Dave nodded. “So, Bianc, it’s time to move forward. I’m sure your mom will wake up soon. She wouldn’t want to see you unhappy.”
“She’s my mother. I’ll take care of her,” Bianca replied, not giving a clear answer.
At that moment, Dave didn’t think too much about it. He trusted that Bianca was starting to heal from her grief over Madison.
He didn’t know that Bianca had already made a firm decision.
After that day, Bianca told Dave that she wanted to return to stay with her father for a while.
Dave looked confused and asked, “Why do you suddenly want to go back? Didn’t things go badly between you two?”
Bianca replied casually, “After what happened to my mom, I realized that there’s no problem that can’t be worked out. My dad’s the only parent I have left, and I want to spend more time with him. Who knows what might happen tomorrow? I don’t want to have any regrets.”
Dave nodded, understanding her perspective. Family ties often run deep, and maybe making amends was the right choice.
“Just let me know if they give you a hard time, and I’ll be there to support you,” Dave reminded her.
Bianca chuckled. “They wouldn’t dare mess with me. Remember how I stood up to them? I can handle them easily.”
Dave thought about it and agreed. He raised an eyebrow and playfully tapped her nose. “That’s why you’re my woman.”
Bianca smiled bravely, her fearless look making Dave feel a bit restless, though he couldn’t quite say why.
After saying goodbye, Bianca packed her things and went back to Petter’s place. It was the weekend, and Petter was there.
He was quite shocked to see her.
Petter had asked Bianca to come home many times before, but she had always turned him down. So, why the sudden change?
Even though he was confused, Petter was happy to have Bianca back. He hadn’t really cut ties with her, and with Ashley’s criminal record, he couldn’t depend on her anymore.
Stacey had also become distant, especially after his betrayal. He was anxiously waiting for Stacey’s baby to see if it was his. If it was, he planned to stay with her; if not, he intended to make her pay.
Petter now valued certainty more than ever. He saw Madison and Bianca as much more reliable than Stacey and Ashley. If he could maintain good relationships with Madison and Bianca, his future would be more secure.
Petter had thought about remarrying Madison, but he realized she no longer had feelings for him, especially now that she was in a high position.
One good thing about Petter was that he was self-aware; he knew not to bother her any longer.
So, he still didn’t know about Madison’s recent accident.
When Bianca arrived, Petter immediately asked Stacey to make juice for her and took Bianca’s luggage to her room.
After returning to the living room, Petter and Bianca sat together on the sofa.
Stacey’s mood soured when she saw Bianca. Bianca had just insulted her, and her sudden return seemed suspicious. Stacey suspected Bianca might have an evil plan.
Stacey watched Bianca carefully, trying to stay calm. She had been through a lot and wasn’t going to let anything shake her now.
Bianca noticed Stacey serving her juice and said with a smile, “Stacey, you’ve really gotten good at taking care of others over the years. No wonder you used to be a maid.”
Stacey noticed the mockery in Bianca’s words. She secretly clenched her fists and responded with a faint smile, “Everything I do is for this family.”
Bianca took a sip of her juice and stayed quiet.
Petter asked, “Bianc, why did you suddenly decide to come back home?”
Bianca set her glass down with a smile and replied, “What’s wrong, Dad? Aren’t you happy to see me?”
It had been a long time since Bianca called Petter’ Dad,’ and it made him really happy. After all their past arguments, he thought she had stopped seeing him as her father.
Petter felt relieved hearing Bianca’s change in tone.
“Of course, I’m happy to see you. I know I made mistakes in the past and said things that upset you. I won’t do that again. I’m really proud of how well you’re doing now.”
Petter couldn’t help but think about Ashley, who had been a disappointment. She hadn’t made him proud and was facing possible jail time, which could damage his reputation. He even worried he might have to support her in the future.
He thought Ashley was worthless.
In comparison, Bianca was much better.
Stacey’s expression soured as she listened to Petter. She sat down next to him and stayed silent.
Bianca glanced at Stacey before turning to Petter and said, “Dad, Mom’s in the hospital. Could you find some time to visit her?”
Petter was shocked. “What happened to your mom?”
Bianca’s face grew sad, and she was on the verge of tears. “There was a fire at her apartment. She got trapped inside and is still unconscious. The doctors say she might never wake up.”
Bianca’s sadness was visible as she talked about her mother.
“Why didn’t you tell me about something this serious sooner?” Petter got up from the sofa, took a moment to calm himself, and then sat back down.
“How did the fire start?” Petter asked anxiously.
Stacey, sitting beside him, clenched her fists, feeling uneasy. She worried that Bianca might be back to accuse her of something. But Stacey was confident she wouldn’t be easily defeated; without solid proof, Bianca couldn’t just make accusations.
Stacey was surprised by Bianca’s response. Bianca, drying her eyes, said softly, “The police said she accidentally left the stove on while cooking, and that caused the fire. It was just an accident.”
Bianca didn’t mention Stacey or Marisa in her explanation.
Petter showed a mix of regret and disappointment. He sighed and said, “Oh dear. I always told her she was too careless, and she’d argue with me about it. Now, it looks like her carelessness has caused a real problem.”
Petter shook his head sadly. Despite any past issues in their relationship, his feelings for Madison had been genuine.
He was a selfish man, but if he really loved anyone, it was Madison.
As for Stacey, he mainly saw her as someone who could help him stay comfortable in his old age.
“Dad!” Bianca rushed into Petter’s embrace, tears streaming down her face.