Lucas noticed Skylar’s confusion and sighed, deciding to explain. “Dave really has it together. He’s strategic and smart, and like a younger version of me, he may even be sharper in some ways. Honestly, it’s time for him to lead the Evans Group, but…”
He paused for a moment before continuing in a serious tone. “Now that he’s grown and has his own vision, I won’t be able to control him much longer.”
It turned out Lucas was aware of the situation. Skylar listened carefully as he spoke.
“I know what Dave has done abroad, but he hasn’t been smart enough. If he were really ruthless, Herbert wouldn’t still be alive after threatening him. And Kent, well, his own stupidity and arrogance led to his downfall. He couldn’t escape it. In the end, he joined his late brother. Karma always catches up; he paid for his sins with his life.”
Lucas’s words sent a chill down Skylar’s spine.
Even though Lucas had lost his own son, he remained cold, acting as though it didn’t affect him. He even said that Dave wasn’t bold or ruthless enough and seemed disappointed that Dave hadn’t taken care of Herbert yet.
Skylar had no idea about the much harder times Lucas had faced when he was younger.
There was a time when the wealthiest family in Edenfield wasn’t the Evans’, but the Geller family. Lucas’s wife was from the Geller family, and Lucas was once controlled by them. He started from nothing, built the Evans Group, and turned his family into the second most powerful in Edenfield. Then, he took down his wife’s family all on his own.
As a result, the Evans family took over the Geller family’s assets and became the most powerful family in Edenfield. To this day, no one can challenge them.
Lucas’s humble beginnings made him especially cautious around kids from regular families.
On the surface, people might seem honest and friendly, but deep down, they often had hidden, ambitious, and shady motives.
Lucas wasn’t particularly happy with his four sons. But his grandson, Dave, had inherited all of his strengths-except for one thing. Dave was soft-hearted and overly cautious, traits he got from his father, and Lucas couldn’t stand them. Herbert would have already been dead if Lucas had been in Dave’s place.
Lucas knew Dave’s weakness well. Despite Dave’s cold and ruthless exterior, he was actually soft inside. That’s why Lucas pretended to be ill. This tactic made Dave more willing to listen to him and follow his orders.
Lucas had everything planned out before Dave returned home. Even the conversation with Rupert was part of his plan.
Lucas had his annual check-up and was in good health.
Skylar was amazed by how clever Lucas was, and she was relieved to hear that he was in good health. Now, she could finally relax without worrying.
Tears filled her eyes as she hugged Lucas tightly. Her voice trembled as she said, “Please give me a heads-up next time before you do something like that. It really scared me. I’m so relieved you’re okay. And you have no idea how worried Dave was when you passed out…”
She mentioned Dave on purpose. After all, if Lucas weren’t pleased with him, Dave wouldn’t have a chance to take over the Evans Group. But luckily, Lucas wasn’t disappointed in him-he just wanted to test him and control him.
While holding Skylar’s hand, Lucas spoke softly. “I haven’t told anyone else. I trust you, so I’m sharing this with you. Keep it between us, especially from Dave. If he follows my lead, he’ll marry you.”
Skylar understood. She knew Lucas confided in her because he was confident she wouldn’t tell anyone else.
Skylar glanced at Lucas, made the “cross my heart” gesture, and promised, “No worries, I won’t spill the beans! Let’s keep this our little secret!”
Lucas was pleased with Skylar’s thoughtfulness and smiled as he nodded. She helped him lie down and said, “You should get some rest. I’ll make some soup for you at home. You can have it when you wake up. Does that sound good?”
Lucas nodded, feeling content with Skylar’s care.
He knew he could trust someone like her to be Dave’s wife.
Meanwhile, once Dave returned to the company, he quickly checked Zane’s investigation. Just as Brandon had said, Emerald Artists Agency was in deep trouble. All the partners were trying to back out of their contracts, and the agency was in a tough spot.
This all happened while Dave was abroad, and during that time, Bianca never mentioned any of the troubles her agency was facing. When he brought it up, she acted like nothing was wrong and insisted everything was fine.
Did she think he was too unreliable to ask for help, preferring to deal with it herself?
Dave felt down about it. If his grandpa was behind it, he couldn’t just openly help Bianca. He was stuck in a tough situation.
Just then, Zane called with urgent news. “Mr. Evans, I’ve got some urgent news! Bianca and Blake got into a car accident when they…”
“What are you saying?” Dave interrupted quickly. “Did Bianca get into a car accident? How is she? Where is she?”
Zane took a deep breath, his words heavy with concern. “Bianca is okay. She should be out of the hospital soon. But Blake’s situation is serious. His leg is permanently disabled. And…,” he hesitated, feeling the tension in the room.
Dave’s voice broke the silence, sharp and demanding. “What is it?”
Zane gathered his thoughts and continued, “On the day of the accident, Bianca and Blake were at a grill, a place known for its romantic setting on top of a hill.”
The word “romantic” felt awkward, and Zane went on. “Blake had booked the entire place for them. They spent the evening watching a meteor shower. The grill owner thought they were a couple because of how close they seemed.”
Dave’s grip on the phone tightened, tension coursing through his veins.
After a long silence, Dave spoke in a low, cold tone. “Where is Bianca now?”
“In Edenfield General Hospital.”
Dave leaned back, his voice barely above a whisper. “You said Bianca is well enough to be discharged. Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Zane replied.
Despite Bianca’s recovery, she hadn’t returned home. She said she was busy and couldn’t come back for a few days. Was she staying at the hospital to take care of Blake?
Dave’s heart sank, and he felt restless.
Noticing his boss’s silence, Zane carefully asked, “Sir, what should we do next?”