When the driver pulled up to Lucas’s house, Lucas and Skylar walked in together. They looked like loving grandfather and granddaughter, and Dave followed behind and checked his watch quickly.
Once inside the living room, Skylar started making tea like she had done it many times before. When the tea was ready, she knelt down and offered a cup to Lucas. “While I was away, everyone said I make great tea. Mr. Evans, I’d love for you to try some.”
Lucas smiled proudly at Skylar, clearly happy with his future granddaughter-in-law.
He took in the tea’s pleasant smell and rich taste, looking very pleased.
“Grandpa, I have some important things to take care of at the office…” Dave said, trying to excuse himself.
Before Dave could finish, Lucas interrupted, “Stay for the night. Don’t leave now. The business can handle one evening without you. Skylar just got back, so spend some time with her!”
Feeling trapped, Dave looked to Skylar for help. She quickly stepped in and said, “Dave is the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group and is always busy. We have plenty of time ahead. He can catch up with me later. Tonight, I just want to spend time with you. Please let him go.”
Lucas softened his look at Skylar. Just as he was about to reply, a unique ringtone rang out in the room.
Both of them turned to Dave as his phone buzzed, noticing that this ringtone was different from the ones he usually had.
Dave quickly checked his phone and then casually dismissed the call. Lucas asked, “Who was that? Why did you ignore it?”
“It was Michael. He’s probably calling to invite me out for drinks this late,” Dave replied.
At the mention of Michael, Lucas frowned and said, “I’ve noticed you’ve been giving him a lot of international projects lately. He’s the young Hayes heir who caused a stir over some woman. Can you really count on him? I’ve heard your uncles are overseas right now. Why not think about…”
“Grandpa, Michael is like a brother to me, and I trust him,” Dave interrupted, his tone was calm.
“Just because he’s like a brother doesn’t mean your uncles aren’t family,” Lucas said, looking at his grandson, whose face had turned stern.
It was well-known that Dave had a lot of resentment toward his uncles, which often led to conflicts.
When he was younger, Lucas had been sharp and quick to judge right from wrong. He had once confronted his sons for mistreating Dave and later tried to make it right by giving Dave a significant share of the Evans Group.
As he grew older, Lucas often wished for his family to be united.
He hoped Dave would reconcile with his uncles, dreaming they could work together to enhance the Evans Group’s reputation.
But Dave believed his uncles would never support him; he thought they wanted him gone.
Looking at Lucas, Dave said softly, “Grandpa, you’re the only family I have.”
“Dave.” Lucas sighed deeply. “It’s been a long time, and your uncles know they’ve made mistakes. Please, let go of your anger and forgive them.”
Dave’s face twisted into a mocking sneer as if he had just heard the funniest joke.
‘Forgive? That was impossible!’
They had locked him in a cellar, nearly causing his death. Then, they sent him to a mental institution, from which he barely escaped with his life.
Even if Dave could overlook some of his grievances, he would never forgive them for his parents’ deaths.
After returning to the Evans Group, Dave started investigating the fatal car crash that took his parents. Slowly, he uncovered a shocking truth: the vehicle had been sabotaged, leading to the tragedy.
The mastermind? One of his uncles. But over time, that person had covered their tracks well, leaving Dave unsure of who was truly responsible.
That didn’t matter to him. If the guilty party wanted to stay hidden, he would take them all down to honor his parents.
Dave’s main goal was to inherit the leadership of the Evans Group. Once he took over the entire business empire, he planned to face each of his uncles.
Dave believed that by doing this, he would bring peace to his parents’ souls.
“Grandpa, I’ll handle the company myself. You don’t need to worry.”
With that, Dave wrapped up the conversation, giving away no more details.
Seeing his serious expression, Lucas knew it would be hard to change his mind. He sighed softly and said, “Okay, go ahead with your plans. But if you find some time, could you spend it with Skylar? She just got back and isn’t used to the changes. Maybe you could show her around. And don’t use your busy schedule as an excuse anymore. I’ll make sure someone keeps an eye on you.”
In a low voice, Dave murmured, “I see.”
Skylar glanced at Dave before turning to Lucas. “Mr. Evans, I really want to visit my friends in Edenfield. Let Dave focus on his work. I promise I can handle things on my own.”
Before Lucas could respond, Skylar stood up with a soft smile. “I’ll walk Dave out.”
She stepped closer and wrapped her arm around Dave. He flinched at her unexpected gesture, but Skylar’s wink made him stay put.
Seeing Lucas’s satisfied expression, Dave pushed aside his discomfort for the moment.
Dave and Skylar exited the house together.
Once they were out, Dave gently pulled his arm away from Skylar’s grasp. She paused for a moment, then retracted her arm.
“Thank you, Skylar,” he politely uttered, grateful for her support.
Skylar smiled knowingly. “So, do you believe I’m on your side now?”
Dave stopped and turned to face her. Tall and striking in the cold moonlight, he looked even more attractive. Skylar felt her heart race as she looked at him.
“It’s cold here. You should head back,” Dave said, avoiding Skylar’s question. He remained cautious, unable to fully trust her.
Still, since she had saved his life before, he treated her with respect.
Skylar nodded, appreciating his concern, even without a direct answer.
She only came back to reality after Dave got into the car and drove away.
Nervously, she bit her lower lip. Ever since she first met Dave and rescued him from the cellar, she had fallen deeply in love with him.
Later, Skylar felt immense joy when Lucas expressed his desire for her to become his granddaughter-in-law.