Dave’s expression darkened slightly. He stared at Blake, his voice still cold. “Why does that matter to you?”
“It matters a lot to me!” Blake replied, clenching his fists. His earlier uncertainty vanished, replaced by determination. “She’s supposed to marry me!”
“What did you just say?” Dave’s eyebrows furrowed, his intense gaze almost threatening.
Blake met his stare and said, “You might not know, but Bianca probably didn’t plan to tell you. She was ready to cancel our engagement just to be with you. Honestly, I never wanted this engagement either. I respected her choice and didn’t want to trap her in a meaningless arrangement.”
“Then why are you bringing this up now?” Dave asked.
Blake’s face showed contempt as he laughed. Stepping closer, he glared at Dave. “I’ve realized you don’t really love her, not like I do. She won’t be happy with you. But me? I can make her happy.”
Dave’s eyes darkened, and he let out a laugh that was both bitter and sarcastic as he looked back at Blake. “You think you can take her from me? Don’t act like you’re so much better than me, Blake.”
With those words, Dave walked away, his tall figure fading into the night.
Blake shouted after him, “If you don’t love her, let her go! If you won’t, I’m not backing down!”
Without looking back, Dave felt as if a heavy hand was squeezing his heart, ready to crush it.
He kept walking until a rare Bugatti pulled up. Zane rolled down the window, concern filled on his face. “Boss, get in.”
He had followed Dave all the way from the hospital, ensuring they weren’t being followed.
Dave ignored Zane, visibly shaking as if he was trying to hold back a wave of emotions.
Suddenly, he clutched his chest, hunched over, and struggled to breathe.
Zane jumped out of the car and rushed to Dave. “Boss, what’s wrong? Are you okay? Get in, and I’ll take you to the hospital!”
Dave waved him off casually. “Join me for a drink.”
“What?” Zane looked surprised. “Isn’t this a bit unusual?” he muttered to himself. Although he had been Dave’s right-hand man for over a decade, they had never drunk together and always kept things professional.
“You don’t want to go with me?” Dave raised an eyebrow. “Fine, I’ll go alone.”
“No, it’s not that,” Zane quickly replied, feeling anxious. He made up his mind. “Okay, let’s go.”
So, they ended up at Champs Le Bar.
Meanwhile, Natalie was dining with some investors at Champs Le Bar. Stepping outside for some fresh air, she saw Dave being ushered into a VIP room.
‘What was he doing here?’
He was known for relying on Bianca’s support, so it seemed strange to see him receiving such respect.
Natalie couldn’t shake the feeling that something unusual was going on.
After a moment of thought, an intriguing idea suddenly struck her.
Dave sat in a private room, drinking one glass after another. Zane was with him, but even he struggled to keep up with pouring the drinks.
“Boss, maybe you should slow down,” Zane said, clearly worried.
Dave looked at him, filled another glass to the top, and handed it to Zane. “Join me.”
Zane gave in and took the glass, clinking it with Dave’s before drinking it all in one go.
The strong smell of the alcohol made Zane cough uncontrollably. The liquor was incredibly strong!
After a few rounds, Zane started to feel dizzy, and Dave showed signs of drunkenness. Dave, with a raised glass, wore a relaxed yet tired smile. Beneath that smile, there was a hint of sadness.
“Zane, tell me something. Am I really in love with her or not?”
Zane nearly spat out his drink in surprise. He looked at Dave in disbelief, understanding that Dave was talking about Bianca. But Dave didn’t seem like someone who would be troubled by matters of the heart.
Given Dave’s nature, it seemed more about his desires than true love. If he wanted something, he would get it, regardless of whether it was about love.
Even though Zane could see that Dave had feelings for Bianca, he still thought Dave wasn’t the type to easily fall in love with someone.
There were rumors that Dave had once been admitted to a psychiatric hospital for allegedly stabbing his uncle. He had been diagnosed with an emotional disorder and was known for his indifferent and ruthless attitude, which frightened those around him.
The idea that someone like Dave would discuss love was astonishing and left Zane speechless.
“Boss, only you can answer that question. I can’t say for sure,” Zane replied cautiously.
Dave scoffed lightly and raised his glass. Under the influence of alcohol, he seemed to be talking more to himself than to Zane. “They say I caused my parents’ deaths and that anyone close to me will have a tragic end. I left her in the fire. What right do I have to claim I love her?”
Zane, though confused, began to understand the source of Dave’s sadness.
“Boss.” Zane sat up straight, meeting Dave’s eyes calmly. “I have something to say, but I’m not sure if I should.”
“Speak,” Dave urged, curious.
Clearing his throat, Zane continued, “You know how your grandfather feels. Without his approval, your relationship with Miss Scott could be difficult. I’ve heard he’s already chosen a wife for you. Do you really think he’ll accept Miss Scott? If this love isn’t meant to last, maybe it’s better to end it sooner rather than later.”
Dave slammed his glass on the table, his voice low and rough. “Bianca is the only one I want. I won’t marry anyone else.”
Zane gave a small smile. “If you’ve made up your mind, why are you looking for validation from me? The answer is in your heart, isn’t it?”
Dave looked at him and suddenly burst out laughing.
He knew the answer, but what did it matter?
Just loving her didn’t mean he was good for her. If his grandfather found out about Bianca, what would happen to her? Could he really keep her safe?
He wasn’t even brave enough to risk his own life for her! How could he talk about protecting her?
Dave kept drinking, trying to drown his sorrows. At that moment, the door to the private room swung open.
A group of attractive women walked in, dressed provocatively and exuding confidence.
Zane was surprised; he hadn’t requested this kind of service.
The women, drawn to Dave’s striking looks, eagerly sat next to him, their hands resting lightly on his strong shoulders.
“May I join you for a drink, sir?” one of the women asked.
“Take your hands off,” Dave said coldly, gripping his glass.