Petter felt a deep sympathy for Bianca. He gently patted her back and said soothingly, “Don’t cry. Your mom may be in a coma, but she’s still alive. You have me, and you can stay here without worrying. If you need anything, just let me know. We’re family, and we support each other.”
Still in Petter’s arms, Bianca nodded and cried, “Dad, I realize my mistakes. I’ll listen to you from now on.”
Petter felt his last bit of resentment melt away upon hearing Bianca admit her faults. Especially after Madison’s accident, he genuinely wanted to be there for his daughter.
“It’s okay now. It’s late, so get some rest. A good night’s sleep will help. Everything will be okay.”
Bianca pulled back and managed a smile.
She then glanced at Stacey, who was standing behind Petter with a sullen look, and asked, “Stacey, aren’t you happy to have me back?”
“Of course, I’m glad to see you,” Stacey said with a forced smile, though sadness was still visible on her face. She sighed and added, “I’m happy you’re back, but I keep thinking about Ashley still being in detention and not here with us.”
Hearing Stacey, Petter seemed to understand. He turned to Bianca and said, “Bianc, I know Ashley made a mistake, but she’s your sister. It’s good that she’s realizing her mistakes. Try not to be too harsh. If Ashley gets convicted, it won’t look good for our family’s name.”
Petter’s main concern was always the family’s reputation, not just Ashley’s.
Bianca sensed that Stacey might be trying to use Petter to influence her decision about the lawsuit. With a faint smile, she nodded to Petter and said, “Dad, you have a point. I’ll think about it.”
Stacey, pouring water, paused for a moment. When she looked up, her eyes showed surprise and disbelief. She was shocked that Bianca might actually consider being lenient towards Ashley.
‘What was Bianca really planning?’
“Bianc, that’s very sensible of you,” Petter said, patting her hand gently and chuckling.
After spending some time with Petter, Bianca went back to her room. As she opened the door, she was flooded with memories. She had lived in this room for ten years, but now it felt a bit strange.
Bianca tidied up her room and then sat on her bed, thinking about her next steps.
Her return wasn’t about pleasing Petter; it was for Madison’s sake. Bianca planned to expose Stacey as the real mastermind behind the arson and bring her to justice.
Bianca believed that only by seeing Stacey face the consequences could she really avenge her mother.
Bianca kept her plan to herself, ready to face whatever came next.
After some thought, she changed into casual clothes and left her room. She wandered around the house, pretending to explore. Having lived there for so long, she knew the place well and didn’t need much time.
She eventually reached Stacey and Petter’s room.
With dinner approaching, Stacey was busy in the kitchen, and Petter was working on his study. The door to their room was unlocked, so Bianca quietly went inside.
She carefully examined everything and then shut the door quietly as she left.
As Bianca reached the living room downstairs, Stacey called out, “Bianc, could you help me with something?”
Bianca raised an eyebrow and went to the kitchen.
“What do you need?” she asked, pausing at the kitchen entrance. Stacey, wearing an apron, was fully absorbed in cooking, looking every bit the devoted wife and mother.
It was no surprise Petter kept Stacey around; she seemed to handle a lot. Even as Mrs. Scott, she still took on the role of a maid.
Bianca stayed on alert, suspecting that Stacey might be up to something.
Stacey, acting casual, said, “Bianc, I’ve made your favorite soup. Could you take it to the dining room for me? I’m still busy cooking.”
Bianca glanced at the soup on the stove and nodded.
Just as Bianca was about to lift the soup, Stacey reached for the bowl first. At that moment, Bianca heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
Petter was descending.
Realizing what was happening, Bianca quickly smiled to herself. She grabbed the bowl, held it against her chest, and deliberately spilled the soup all over herself.
Bianca let out a loud scream, “Aaaaah!”
Petter, hearing the scream, rushed towards the noise.
He found Bianca on the floor, covered in soup, with her hands clearly burned by the heat.
“Stacey, I know you’re upset with me about Ashley and don’t want me here. But I was trying to help you. How could you pour such hot soup on me?”
Bianca strongly accused Stacey, catching her off guard.
Stacey had planned to use this situation against Bianca, but Bianca acted first.
“Stacey!” Petter, sensing the tension, rushed into the kitchen. He gently held Bianca’s burned hand and shot Stacey with a stern look.
“Petter, it wasn’t me. Bianca did it…” Stacey quickly defended herself.
“Shut up!” Petter’s voice was filled with anger. “I heard you ask Bianca for help. You usually handle things on your own, but today, you suddenly asked her to help. Are you going to deny that this was intentional?”
Anger twisted Stacey’s face as she glared at Bianca. Biting her lip, she turned to Petter. “Petter, I didn’t mean any of this. It was an accident. Please, believe me.”
“I’ve trusted you so many times,” Petter said, his gaze focusing on Stacey’s belly. “I hope you won’t let me down.”
Stacey understood Petter’s hint. With their baby on the way, she planned to blame Bianca for her own miscarriage.
Petter helped Bianca up from the floor, worried. “Bianc, how are your hands? Rinse them with cold water to avoid blisters.”
Bianca, still in pain but shaking her head, said, “It’s okay now, Dad. Don’t blame Stacey. I understand she was upset and acted in the heat of the moment. I believe she won’t make the same mistake again.”
As Bianca talked, her eyes stayed on Stacey.
Stacey saw in Bianca’s eyes a blatant warning that if she tried to frame her again, Bianca would fight back fiercely.
Stacey now viewed Bianca as quite clever. She felt she needed to be cautious, knowing that any future attempts to frame Bianca would need to be more carefully planned.
After dinner, Petter went back to his study to work. Stacey and Bianca sat side by side on the sofa. Despite the movie playing on the TV, neither of them was paying any attention.
“Bianca, what are you trying to do?” Stacey asked suddenly, staring at the TV.