Skylar suddenly walked up to Dave, holding a small box. “Dave, take a look at the engagement ring I chose. What do you think?”
She opened the box to reveal a sparkling diamond ring, the “Heart of True Love,” the same one Bianca had admired at the jewelry store.
Dave gave a brief reply, “It’s lovely.”
Skylar stepped closer and whispered, “You have to put this ring on my finger tomorrow.”
After a slight pause, she added, “We need to convince your grandfather that our engagement is real.”
Dave glanced at his grandfather, who was watching them with a look of affection. He then took the box from Skylar and nodded. “Okay.”
The scene, with them appearing as a loving young couple, made Lucas smile in contentment.
Seeing Dave’s agreement and the warmth in his tone, Skylar felt a sense of satisfaction. She couldn’t help but chuckle to herself, imagining how Bianca would react.
Tomorrow, Bianca would realize she was just a fling to Dave and that only Skylar could truly be his fiancee.
Skylar hoped that Bianca would finally see the truth and step out of Dave’s life for good.
After Dave left, Bianca, exhausted from her demanding job, fell asleep.
The next day was just as busy. With Diana away on a business trip, Bianca spent the morning handling phone calls and discussing Reese’s future plans with Sophia over lunch.
In the afternoon, a guest arrived.
It was Blake, dressed in a sharp white suit and with his hair perfectly styled, looking every bit like a star ready for the red carpet.
“Blake, why are you so dressed up? Got a special event tonight?” Bianca asked.
Blake raised an eyebrow and replied, “It’s for Skylar’s engagement party. Aren’t you coming?”
After a brief pause, Bianca gasped, “Oh! I nearly forgot!”
It was already past five, but there was just enough time to get ready.
If it hadn’t been for Blake’s reminder, she would have missed Skylar’s engagement celebration, something that worried her since she had promised to attend.
Just then, Diana walked in, teasing Blake about looking like he was ready for his own wedding.
Blake smiled and replied, “I have to look my best since I’m going to a party with my dear agent.”
Bianca suddenly realized that Skylar had invited Blake as well.
“What party?” Diana asked, clearly curious.
Remembering Skylar’s request to hide it, Bianca quickly lied, “Oh, it’s just a gathering hosted by a producer. Blake’s the guest of honor, and I’m just coming along as his agent.”
She handed off her duties to Diana and left with Blake.
Still, Diana couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more going on than what Bianca had just said.
****
The Emperor Hotel, known as the most luxurious place in town, was owned by the Phoenix Alliance Group.
The grand banquet hall on the top floor was beautifully decorated in a modern, elegant style, with sparkling crystal chandeliers. The tables were filled with lovely Juliet roses, showing the high status of the guests attending that night.
The hall was alive with chatter as the country’s top businessmen mingled in small groups. Among them were Brady, the head of the Lawson family, and his wife, Rachel.
“Lucas really cares about his grandson. It’s interesting to see the woman who’s captured his heart and is considered good enough to join their family.”
As the guests continued their conversations, the doors to the hall opened, and all eyes turned toward it.
A young lady walked in gracefully, escorted by a lively elderly man.
Her white dress, sparkling with silver diamonds from the waist down, shimmered as it caught the light.
One of the businessman’s wives recognized the gown and gasped, quietly telling her friend, “That’s a Taylia bridal piece, known for its simplicity and exclusivity. It’s worth easily over a million…”
Lucas, standing proudly next to Skylar, looked sharp in his classic suit. He seemed calm and friendly, a stark contrast to his usual serious presence, showing how much he approved of his future daughter-in-law.
When Lucas and Skylar arrived, the room fell quiet. A group of businessmen quickly gathered around Lucas, greeting him with forced smiles to hide their true feelings. Lucas introduced Skylar to them, saying, “Skylar, this is Mr. Emmitt Palmer, a board member of the Glory Group.”
“Hello, Mr. Palmer. I’m Skylar,” she said confidently, offering a firm handshake.
The rest of the group exchanged glances, remembering her from Star Search. Standing there, Skylar looked even more charming with her delicate face and light makeup. She greeted everyone with poise and confidence.
Her calm presence and warm smile left a lasting impression.
“Mr. Evans, your grandson is lucky to have such a wonderful partner!” one of the guests remarked.
“Skylar, you’re stunning. You could be a celebrity!”
“Mr. Evans, you’re really blessed. It’s the perfect time for you to retire and enjoy your golden years.”
Lucas couldn’t help but smile, well aware of the empty compliments they were offering.
Just then, Rachel walked over to Lucas, linking arms with Brady. “Dad.”
Seeing his daughter, Lucas’s expression softened. “It’s been a while. How’s everything at the Lawson Group?”
Brady nodded respectfully. “All is well, thank you for asking.”
Lucas gave a small nod in return. “Brady, your leadership of the Lawson Group is impressive. It now ranks just behind the Evans Group.”
Brady humbly replied, “I owe it to you. I may still need your guidance.”
Lucas sighed slightly and said, “It’s unfortunate that Rachel hasn’t been able to conceive all these years. I hope you don’t hold it against her. Remember, the Lawson Group can always count on me for support. After all, we’re family.”
Brady understood the hidden message behind Lucas’s words. It was both a test of his loyalty and a subtle warning about how much Lucas valued Rachel.
Lucas knew well that the Lawson Group couldn’t match the strength of the Evans Group. He had the power to help Brady, but he also had the ability to bring him down.
“Rachel is my beloved wife and my only partner. Our bond is strong, and nothing can shake it. Don’t worry. With Rachel’s consent, adopting is always an option for us.”
Rachel’s expression shifted slightly, her face clouding over. The topic of adoption had come up before, but she had never fully embraced it, still holding on to hope after trying various treatments to have a child of her own.
Lucas nodded approvingly and gave Rachel a comforting pat on the shoulder. “You’re in good hands with Brady. He’s a good man and really cares for you. It’s heartwarming to see how much you two care for each other.”