Lucas looked up at Dave and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll hand over the Evans Group to you sooner or later. You’re by far the best choice compared to your uncles. They can’t be trusted with the company. You, however, have been prepared for this role your entire life. As long as you follow my guidance, the company is yours. But first, I want to see you settle down. Then, I’ll trust you with the business.” His voice was full of sincerity.
After a brief silence, Dave gave a small nod.
That small gesture put Lucas at ease, lifting his spirits. He glanced at the clock and called out to the cook, asking her to prepare Dave’s favorite dishes. Turning back, he said, “You’re home early today. Let’s spend some time together and have dinner as a family.”
Hearing the word “family” made Skylar happy, though she hid her emotions perfectly and only showed a hint of expectation to Dave.
“I still have some matters to handle at the company,” Dave replied calmly. “Maybe let’s have dinner together some other time.”
“You’re always busy! When will you ever have time?” Lucas asked, sounding a little disappointed, but he didn’t push Dave to stay.
He never interfered with Dave’s work. In fact, Lucas thought it was a good sign that Dave was so dedicated.
Dave looked up briefly and glanced at Skylar, a subtle gesture that caught Lucas’s attention. Raising an eyebrow, Lucas cleared his throat and said, “Skylar, walk him out.”
He thought it would be good for Dave and Skylar to spend more time together and strengthen their bond.
“Okay,” Skylar replied obediently, picking up Dave’s suit jacket as she followed him out.
Dave allowed Skylar to help him put on and button his coat this time, then gently said, “Let’s go.”
Lucas smiled as he watched them leave. In his mind, the two were getting closer. He believed Dave had feelings for Skylar, even if he wasn’t ready to admit it yet.
As they walked out, Lucas’s thoughts drifted to Skylar’s grandfather. The memory of his old friend from the army brought a wave of sadness over him.
He remembered his friend lying on his deathbed, gripping his hands after saving his life, and asking him to take care of his granddaughter. That moment has stayed with Lucas ever since.
Skylar had faced so much hardship. Losing her parents at a young age had left her alone in the world.
Lucas owed his life to Skylar’s grandfather. The least he could do was honor his friend’s dying wish by ensuring Skylar and Dave got married.
He had already decided to hand over the company to Dave before he passed away. His hope was that Dave and Skylar would live a comfortable, carefree life together.
Outside, the bright lights bathed the lawn of Evans Manor in a warm, soft glow.
Dave walked ahead, with Skylar just behind him. She couldn’t take her eyes off him-his tall, strong frame, the broad line of his shoulders, the graceful curve of his waist. It took everything she had not to let her feelings show. At that moment, all she wanted was to be wrapped in his arms.
But Skylar reminded herself to stay calm. Soon enough, she would be his wife.
Skylar was convinced that it was only a matter of time before Dave would start to notice her. If she could just be patient, she believed his feelings would eventually grow into love.
She was willing to wait as long as it took for that day to come.
Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when Dave suddenly stopped and turned to look at her.
Skylar felt a bit nervous, but she couldn’t let her excitement show. She had already presented herself a certain way to Dave, and any sudden change in how she acted might raise suspicion.
So, she put on a worried expression, stepped forward, and stood in front of him.
The scent of cedar surrounded him, and his presence was sharp yet cool, making Skylar instinctively take a step back.
Dave stayed quiet, looking down.
Skylar glanced at him quickly, hesitating slightly before speaking. “Dave, I was just as surprised as you when your grandpa mentioned the engagement. He never hinted at it to me either, and I was shocked. I’ve tried to talk him out of it, but he’s not listening. I know you’re not really into this engagement, and honestly, I’m not happy about an arranged marriage myself. We still have time before the engagement party, so I’ll try to speak with him again. Maybe he’ll change his mind and won’t push this on you. I’m really sorry, Dave, for putting you in this position again.” Her words were sincere, sounding like they were filled with empathy.
Dave didn’t hold anything against Skylar. Being part of the Evans family, he understood that arranged marriages were beyond their control. Still, he wondered why his grandpa thought so highly of Skylar, especially since she wasn’t from an elite background.
“There’s no need,” Dave said, stepping closer. His deep, smooth voice carried a mature charm that made Skylar’s cheeks flush and her heart race.
He continued slowly, “Just so you know, Skylar, we may need to go through with the engagement, no matter what.”
“What?” Skylar’s confusion was clear as she looked up at him, the words she had prepared slipping away. She was completely drawn in by both his words and the look he gave her.
Could it be that Dave had started to develop feelings for her?
Had Dave finally realized that women like Bianca weren’t right for him and that she was his true match? Could he have seen her value and chosen her over Bianca? As these thoughts filled Skylar’s mind, Dave’s next words jolted her back to reality.
“Once this ordeal is over, I’ll make our situation clear. Your reputation and good name will stay intact.”
“Once this ordeal is over? What are you talking about?” Skylar asked, still not fully grasping what was happening.
“I have a proposition for you,” Dave said, looking directly into her eyes. His intense stares carried authority, and his words felt like a dagger. “We’ll pretend to be engaged, to put my grandpa at ease. Once he feels comfortable enough to give me the shares, I’ll make a public statement to clear your name. After that, you’ll be free to live your life and find someone you really love. We won’t have to deal with any of this anymore.”