at Reese, playfully pouting. “Why? Can’t I have a boyfriend?”
Reese knew Bianca was friendly, even though she usually seemed serious at work. But today, she felt more like a close friend.
“Oh, no, that’s not what I meant,” Reese quickly said, waving her hand. “I was just curious about the kind of man who would be with someone as perfect as you.”
“You’re so sweet,” Bianca replied with a soft chuckle. She handed the peeled apple to Reese and added, “I’m not as exceptional as you think, and he’s just a regular guy.”
Just then, Bianca’s phone rang.
She pulled it out with a smile. “Well, speaking of the devil. I need to take this call,” she told Reese.
Reese nodded.
Bianca stepped out of the ward to take the call. “Where’s your uncle? He went out to call you and hasn’t come back,” she asked.
On the other end, Dave’s voice was gentle. “What did he say to you?”
“Nothing much. I know how things are between you two. I haven’t forgotten him locking you in the cellar!” Bianca replied, her voice filled with resentment.
Dave chuckled. “Planning to get back at him, are you? Don’t worry; there will be plenty of chances for that. For now, if you see any of my uncles, just walk away without saying anything.”
“Okay, if you say so.”
Bianca’s obedient tone made Dave swallow. “So, will you be coming back tonight?” he asked, his voice smooth and magnetic.
“Well…”
Before Bianca could answer, Dave continued, “Is it because your mother doesn’t want you to return?” It was as if he could read her thoughts.
Bianca sighed softly. “She hasn’t been well lately. I want to stay with her a bit longer.”
“I understand,” Dave said with a touch of resignation. “You’re doing the right thing.”
After a short pause, Dave shifted the topic. “Bianc, what are you going to do about Ashley?”
Bianca’s expression darkened. “She’s broken the law. No matter what I want, she’s facing legal consequences,” she said firmly.
“I see,” Dave replied.
Once Bianca hung up, she went back to the ward. Reese, still weak and recovering, had fallen asleep.
Bianca gently tucked her in as she stood beside the bed.
Reese had been in pretty serious condition for the past few days, but no one from her family came to visit her in the hospital. Holding her hand, Bianca felt sorry for her.
After looking at Reese’s peaceful face for a few minutes, Bianca gave in to the exhaustion from the past two days. She rested her head near Reese’s hand and fell asleep.
Time quickly passed while Bianca slept.
When she finally opened her eyes, she found a man’s jacket draped over her shoulders. Turning her head, she saw Blake sitting nearby. His stares were intense but caring as he watched over her.
“There you are, Blake,” Bianca said as she sat up and rubbed her sleepy eyes.
She took off the coat draped over her shoulders and thanked Blake before handing it back to him.
Deep in thought, Blake accepted the coat and said, “I’ll stay here tonight. You should go home and get some rest.”
Bianca started to refuse his offer but then saw Reese’s eyelashes fluttering on the bed.
Raising her eyebrows and smiling, Bianca thought it might be a good chance for them. “Well, thank you, Blake.”
“You’re welcome,” Blake said with a warm smile.
Bianca felt a warm touch on her shoulders as she was about to leave. Blake had draped his coat over her from behind.
“The nights are getting colder. Your clothes aren’t warm enough. Be careful not to catch a cold.”
Bianca felt the coat’s warmth and appreciated the gesture, but she knew there couldn’t be anything more between her and Blake.
Taking the coat would mean letting him care for her, which could make things more complicated.
Realizing this, Bianca took off his coat, turned around, and handed it back to Blake.
“I appreciate your kindness, Blake. Keep your coat. I’ll grab a taxi and head home soon.”
Blake held onto the coat, looking into Bianca’s averted eyes. Emotions he had kept hidden suddenly came out. “Bianc, are we still friends?”
Surprised, Bianca met his gaze and said, “Of course, I’ve always considered you an important friend.”