With tears in her eyes, she pleaded with Leonel, “You just don’t understand him. He’s dedicated and works hard. He treats me kindly. Being with him makes me happy and gives me comfort. Isn’t that what you and Mom want for me-to be truly happy?”
Leonel’s anger grew as he saw Bianca’s courage. He suddenly grabbed her wrist, trying to drag her to the hospital. In a cold tone, he said, “Let’s go. You can tell Mom directly how much you adore this deceitful man and how you’re willing to give up everything she’s worked for. Go on, share your plans with her. Do you think Mom will approve? And maybe we should stop by the psychiatric department, too. I’m curious if there’s something wrong with how you’re thinking.”
“Leonel, how many times do I have to say it before you accept that my boyfriend isn’t the person you think he is?”
The pressure of Leonel’s grip was painful, and Bianca felt wronged. Tears threatened to spill, but she held them back.
Why couldn’t her family trust her judgment? She wanted to be with the one she loved, yet the people closest to her seemed adamant to tear them apart without understanding the situation, all in the name of her well-being.
Her brother didn’t even listen to her explanation; he just believed what he wanted.
Shouldn’t her love and choices be respected and supported by her family? Why did her brother have to mock her and belittle her relationship so harshly?
In his anger, Leonel had spoken without thinking. But when he saw Bianca lower her head and bite her lip in pain, he felt a twinge of regret.
Once the words were out, Leonel realized he couldn’t take them back. Too proud to apologize, he stayed silent for a long time before saying, “Think about what I’ve said.”
He left abruptly, slamming the door behind him.
Bianca sat alone, staring at the uneaten food and her heart was filled with sorrow.
Yet, despite everything, Bianca trusted Dave’s character and felt his love deeply. She was sure there was no need for secrecy or doubt between them, believing their bond would help them overcome any challenges.
Her family might not see Dave’s worth, but she was convinced their love could conquer any obstacle. Together, they would eventually earn everyone’s approval.
Just then, her phone rang with a video call from Dave. Quickly fixing her messy hair, she answered, eager to see him.
Dressed sharply in a suit, he looked very handsome and appeared to be in a conference room.
“Are you… in the middle of a meeting with your boss?”
Bianca made sure her voice was soft and calm. She didn’t want him to sense her distress, and knowing he was very busy, she didn’t want to add to his worries.
“Yes, my boss is busy with some paperwork. I’m here representing him for a meeting,” Dave replied casually.
His secretary, who placed a coffee cup down, couldn’t help but tremble a little, amazed at how easily her boss told lies.
Dave looked over Bianca’s shoulder and asked, “Did you go out for dinner?”
Bianca nodded, but Dave’s sharp eye noticed something was off. “All by yourself? With all those dishes?”
“No, I’m with Diana. She just stepped away to the restroom,” Bianca said, quickly making up a lie.
Dave smiled gently and said, “These meals don’t seem as good as the ones I cook. Once I’m done with work, I’ll make something healthy for you. I know you’ve been busy at the office lately, so please don’t overdo it.”
Bianca felt a warm comfort, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill again.
Her brother and mother claimed they were acting in her best interest, but they didn’t really understand her relationship with Dave. They had been away for so long, and when they returned, they forced their opinions on her without considering her feelings or what she wanted.
It was Dave who had been her comfort and strength during her hardest times.
Just like now, he always seemed to know how to show her care and affection.
How could she even think about leaving Dave? How could she endure being apart from him?
“Okay, just don’t forget that we planned to shop for groceries and cook together,” Bianca replied with a soft smile, trying to hide her inner turmoil from Dave.
“I’m a bit tied up at the moment, but let’s make it happen in a few days,” he said.
Even though Dave mentioned his commitments, the truth was that his grandfather, Lucas, had been pushing him to come home for dinner each night. Lucas said he wanted more of Dave’s company, but his real motive was to encourage more interaction between Dave and Skylar.
Dave had been looking for the right moment to bring this up.
“Okay, I’ll be waiting.”
After ending the call, Bianca felt a sense of relief. She touched her warm cheeks and reminded herself to stay focused, especially with her growing workload.
The next day, she returned to Phoenix Entertainment.
As she walked into Justin’s office, he greeted her with a friendly smile and asked, “Did you get everything sorted out?”
“Yes, Mr. Wilson, thanks to your help, it’s all taken care of,” Bianca said, smiling as she settled onto the sofa. “I’m here to keep my word. You’ve been a great support, and you haven’t asked for anything in return.”
Justin chuckled at her words. Bianca’s genuine offer to return the favor was something he appreciated, especially since many might have just hoped he’d forget about it.
Leaning forward with interest, Justin raised an eyebrow and said, “Bianca, I see a lot of potential in your company. I’m thinking about forming a long-term partnership between our businesses. What do you think?”
Bianca was surprised by his suggestion. “Are you sure… is that really what you want in return?”
It seemed like her company could gain a lot from working with a big name like Phoenix Entertainment.
Justin nodded confidently. “As you know, Orion Entertainment has been pretty aggressive lately. They’re not only taking away resources but also quietly trying to challenge us. It’s time to team up and fight back. Bianca, I’ve been watching your work for a while now, and I think you’d be a great partner. Would you be open to joining forces with me?”
As soon as Justin made the offer, Bianca quickly stood up, walked over to him, and held out her hand. “Mr. Wilson, I’ve always admired your work. It’s an honor to collaborate with you.”