“How did you manage this?” Justin asked, his tone serious.
Dave kept the details to himself; the less known, the better.
“You don’t need all the details. I have my ways. Just letting you know. You’re free to go now.”
Justin hesitated, unsure if he should share his concerns.
Dave chose to keep the details to himself. The fewer people knew, the better it was.
“You don’t need all the details. I have my ways. Just a heads-up; you’re free to go now.”
Justin paused, still debating whether to voice his worries.
After a brief pause, Justin finally spoke up.
“Dave, this might be risky… Playing with fire could end up burning you.”
Dave stayed silent, his eyes shifting to the view outside the window.
Justin pressed on. “If you really care about Bianca, you should think about what’s best for her.”
Dave’s response was cold, his tone was sharp. “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”
Justin felt the tension thickening but pressed on. “Just a warning. If your grandfather finds out about you and Bianca, he won’t go easy on her. You know what he’s capable of; we won’t be able to protect her.”
“I know what I’m doing. It’s time for you to leave,” Dave replied, his tone icy and final.
Despite his growing anxiety, Justin looked at Dave’s eyes with a mix of worry and defiance. “You’re not seriously thinking of making Bianca your wife, are you?”
Dave’s response was firm. “To me, she already is.”
Justin was stunned and fell into silence. “Have you thought about what that means for her? She’s an ordinary woman dragged into a wealthy family’s mess. Without any influential family or connections, how long can she last if even your grandfather is against her?”
Dave turned to face him, a chilling smile on his face, and his presence was intimidating. “She has me. I am her support,” he said slowly, his words full of conviction.
Seeing Dave’s strong stance, Justin stopped asking further. He simply added, “Just remember, I’m here for you. Whatever you need, just ask.”
With that, Justin walked away, leaving Dave standing by the window with his eyes intensely looking ahead.
The next day, a woman with an elegant aura dressed in high-end fashion entered the lobby of Emerald Artists Agency. Her stunning looks and graceful figure immediately caught the attention of the busy staff.
One employee nudged a coworker, whispering, “Look who just walked in! She’s got the presence of a top-tier star, doesn’t she?”
Another chimed in, “I thought Reese was stunning, but this woman is on another level!”
A third added, “Who is she? A famous actress? Should I ask for her autograph?”
As the staff buzzed with curiosity, Skylar, under everyone’s watchful eyes, approached the reception desk. She tapped lightly, her voice smooth and polite. “Excuse me, I’m here to see Bianca Scott. Is she in?”
The receptionist pointed her toward Bianca’s office, and Skylar thanked her, gracefully making her way through the crowd toward Bianca’s door.
Once the door closed behind her, the office turned into a quiet refuge from the curious whispers outside.
Bianca didn’t look up from her work, thinking it was Diana. “You’re back already?” she asked absently.
Skylar smiled softly, walking closer. “Bianca, it’s me. Remember? Skylar Larson.”
Bianca looked up, eyes widening in surprise. She hadn’t expected Skylar to come to see her. Once again, she was struck by Skylar’s beauty.
“Miss Larson, what a surprise! How can I help you?” Bianca quickly stood up, offering Skylar a seat on the couch and reaching to pour her some water.
But Skylar gently stopped her. “Bianca, it’s alright. I came with a specific reason.”
“Okay, how can I assist you?” Bianca asked, genuinely curious.
Skylar smiled warmly. “It’s nothing too big. What time do you get off work? I was hoping you could come with me to pick out an engagement ring. I just returned to the country and don’t have any friends here. Even though we’ve only met a few times, I feel a strong connection with you and would love to be friends.”
Skylar’s request sounded so sincere that Bianca couldn’t bring herself to say no.
“Bianca, I hope I’m not being too forward. I genuinely want us to be friends. Will you come with me to the jewelry store?”
It was an invitation from a stunning woman, and Bianca ended up agreeing without a second thought.
“But, Bianca,” Skylar leaned in and whispered, “you have to keep my engagement a secret. It’s my first time on a variety show, and if the media finds out, it could cause a big commotion.”
Bianca nodded, understanding Skylar’s concern, given her high profile and the media’s fascination. “Don’t worry. I won’t say a word.”
“Not even your boyfriend, okay?” Skylar emphasized.
Bianca laughed. “I won’t tell someone. I promise.”
Skylar didn’t need to worry; Bianca wasn’t one to share other people’s private matters. She’d keep it quiet.
From Skylar’s cautious attitude, Bianca figured Dave probably didn’t know about the engagement. They didn’t seem very close.
After packing up her things, Bianca walked out arm-in-arm with Skylar.
The door had been left slightly open, and a few curious employees who wanted to catch any bit of gossip watched Bianca and Skylar leave arm-in-arm, sparking plenty of speculation about their connection.
At that moment, Blake returned from outside and noticed Bianca with another woman. He looked Skylar over and recognized her as the woman he had seen with Dave while shopping a few days earlier.
Dave had denied his relationship with Bianca because of this woman. Blake wondered how Dave had managed to smooth things over so easily with Bianca.
Why was this woman spending time with Bianca? Did she have some hidden motive?
Although Skylar had later joined as a judge on the show, Blake’s distrust of her hadn’t faded.
Blake’s concern was clear. He quickened his pace, catching up with Bianca and pulling her aside before she could react.
“Why are you with her?” he asked, his tone intense.
Bianca, confused, tried to understand what was happening. “Why? What’s going on?”
Blake didn’t answer right away. Instead, he turned his eyes to Skylar.
Skylar greeted him with a friendly smile. “Blake, remember me? I’m one of the judges on Star Search.”
Blake muttered a disinterested “Hmm.” Bianca gave his arm a quick pinch. “Mind your manners. Miss Larson offered you valuable professional advice.”
Reluctantly, Blake asked, “What brings you here, Miss Larson?”
“The second episode is about to start filming. How are your preparations going?” Skylar asked politely. “If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’d be glad to share any insights that might help.”