Even with his eyes closed, Blake listened closely to her words, his mind racing.
He knew he couldn’t let himself fall into despair. Not just for his sake but for Bianca’s, too. He had to find a way to feel better.
He just couldn’t let her boyfriend win.
Blake clenched his fists tightly.
Just after hanging up with Bianca, Dave was about to call Zane, and his phone buzzed. It was Justin calling.
Dave answered, and Justin’s anxious voice came through. “Dave, I’ve got bad news!”
“What’s going on? Take a deep breath and tell me,” Dave said, his frown deepening.
Justin paused, then changed his tone. “Remember those big projects we’ve been tracking? Well… someone took them from us! I’m worried the Phoenix Alliance Group could lose billions!”
“Who did this?” Dave asked, his voice serious.
“It was… the Lawson Group.”
“What? Damn!” Dave couldn’t believe it. The Lawson Group, who had always been on good terms with him since his aunt Rachel married into their family, was now going against him. How could they suddenly try to take the projects from him?
And how was he supposed to tell his grandfather about this huge loss at such a critical time?
Dave was furious. “Justin, I trusted you to handle these projects while I was gone for just a few days. And now this mess? What’s going on with you?!”
Without giving much detail, Justin muttered, “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. But here’s the thing… You probably don’t know, but Orion Entertainment has been attacking Phoenix Entertainment lately, causing the stock price to drop. That’s why I’ve been focused on Phoenix Entertainment. I didn’t realize things were getting worse with the Phoenix Alliance Group.”
Orion Entertainment? Dave frowned in irritation.
That was his uncle Rupert’s company. How could they be so bold? Was Rupert secretly working with the Lawson Group?
“I’m heading back to the company. Send me those project materials and get everyone ready for a meeting now.”
“Okay.”
When Dave returned to the office, he jumped into a meeting to address the company’s project loss, completely setting aside Bianca’s situation. Meanwhile, Zane placed the investigation results on his desk, but Dave didn’t have time to look at them.
He didn’t return to his office until eight in the evening, and just as he was about to check the results, his phone rang again.
It was Lucas.
“Are you back in your office yet?”
Dave didn’t expect his grandfather to know his schedule so quickly. After a brief pause, he replied, “Yes, Grandpa.”
“Come to my place right now. I need to ask you something.”
“But Grandpa…”
Before Dave could say anything else, Lucas hung up the phone.
Feeling a sense of dread, Dave knew he couldn’t avoid going, no matter how much he wanted to. So, he quickly left the office.
Zane had been overloaded with tasks lately, so he didn’t come along. He had assigned someone else to drive for the time being.
The Evans mansion felt heavy and gloomy as Dave entered.
As soon as he walked in, he noticed an unexpected guest lounging on the sofa.
Rupert, dressed in dark clothes, had a friendly smile on his face, but his raised eyebrows gave off a sly and malicious vibe. When he saw Dave walk in, he lifted his head and said, “Well, well, well! Look who’s finally here, the always-busy Dave.”
Ignoring Rupert’s sarcastic tone, Dave went straight to Lucas and greeted him respectfully, “Grandpa, I’m back.”
At the sound of his voice, Skylar peeked out from upstairs. When she saw Dave, she quickly composed herself, came downstairs with a big smile, and said, “Dave, you’re finally home!”
Dave gave a small nod.
Lucas sat on the sofa, looking serious. He let out a frustrated sigh and said angrily, “How dare you show your face! Your actions have disgraced me!”
Sensing Lucas’s anger building, Skylar quickly knelt before him, massaging his legs and trying to calm him down. “Please, let it go. Don’t blame Dave anymore. He’s been overwhelmed with work. I understand… Please don’t get upset. It’s bad for your health.”
Rupert sneered, his words full of contempt. “My nephew is lucky to have such a caring fiancee. But he’s been missing for days, showing no concern for anyone. I wonder, what could be so important that he missed his own engagement party?”
Dave knew better than to respond to Rupert’s hidden jabs. His main focus was on calming his grandfather.
“Grandpa, I apologize for neglecting the engagement party,” Dave said, bowing his head.
Lucas’s expression softened, and Dave then turned to Skylar, asking, “Skylar, do you hold any grudge against me?”
Skylar’s face showed surprise, and a warmth filled her heart. She thought maybe there was still some care beneath Dave’s serious exterior.
“It’s okay. I know you’re busy and focused on your career. I don’t hold any grudges. I’ll take good care of your grandpa for you.”
With just a few words, Dave regained control of the situation.
Rupert raised an eyebrow and gave a fake smile. “Yes, he’s dedicated to his work. Even though he didn’t get engaged this time, his trip abroad wasn’t a waste. He managed to do something important, even if it meant ignoring his closest family.”
As he talked, Rupert clapped sarcastically and added, “I must say, I’m impressed.”
Dave’s face turned serious. He could tell that Rupert was trying to sabotage him in front of his grandfather.
Lucas, too, picked up on the hidden message in Rupert’s words. He glanced at Skylar and said, “Skylar, please go back to your room for now.”
Skylar noticed the shift in the mood and, sensing the tension, looked at the three of them before focusing on Dave. She understood not to ask any more questions. Nodding quietly, she went upstairs.
Dave’s heart sank as he watched his grandfather send Skylar away. It was clear that Lucas knew something was off, and the interrogation was about to start.
As soon as Skylar left, Lucas’s expression grew serious. He fixed Dave with a sharp look and said, “Rupert told me that Herbert and Kent’s overseas project failed. Their companies went bankrupt, and now they’re buried in debt. Do you know about this?”
Dave paused, unsure how much his grandfather knew about his overseas activities. But he didn’t plan to hide anything. His grandfather was a smart man with many sources, and eventually, the truth would come out.
“I know,” Dave answered honestly.
“And did you have a part in it?” Lucas asked, his voice cold. He was clearly looking for answers.