Dave’s response was short but firm. “I understand. Find out the real cause of the accident. Also, Bianca’s business partners should stay stable. Keep their alliances quiet. My involvement should stay hidden.”
With that, Dave ended the call quickly, leaving Zane surprised.
His boss had changed since meeting Bianca. Even with the possibility of her betrayal, Dave remains surprisingly calm and is still concerned about her well-being.
Zane struggled with some uncomfortable truths, unsure if he should speak them aloud. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that Dave needed to know more, so he gathered information at the hospital and discovered something surprising.
The nurses there said Bianca had been caring for Blake with great kindness and attention. The doctor and nurses assumed they were a couple, seeing her as a devoted girlfriend who would never leave her lover.
Zane knew that Bianca had recovered from the accident, so he was a bit frustrated to find out she was still staying at the hospital to be with Blake.
The more he thought about it, the more suspicious he became. Had she cheated on Dave? Was his boss about to be dumped?
Zane’s eyes widened. Could any woman have the nerve to dump his boss? How dare she!
Why wasn’t Dave angry? Why was he focusing on Bianca’s business instead of the situation? Did he not understand how serious it was, or did he just not care?
Zane sighed, realizing his job was to follow orders, not get involved in matters of the heart.
***
Reese took a taxi to a medical research and development center the next day. As she looked up at the large white building, she took a deep breath, her nerves fluttering like leaves in the wind.
This was her first time negotiating a collaboration since starting her career. Even though she had a connection with Bianca’s brother, she still felt nervous and afraid of making mistakes.
When she arrived, Reese went to the front desk. The receptionist glanced at the appointment schedule and then looked at her with a curious expression. Confused, Reese asked, “Is something wrong?”
“Oh, nothing at all! Professor Leonel Lopez’s office is at the far end of the third floor.”
It was clear that Reese’s visit was important, as Leonel had stepped away from his usual research and development work to meet with her.
The receptionist gave her one last curious glance before marking the appointment schedule.
Following the receptionist’s directions, Reese made her way to the door of Leonel’s office. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she knocked lightly.
“Come in, please,” came a calm voice from inside.
As Reese walked in, her eyes landed on Leonel, sitting upright behind his desk, focused on his work.
He wore a clean white medical coat with undone top buttons, showing a bit of his collar. His semi-rimless glasses rested on his nose, and his eyes, visible beneath the lenses, gave off an air of sophistication and authority.
When he saw Reese, his expression softened, and he stood to approach her. “Miss Vance, please take a seat,” he said politely.
As Reese sat down on the nearby sofa, Leonel smoothly placed a steaming cup of tea in front of her. “Please, enjoy,” he said.
“Thank you,” Reese responded graciously.
Reese, dressed in a simple white blouse and denim shorts, carried an effortless elegance. While Leonel’s expression remained calm, his eyes briefly drifted to her slender legs. After a moment, he quickly looked away and returned to his seat.
“This partnership is meant to promote a medication for fighting obesity. If there are any online issues, our company will issue a statement and offer public relations support if necessary.”
Leonel was careful and clear, explaining his ideas to Reese in great detail. His offer was far better than anything she had received before.
As she listened, Reese realized her own plans no longer seemed important. Instead of finding problems with the offer, she felt honored by it.
After thinking for a moment, she spoke up. “Given where I stand right now, I’m not sure if this generous offer is something I can accept. Are you sure this is a collaboration with me, Mr. Lopez?”
Leonel smiled and nodded, confirming her question.
“Yes, this is the result of our conversation. I truly value you. As the first person to successfully lose weight with our medicine and be connected to Bianca, you’re in a unique position for this partnership. You’ve earned this offer.”
Touched by his words, Reese stood up and bowed to Leonel, saying, “Thank you for your trust, Mr. Lopez.”
“Since we’re starting a partnership, you can call me Leonel,” he said with a smile, offering his hand. Looking at Reese, he added, “Here’s to a successful collaboration.”
Reese shook his hand with a bright smile and replied, “Agreed, Leonel. Here’s to a great partnership!”
As Leonel handed her the contract, Reese quickly reviewed it, using the skills she learned from Bianca. Finding no issues, she signed it and left, feeling satisfied and grateful.
Leonel smiled and softly chuckled as he watched Reese leave gracefully.
***
Meanwhile, in the small garden of Edenfield General Hospital, Bianca gently wheeled Blake into the sunlight.
She often leaned in to check on him, asking if he was okay, if he needed water, or if he was feeling too warm.
The doctor had reminded them that he needed extra care since this was Blake’s first time out after his surgery. They should head back to his room immediately if he felt any discomfort.
Unseen by them, someone watched from the shadows of a nearby tree.
Blake unintentionally turned around and met Dave’s eyes, who stood in the shadows. A look of surprise crossed Blake’s face, his eyebrows lifting slightly. He then rubbed his temples, a frown forming.
Noticing his reaction, Bianca quickly squatted down in front of him, worry in her voice.
“Is something wrong? Are you uncomfortable? Should we go back to your room?”
Blake stifled a cough, speaking weakly. “I have a headache, Bianca. Can you ask the doctor for some medicine? I just want to stay in the sun a little longer.”
Bianca gently patted his back to comfort him, her concern clear. “Are you sure it’s okay to stay out here alone?”
Blake gently placed his hand over Bianca’s and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
After a moment of hesitation, Bianca noticed the pain on Blake’s face and decided to go. “I’ll be right back. Just wait here.”
Blake smiled softly and nodded, watching Bianca leave him in the sunlight.