Understanding his grandfather’s intentions, Dave agreed without arguing.
With a cold expression, he walked out with Skylar, one hand in his pocket.
As they walked silently down the corridor, Skylar suddenly stopped and called out, “Dave.”
He paused and turned around.
Calmly, Skylar asked, “Are you reluctant to marry me?”
Dave’s expression didn’t change. “I’ve always appreciated your kindness in saving my life, but Skylar, that’s all it is.”
Skylar, being smart, understood what Dave meant.
He felt grateful to her but had no romantic feelings.
Skylar, sensing the tension, chuckled softly. “I’ve always seen you as a brother. When I saved you, you promised to grant me a wish. Do you remember?”
Dave’s expression grew serious. He did remember making that promise.
Skylar had rescued him from the cellar when he was at his lowest, and he had vowed to repay her one day.
Thinking back on this, Dave replied in a low voice, “Yes, I do.”
Skylar smiled slightly.
“I haven’t decided on my wish yet, but when I do, I hope you’ll keep your promise. As for your grandpa, I suggest you don’t oppose him. If I can find a way to persuade him, maybe he’ll understand and back off. Marriage should be based on love. I hate to have an arranged marriage.”
She said gently, and her pleasant smile made her words far from annoying.
Dave’s expression softened as he realized Skylar wasn’t interested in marrying him.
He looked at her with warmth and said slowly, “Thank you.”
After saying those words, Dave turned and walked away. Skylar’s initially gentle eyes dimmed as she watched him leave, her hands slowly clenching.
****
When dinner ended, Blake stepped out to settle the bill.
As he entered the hall, his eyes caught sight of a familiar, tall figure.
He saw Dave standing outside the restaurant through the revolving glass door, dressed in a finely tailored suit that radiated a noble status and sophistication.
Next to him stood a woman of remarkable beauty and elegance.
The woman gracefully tilted her chin, fixing her fiery eyes on Dave and addressing him with a sweet, enchanting smile.
Blake’s eyes widened. He instinctively pulled out his phone and took a picture of the two figures.
After slipping his phone back into his pocket, Blake approached Dave, standing directly in front of him.
Dave furrowed his brow, squinting at the man blocking his path. ‘Why was he here?’
Skylar watched as a handsome man paused before Dave, offering a subtle smile. Dave’s expression remained stern, his eyes showing clear hostility.
Unable to hold back her curiosity, Skylar asked, “Dave, who is he?”
Dave pursed his lips, glanced at Blake, and replied, “He’s the godson of the well-known director Vincent. We’ve crossed paths a few times, but we’re not really acquainted.”
He didn’t mention Blake’s name, highlighting his indifference.
Skylar nodded but sensed an undeniable tension between them, almost like that of rivals.
Lowering his head, Blake sneered before meeting Dave’s piercing stare. “Does Bianca know about your dinners with another woman?”
Dave frowned.
“Bianca?” Skylar was surprised.
‘It was a woman’s name. What was her connection to Dave?’
After a brief pause, Dave looked earnestly at Skylar’s confused face.
Then he turned to Blake and said coldly, “Who is Bianca? Sorry, Mr. Lawson, but that name doesn’t ring a bell.”
Blake was momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting such a denial.
He had always thought Dave was untrustworthy, and his response only made him sure about his hunch.
“Are you serious? Bianca is your girlfriend. How can you deny knowing her when you’re with another woman?”
Blake’s anger began to rise. Bianca had sacrificed so much for Dave, going against her mother for him. His coldness during the fire and now pretending not to know her in front of another woman felt like a cruel joke.
It seemed all of Bianca’s genuine love for Dave had been for nothing.
Despite his usual composure, Blake glared at Skylar, visibly shocked, and said, “Just so you know, the man beside you has a girlfriend. You’re basically the other woman here.”
Skylar was left speechless. Could Dave really be involved with someone else? She wondered why his grandfather hadn’t mentioned it-maybe he didn’t know either.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying, Mr. Lawson. And I don’t recognize that name,” Dave shot back sharply, stepping in to protect Skylar.
“Many women are interested in me. Maybe this Bianca is just one of those annoying women. But I assure you, I don’t know her, and I have no idea who she is. Ms. Larson and I are just acquaintances. Please stop making unfounded accusations, or my lawyer will contact you.”
Enraged, Blake tried to punch Dave, but Dave quickly caught and deflected his arm, sending Blake stumbling back.
Blake glared at Skylar who was dressed in designer clothes, and shot Dave an angry look. “Bianca is an annoying woman? You’re just a man living off a wealthy woman. How can you even say that?”
‘Living off a wealthy woman?’ Skylar was momentarily shocked as she heard it and it was hard to connect that description to the dignified and attractive man standing before her.
‘Was there some kind of misunderstanding here?’
‘Who exactly was this Bianca?’
Dave clenched his fists and faced Blake, trying to stay calm. “I understand you have me confused, but I won’t tolerate slander. Keep it up, and I’ll have to involve the authorities!”
He knew that today’s mess would require careful explanations later. If Bianca found out, she’d be upset, and he’d have to work hard to regain her trust.
He needed to distance himself from Bianca in front of Skylar, who had been chosen by his grandfather. The situation was too dangerous for any other choice.
Blake stood there, seething, unable to find the words.
Pretending he didn’t want to talk to Blake anymore, Dave turned to Skylar and said, “Let’s go.”
With that, he strode out, Skylar following him. “Dave, shouldn’t we wait for your grandpa?” she asked.
Dave didn’t respond but quickly left the restaurant.
Once they were gone, Blake stood alone, watching them leave.
He pulled out his phone, considering sending Bianca the photo he had taken to expose Dave’s actions.
But would Bianca even believe him if he sent a picture like that out of the blue? During a recent hospital visit, Blake had talked badly about Dave, which had clearly upset Bianca. It was obvious she hadn’t taken his warning seriously.
She might think he was trying to create problems between her and Dave.
After a moment of hesitation, Blake put his phone away, deciding he needed to gather more solid proof to expose Dave without giving him any chance to make excuses.