Skylar rubbed her wrist, tears filling her eyes as she looked at him. “You must understand what your grandfather will do if he finds out you love someone outside our social circle. I’ve met Bianca. She’s a kind, honest girl who deserves a simple, happy life of her own. She shouldn’t be caught up in your family’s conflicts. Being born into wealth is like being trapped in a gilded cage, forced into roles we didn’t choose. I’ve seen so much while caring for your grandfather, and I’ve accepted that I can’t escape this life. You must accept your fate, too, Dave. Let go of yourself, and let go of Bianca-for both your sakes.”
Dave’s fingers trembled as he clenched his fists, his heart heavy with despair.
Seeing his silence, Skylar pressed on, “You know how ill your grandfather is. Why not give him some happiness in his remaining years? Then, if you still want to pursue your love after he’s gone, I won’t stop you. All I ask is that we make him happy now. You’re his favorite grandson; you wouldn’t want to hurt him more, would you, Dave?”
“Enough,” Dave interrupted her, his voice tight. He grabbed the dry clothes and retreated into the room, pulling the screen shut behind him. “You should go. I need some time alone.”
Since Dave didn’t immediately reject her, Skylar fell quiet. She swallowed her frustration and said softly, “I guess your grandpa needs care. I’ll go now.”
Skylar left the room, and as soon as the door closed behind her, her face turned cold.
Her worries vanished in an instant. With a sly smile, she headed toward Lucas’s ward.
After getting dressed, Dave stood by the window, watching the leaves fall from the trees. The cool autumn air made everything feel sad and silent.
He reached out to catch a falling leaf, but just as it landed in his hand, a gust of wind blew it away.
Dave stared at his empty hand, smiled quietly, and slowly curled his fingers.
With a soft sigh, he turned away from the window and left the room.
Inside the hospital, the dim lights made the empty hallway feel even more silent. The nurses were resting in the on-call room. The hallway was completely deserted.
As Dave neared Lucas’s room, a ringtone broke the silence.
He pulled out his phone and saw Zane’s name on the screen.
Not holding it against Zane for giving his clothes to Skylar, Dave answered in a calm, neutral tone, “Hello.”
“Sir, I’ve found out the reason behind Bianca’s car accident.”
Dave’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing slightly as Zane’s words lingered in the air.
“It was your grandpa who was responsible for it,” Zane finally said, revealing a truth he had worked hard to uncover.
The news made Dave shudder.
“Why?” Dave asked in a cold tone.
Zane explained, “Blake told the media about the engagement party, which angered your grandpa. He lashed out at Bianca because she’s Blake’s agent and he couldn’t confront Blake directly. He still doesn’t know about your relationship with her, but…”
“Say it,” Dave said, his voice steady.
Zane hesitated, his face serious, and said, “But I’m afraid we won’t be able to hide this much longer. Your grandpa’s been watching Bianca, and he’s already planning to get rid of her over something small. If he finds out about your relationship…”
Zane suddenly stopped speaking, realizing he had said too much. His words trailed off, leaving an uncomfortable silence.
Dave’s eyes shifted toward the ward where Lucas was recovering. His expression grew serious as he tried to calm himself, hoping to ease the sudden tension in his chest. He knew exactly what Zane meant and he was aware of his grandfather’s cruel tactics.
“I see.”
Dave hung up and headed toward the ward.
He paused at the door, which was slightly open, with a warm light spilling into the dark hallway.
In the silent room, Lucas’s voice could be heard.
“I fear my time is running out, and my only concern now is you and Dave. You saved his life, and I believe he’s been waiting for you all these years. That’s why I sent you abroad to study. I hope you can support him and watch over the Evans Group for me. Only when he marries you can I rest in peace. Otherwise, I… I’ll die with regret!”
Lucas’s voice broke with pain, a heart-wrenching tone that pierced Dave’s soul like a knife. He knew that pain all too well, having lost his parents young. His grandfather had been his only family, his protector, and his guide. He had saved him countless times from his uncles’ schemes and shaped him into who he was today.
To Dave, nothing was more important than the debt he owed his grandfather for raising him. The thought of his grandfather passing away with regrets, especially because of him, was unbearable.
He clenched his fists, feeling as if his legs were made of lead, frozen outside the door, unable to move or go in.
Skylar’s voice, shaky and full of emotion, came from inside. “Please don’t say that! You’re going to live a long, happy life, I promise! If Dave doesn’t want to marry me, please don’t force him. There must be someone better for him. I’ll step aside.”
“Skylar, I’ve been through many struggles in life. I know what kind of woman a man should marry to bring success and happiness to his family. There are many women, but few are as well-suited for Dave as you. He’s never been in a relationship before, and I worry someone with hidden intentions could easily persuade him. I’ve made my decision, Skylar. If Dave refuses to marry you, he will lose his chance to become chairman of the Evans Group. Though Dave has outsmarted Herbert and Kent to secure most of the company, that final one percent is still out of reach. As long as I withhold my approval, Dave will never have that last piece of ownership.”
As Lucas’s words struck him deeply, Dave’s heart sank like a stone.
It turned out that his grandfather had planned everything from the start. Dave now understood why his grandfather had given him fifty percent of the shares when he got engaged and had ignored his actions with his uncles Herbert and Kent. No matter what he did, he was still controlled by his grandfather. Whenever he went against him, he lost.