Lucas’s expression darkened further, but Rupert didn’t seem to notice. Puzzled, he said, “I’m not sure how she got help from Phoenix Alliance Group, but it’s rumored to be linked to the company president. But would Dave really get involved in something like this for a woman? I’m curious about his relationship with Bianca.”
After saying this, Rupert turned to Skylar and saw her calmly taking in their conversation with an impassive expression.
Even though she appeared composed, the way her hands subtly clenched the hem of her dress revealed her true feelings. A faint smile tugged at the corners of Rupert’s mouth.
In response to Rupert’s earlier comment, Lucas snorted in disdain.
“Dave is a good guy, but he struggles to assess and hire the right people.”
Rupert was momentarily taken aback but quickly hid his surprise. He poured a fresh cup of tea for Lucas and asked, “What do you mean?”
Furious, Lucas slammed his cane on the floor. “Dave personally promoted Justin, the vice president of Phoenix Alliance Group. He seemed like a good guy, but he’s really a hypocrite who’s embezzling company funds! He’s having a secret relationship with an employee and using company money to shower her with expensive gifts!”
Justin’s words still rang in Lucas’s mind.
“Okay, I’ll be honest… Yes, I did it. I bought the necklace and gave it to Bianca, using company money to pay for it. I tried to be a hero for her once before, and I did it again using Phoenix Alliance Group’s name during that recent accident. This is all on me; no one else is involved. I’m at your mercy now, Mr. Evans.”
As he spoke, Justin dropped to his knees in front of Lucas, bowing on the cold floor.
Lucas, filled with rage, jumped up from the sofa and stepped on Justin’s shoulder, pushing him to the ground. The force of his attack made him lose his balance and crash back onto the sofa.
Justin was hit so hard that he lay on the floor for a long time.
Lucas shouted, “Get out! Leave Phoenix Alliance Group! Now! Don’t make me break your legs and throw you into the sea for the fish!”
Justin’s expression darkened. After a long pause, he quietly replied, “Okay, I understand.”
As Lucas recalled Justin’s words, his eyes gleamed like rubies, sending chills down Skylar’s spine.
“Justin Wilson turned everything upside down for a woman. Does he think Phoenix Alliance Group is his personal playground? I let him off easy for Dave’s sake, or he’d be facing a one-way ticket to disability!”
When Rupert heard this, he grimaced. How could this happen?
He had plotted for a long time, setting everything up to drag Bianca through the mud. Dave was bound to get involved. If he dared to help her using his own name, Rupert planned to take advantage of the situation, putting the blame on Dave and revealing his connection to Bianca!
The talent show’s crew was under Rupert’s control. His investment and resources made them act tough.
He had poured in a lot of money and resources.
But now, Justin was taking all the blame?!
Skylar listened quietly, shrinking into the couch in silence. This made her feel really down.
Justin was taking full responsibility. Was he trying to protect Dave?
Fury flashed in Lucas’s eyes, and his words cut through the tension. “I’ve handled things for Dave. Justin has been in his shadow for too long. If Dave can’t deal with this himself, then I’ll do the dirty work for him!”
Rupert felt defeated like he was hitting thin air. Lucas’s words meant he had started an investigation through someone. Plus, Lucas had spoiled Dave since he was a baby. If Rupert tried to shift all the blame to Dave, it would only raise Lucas’s suspicions.
Forced to smile, Rupert said, “Yeah, he’s still learning. You can teach him a thing or two. As his uncle, I might offer some lessons when the time is right.”
Lucas nodded and rubbed his temples. “Okay, I’m done. Skylar, please take Rupert out.”
“Sure thing,” Skylar replied obediently.
Once they stepped out of the villa, her mood shifted to cold.
Rupert sensed trouble ahead. He had planned to use this chance to take down Dave, but Lucas had cruelly pushed his trusted aide into the spotlight.
Justin had played his role perfectly, even fooling Lucas.
He muttered to himself, “That guy’s crazy! They should lock him up in a mental hospital for good!”
The two walked in silence until Skylar spoke up. “Mr. Evans.”
Rupert turned to look at her.
“Did you already know it wasn’t Justin who was behind everything?” she asked clearly. She had always been good at reading people and understanding their feelings.
Rupert raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, so what? If Dad believes it, no one will challenge him.”
He looked Skylar up and down and said with a pitying tone, “Skylar, sometimes I can’t help but feel sorry for you.”
Skylar furrowed her brow. Despite the coldness in her eyes, she kept her composure. “What do you mean?”
“Think about it. Who could get Justin to play the pawn willingly?” Rupert looked up at the stars and spoke softly. “In the grand scheme of Phoenix Alliance Group, who could easily control the vice president?”
Skylar quickly understood what he was implying. “You’re saying Dave is the one who helped Bianca Scott?”
“Sounds like you’ve heard her name before.” Rupert lowered his voice even more. “I’ve had someone following those two. It’s obvious that Dave isn’t just messing around. Even a blind person can see he’s madly in love with her.”
“But she doesn’t even know who he really is,” Skylar blurted out. Realizing she had said too much, she quickly closed her mouth.
Rupert smirked. “Skylar, you’re way too naive. Bianca is a strong rival. Don’t underestimate her. Your position as Dave’s future wife won’t be safe as long as Bianca is around?” A sly look flashed in his eyes.
Skylar, usually confident in her relationship with Dave, felt shaken. She believed in their bond not just because Dave didn’t seem interested in other women but also because of Lucas’s support and her freedom to come and go from the Evans family’s house. These comforts had made her let her guard down, causing her to miss possible dangers.
Bianca’s sudden arrival threatened her plans and could ruin everything.
She clenched her fists.
Pleased with Skylar’s reaction, Rupert said nothing more and turned to leave.