Herbert had heard the rumors that Dave didn’t show up at his engagement ceremony, and despite everything, he couldn’t help but admire Dave’s courage-a courage he and his siblings had never had.
“The decision to scatter your mother’s remains wasn’t an easy one. Your grandfather gave his quiet approval. He never approved of your father marrying someone beneath his status-it didn’t align with his ambitions. Be careful. If you challenge your grandfather’s authority, it will end poorly. His affection for you won’t change that.”
A shiver ran through Dave’s spine, and Bianca’s image briefly crossed his mind.
After a long silence, Dave’s voice was cold and distant. “Thanks for the warning, Uncle Herbert.”
With those final words, Dave turned and walked away, his black coat flowing in the breeze.
Once inside the privacy of his car, he leaned back, closing his eyes. His face was unreadable, like a wall of ice.
Michael glanced at Dave’s profile before speaking carefully after a pause, “Dave, you gave Herbert a chance at life, didn’t you? You spared him because you still have some sympathy for him, right? It would have been easier just to eliminate him.”
Without turning his head, Dave’s weariness was clear. His voice was soft but firm. “You’re getting talkative, aren’t you?” His eyes stayed closed, a silent barrier to the world around him.
Michael went silent, understanding that Dave’s actions had a deeper reason. Though Dave might be battling with his conscience, his calm exterior never falters.
Back at his office, Michael immersed himself in work, focusing on the final steps of their plan.
Alone, Dave stretched out on the office sofa as the evening light slowly faded, casting a soft golden glow around him.
A deep sigh escaped his lips. Fatigue weighed him down, as did a deep loneliness.
Old bitterness and unresolved pain began to creep in.
In the stillness of the office, there was no outlet for these growing emotions.
Bianca’s absence was a constant pain for him. She had been his comfort, the one who eased his inner turmoil.
Thinking about her, Dave picked up his phone. Her name lit up the screen. His thumb hovered over the call button, torn between the desire to reach out and the hesitation that held him back.
Dave figured that Bianca had probably gone to bed. She worked so hard every day and was always tired, so he didn’t want to interrupt her rest. After a while, he slipped his phone back into his pocket.
He was close to becoming the top shareholder of the Evans Group. Once that happened, his grandfather would retire, and there would be no more obstacles.
Then, Dave could marry Bianca and introduce her to his grandfather.
Thinking about Bianca and their future always brought him comfort, even when he was tired or in pain.
He wasn’t alone anymore. Bianca was there.
***
In the ward, Bianca was still weak and hadn’t fully recovered. Diana stayed by her side, comforting her until she fell into a deep sleep.
As she watched Bianca sleep peacefully, Diana still couldn’t sleep. She wet a cotton swab and gently wiped it across Bianca’s lips, then let out a long, relieved sigh.
Suddenly, Diana’s phone rang, breaking the silence. Startled, she quickly silenced it and glanced at Bianca, relieved to see she only frowned but didn’t wake up. Quietly, she slipped out of the room with her phone, careful not to disturb her.
After noticing the missed call, Diana hesitated before calling back.
The phone connected, and the sound of a busy background filled the line. A middle-aged man shouted, “Miss Schultz, it’s late, and we’ve been waiting for you. Time’s running out. We’ll leave if you don’t come.”
With a playful tone, Diana quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, “Sorry, I got caught up in something urgent. I’ll be there soon.”
She couldn’t tell if the man was drunk, but he laughed roughly and said, “Latecomers have to drink as punishment.”
Diana forced a smile and replied, “Sure, no problem.”
After hanging up, she quietly returned to the ward and stood by Bianca’s bed. She carefully tucked her in, then gently smoothed her hair, whispering, “Take a good rest. I’ll take care of everything with the company.”
The day Bianca had her accident, it felt like all the company partners were against them. One by one, they called with ridiculous excuses to cancel their contracts with Emerald Artists Agency. Some even threatened legal action.
The agency was facing its toughest challenge since it started.
Bianca had just woken up from the accident, and Diana couldn’t bring herself to burden her with the bad news. She decided to handle it on her own, not wanting Bianca to worry while she focused on recovering.
After the incident, Diana worked hard to make connections. It wasn’t easy, but she eventually persuaded the presidents of a few key companies to meet that evening and try to resolve things.
Diana washed her face in the bathroom, clearing her mind. Once she felt ready, she shut the door behind her and left the ward.
Following the man’s instructions, she drove the car to a fancy club.
A staff member led her upstairs to a private karaoke room. Standing by the door, she took a deep breath to steady herself. After gathering her courage, she slowly pushed the door open.
The loud, energetic singing hit her ears instantly, making her jump. Inside the room, a group of sweaty, middle-aged men were enthusiastically singing an old song. The strong smell of smoke and alcohol made her wrinkle her nose in discomfort.
When Diana stepped in, she quickly put on a practiced smile and apologized, “Sorry I’m late. I’ll make up for it by drinking three glasses of wine.”
She walked over to the table, grabbed a glass, poured herself some wine, and drank it in three quick gulps. Then, she held up the empty glass to show them.
The men in the room were surprised to see the delicate-looking woman and looked at her with new interest.
Before arriving, Diana had chosen to wear a white blouse and a fitted dress. In her sleek outfit, she looked confident and attractive, catching the attention of several men who couldn’t help but stare.
Then, they were shocked by her bold and direct approach. Their eyes shifted, showing a mix of surprise and curiosity.