Dave’s face remained cold as he pulled his hands away from the keyboard and grabbed his phone to make a call.
“Do you want to keep your job or not?” he said sharply, gripping the phone tightly. “Did you take my orders for nothing? Didn’t you hear that Miss Larson is a guest of our chairman? How dare you make her run errands! You disrespected the chairman! This can’t happen again. Another mistake like that, and you’re fired!” Dave snapped sharply.
Even though his words were harsh, he wasn’t angry at Emilee. He just wanted Skylar to leave him alone.
Skylar was shocked by Dave’s outburst. She stepped forward to comfort him. “Dave, I came here on my own. Don’t blame Emilee.”
Dave slammed the phone onto his desk and went back to work, ignoring Skylar completely.
Before Skylar could say anything, Dave interrupted. “Skylar, Grandpa didn’t set all this up for you to run errands. Go explore the area. Do whatever you want. The employees will take care of their tasks, so you don’t need to be here. I have a meeting later, so you’re free to go.”
Skylar felt hurt by his words. She bit her lip, almost in tears.
She realized that Dave was deliberately pushing her away, indirectly rejecting Lucas’s plan and making it clear there would be no chance of closeness between them, even though they were in the same company.
But Dave had promised to marry her.
Why was he acting so cold? Was his resentment for her so strong that he couldn’t even stand to look at her?
Skylar refused to believe that Dave had no feelings for her. She furrowed her brows, thinking she knew exactly why he was acting this way. She was sure he was just captivated by Bianca.
Skylar stood tall, lifting her chin. She believed that, in time, Dave would see her true worth and realize she was the one for him.
“Okay, Dave.” Skylar nodded, her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her skin.
She took a deep breath and quietly left his office, closing the door behind her.
Once outside, she exhaled the breath she had been holding.
She closed her eyes and walked to a quiet corner, then took out her phone and called Lucas.
“Skylar? How’s your first day at work? Any luck with Dave?” Lucas asked.
Skylar let out a soft laugh and smiled, letting her shoulders slump. “I’m okay, but…” She paused.
Lucas immediately asked, “What’s wrong? Just tell me, Skylar. If Dave is giving you a hard time, I’ll be there for you.”
His calming voice made Skylar feel better. Hearing him say that relaxed her. “It’s fine. Dave’s been nice to me. I’m just worried about him. He’s been stuck in meetings all day and even skipped lunch. The food at Whispering Mist is really good, you know? I even invited him to dinner, but he said he was too busy and would skip that, too. People need food to stay healthy. If he keeps skipping meals, he might collapse. But he never listens to me. So I think…”
Lucas couldn’t help but smile. He was happy with Skylar’s progress. Although he didn’t care much about Dave’s health, he knew he could count on Skylar to keep him updated on Dave’s situation.
“I see, Skylar. Don’t worry. I’ll tell him about it.”
Skylar pouted at Lucas’s words. “But if Dave knew I told you, he’d definitely hate me even more. I’d even think he might try to push me away…”
Lucas understood what she meant. “Don’t worry. I know Dave. You have my word; I won’t tell him you said anything. Dave lost his mother when he was young and has been alone ever since. The idea of someone caring about his needs is new to him. I owe him a lot. Please help me look after him. And if he puts his work before his health again, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll make sure to lecture him.”
Skylar smiled at Lucas’s words. “I’ll take good care of him. You can trust me.”
After hanging up, Skylar walked out with a smug smile.
***
In the late afternoon, Dave got a call from Lucas after finishing a meeting.
Rubbing his forehead, he answered, “Grandpa, what’s up?”
“Dave, I’ve made a reservation at Whispering Mist for tonight. Take Skylar there for a nice meal once you’re done with work. You should be more attentive to her; she’s your future wife, after all. Don’t be so distant.”
Realizing that Lucas was trying to set up another opportunity for him and Skylar, Dave felt frustrated. Just because he agreed to marry Skylar didn’t mean he had accepted her.
“But I still have work to finish. I’m not sure if…”
Lucas cut him off sharply, “Are you really so busy that you can’t take a break for a meal? I’ve noticed you’ve lost weight, probably because you’ve been skipping meals for work. I arranged this to ensure you take care of yourself, but it seems it was all for nothing.”
Lucas’s voice then broke into a harsh cough.
Remembering the doctor’s warning about how stress could affect Lucas’s health, Dave sighed, giving in.
“Okay, Grandpa. Once I’m done with work, I’ll take Skylar to dinner.”
Pleased with the promise, Lucas leaned back against the headboard, pretending to sound weak. “That’s my good boy. I won’t keep you any longer. Go on with your work.”
That evening, Bianca arrived at Whispering Mist early. The upscale restaurant had a classy, stylish atmosphere. She had fond memories of this place, as it was where she had been reunited with her mother.
Bianca had chosen this restaurant specifically to invite Reece for dinner, hoping to show her genuine interest in working together.
Soon, a gentleman in a white suit walked into the restaurant. Spotting Reece, she waved eagerly.
As he sat across from Bianca by the window, Reece looked around with appreciation and smiled. “This restaurant is lovely. You’ve been very thoughtful.”
Noticing the empty space next to Bianca, he asked, “Is it just the two of us?”
Bianca knew Reece was curious about Sophia’s absence.
After all, the dinner invitation was originally meant for Sophia, so it made sense that Reece would expect her to be there.
Bianca poured water into Reece’s glass and said, “Sophia’s been busy with work lately. I’ll thank you on her behalf. She mentioned she’d treat you to a meal once she’s free.”
Reece raised an eyebrow, understanding the hint behind her words.
“Miss Scott, your invitation today isn’t just about Sophia, is it?”
Bianca leaned back in her seat, her clear eyes meeting Reece’s. Smiling, she said, “You’re a sharp lawyer, Mr. Barton. I enjoy talking to someone with such a keen mind.”