Bianca sat back down next to Blake, a smile of relief on her face. “Thank you, Blake. I really appreciate you being there for me.”
Seeing her smile, Blake felt a sense of peace. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his eyes warm. “No need to thank me.”
Bianca was caught off guard by his kindness, quickly looking away.
His affectionate gestures always surprised her, making it hard to keep her composure.
Unable to return his feelings, she acted like nothing unusual had happened.
They stayed on the hill for a little while longer, enjoying the quiet.
Eventually, Bianca helped Blake back into his wheelchair, and they made their way down the hill together.
Paige anxiously waited in the ward, standing as soon as the door opened.
When she saw Bianca pushing Blake inside, looking unharmed, she finally felt relieved.
“Blake, where were you? Why didn’t you tell me? I’ve been so worried!” Paige exclaimed.
Blake started to apologize, “I’m sorry, I-”
“He just needed some fresh air,” Bianca quickly interrupted to ease the tension. “We went a little too far and lost track of time.”
Blake quickly looked away, and his lips pressed tightly together.
Relieved that Bianca was already looking out for Blake, Paige felt her worry disappear.
With Blake safe, she can finally leave.
She looked at them both and raised an eyebrow. “Since Bianca is here, she can stay with you. I’ve been up all night, and I’m exhausted. I need to rest.”
She honestly wanted to give them some space alone.
“Mrs. Lopez, please go rest. Don’t worry, I’ll stay with him,” Bianca urged her.
Since her brother Leonel was with their mom, Bianca realized she didn’t need to go back to the hospital.
“Then I’ll take my leave,” Paige said, giving Blake a meaningful look before sprinting away.
After Paige left, Blake looked at Bianca. “Bianca, could you check the inner pocket of my coat for the business card?”
“Let me help you to bed first.”
Once Blake was settled comfortably, Bianca got his coat and quickly found the business card in the inner pocket.
“I didn’t know you kept it tightly,” Bianca said as she handed him the card.
Blake gratefully smiled as he took the card.
Looking at the name “Brady Lawson” on the business card, his face became serious.
After a brief pause, he picked up his phone and dialed the number printed on the card.
Brady quickly grabbed the phone. When he heard Blake’s voice, he jumped up, surprised.
He glanced behind him and saw Rachel asleep in the room. He quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
“Mr. Lawson, I’m sorry for calling so late,” Blake said politely.
“If you’re calling this late, it must be important,” Brady replied, lowering his voice as he sat back down on the couch.
“It is,” Blake answered calmly. “Do you know about the Evans Group’s upcoming celebration?”
“I am. What’s going on?” Brady asked, his brow furrowing. Why was Blake bringing up the Evans Group now? It could cause problems if they found out Blake was his son.
“A close friend of mine wants to attend but doesn’t have an invitation. Can you help?” Blake asked plainly.
“How many invitations do you need?” Brady asked.
Blake looked at Bianca before responding, “Just one.”
In the past, he would have gone with her, but because of his current situation, that wasn’t possible anymore.
“Okay, I’ll keep you updated,” Brady agreed quickly.
“Thank you,” Blake replied, keeping his tone calm.
Just as he was about to hang up, Brady stopped him. “Wait.”
Blake paused. “What is it?”
“I need to remind you, or maybe more accurately, remind your friend,” Brady’s voice turned cold. “The celebration is the biggest event in Evans Group’s history. Don’t cause any trouble, or no one will be able to protect your friend.”
Blake stayed quiet for a moment before turning to Bianca and speaking softly. “I understand.”
He hung up the phone soon after.
“Did he agree to help?” Bianca asked, her voice full of hope as Blake put the phone down.
He nodded. “Yes, he agreed.”
“Wow! That’s amazing! I wasn’t sure he’d be a big help,” Bianca said, clearly excited.
Blake’s expression darkened slightly, and Bianca noticed it.
“Blake, what’s bothering you?” she asked, sensing a change in his mood.
He shook his head, brushing it off. “It’s nothing important, just thinking about his last words.”
“And what were those?” Bianca asked, watching him closely.
“He warned us not to cause any trouble there, or we might face serious consequences,” Blake said in a serious tone.
Bianca looked serious. She only planned to speak with the CEO at the event, not cause any trouble.
She glanced at Blake and gave him a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry, Blake. I won’t cause any problems.”
“Are you sure you should go by yourself?” Blake’s voice shook a little, his brows furrowed with concern. He wished he’d asked for two invitations so he could go with her and make sure she was safe.
He looked down at his legs, grimacing. Given his condition, how could he protect her?
He felt more like a burden than a help, and a deep sadness settled in his chest.
“I’ll be fine,” Bianca said, seeing the worry on his face. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder. “You know I don’t take risks and I can read the situation.”
Blake thought about what she said. She had always stayed calm under pressure and handled people well. Maybe he was overthinking things.
Blake pressed his lips together and stayed quiet.
“By the way…” Bianca suddenly remembered. “Next week is the final episode of Star Search. Do you… still want to take part?”
A deep sadness crossed Blake’s face. It had been so long since the accident that he had almost forgotten about the show.
He answered quietly, “With my condition, do you think I can still do it?”
Bianca sat beside him, her voice sincere. “Blake, don’t let this setback stop you. Many people have overcome physical challenges with their strength. If you’re willing, you can still be the star you were meant to be. I’m your agent, and I’ll help you every step of the way.”
Blake looked into Bianca’s eyes, filled with immense strength.
She had a special way of pulling him out of his darkest moments.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “I’ll do it. I won’t let you down.”
Bianca smiled back. “Not for me, but for yourself.”
But everything he did was for her… His lips parted slightly, but he held his words back.