Bianca braced herself for the worst silently.
Dave’s cold eyes darkened, and a faint frown appeared on his face. The silence in the hall was suffocating as everyone waited, holding their breath for his decision.
“Dave, why are you hesitating? Isn’t inheriting the Evans Group what you’ve always wanted?” Skylar asked, her eyes flicking toward Bianca as she noticed Dave’s unreadable expression.
With a sigh, Skylar bit her lip, then gathered her courage. She took Lucas’s arm and said, “Mr. Evans, if Dave and Miss Scott truly love each other, I’m willing to step aside. Please don’t pressure him anymore. I am not worthy of the dress you chose for me.”
As Skylar moved to take off the dress, Lucas quickly stopped her, his face stern. He signaled for the butler, who stepped forward with a document.
It was a share transfer agreement, something Lucas had prepared in advance.
Lucas had carefully prepared the agreement ahead of time. He had planned to hand it over to Dave during the announcement of his marriage to Skylar later that evening.
The document bore Lucas’s official seal.
With a sharp motion, Lucas threw the agreement in front of Dave. His voice was firm as he gave an ultimatum. “Sign this, and the Evans Group is yours. Dave, don’t let me down.”
Rupert stepped in quickly. “Dad, this decision is too hasty. Can’t we talk about it after the event?”
“Shut up!” Lucas snapped at him.
Lucas’s reprimand was harsh and unyielding. The situation had reached a breaking point.
If Dave didn’t take a clear stand, Lucas believed his reputation would be tarnished, and both he and the Evans Group would become laughingstocks in the business world.
Lucas had never imagined Dave would choose Bianca. He had removed every obstacle, paving the way for Dave to inherit the Evans Group. All he needed was for Dave to declare his intentions publicly.
But Dave stood still, staring at the share transfer agreement he had once dreamed of. He made no move to take it.
The guests exchanged bewildered looks, their confusion growing.
Why wasn’t Dave grabbing the opportunity? What was holding him back?
As murmurs filled the room, Dave finally reached out and picked up the share transfer agreement.
Whispers spread through the crowd again.
“See? I told you he wouldn’t refuse.”
“She’s just a nobody. How could she ever compare to the Evans Group? There are so many other women out there.”
“It’s settled, then. Time to move on from this drama, I guess.”
Skylar’s lips curved into a sly smile as the whispers reached her. Dave had finally let go of Bianca.
In her mind, her victory was clear. She would marry Dave, and Bianca would be nothing more than a fleeting mistake, a pawn thrown away after use. Bianca could never challenge her again. Skylar felt secure, lost in her illusion of a perfect future.
Lucas let out a satisfied sigh, his expression softening. “Dave,” he said, “I knew you wouldn’t let me down…”
His words stopped abruptly as Dave, eyes tightly shut, whispered, “Grandpa, I’m sorry.”
Lucas’s eyes snapped to Dave, disbelief and confusion filling his face.
Skylar was stunned, and her eyes widened in disbelief.
“Dave, what are you doing?” she asked sharply.
When Dave opened his eyes, they shone firmly.
He grabbed the share agreement and, in one swift motion, tore it apart. The pieces floated to the ground like falling snow.
The room fell silent. Everyone stared, frozen, as the shocking scene unfolded.
Dave walked toward Bianca and stopped in front of her. He reached out, his hand gently brushing against her face, drawn to the faint tremble in her delicate features.
A soft chuckle escaped from his lips as he spoke in that familiar, deep voice that had always sent shivers down her spine. “Bianc,” he murmured, “as long as my heart beats, I’ll always protect you.”
He then took her hand gently, holding it as if it were something precious. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I lied before. But my love for you has always been real.”
Bianca’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at him, her thoughts spinning. “But when you ended things,” she said, her voice shaky, “you told me you didn’t love me anymore.”
Dave let out another soft chuckle. “I’m sorry for that, too,” he admitted. “I guess I lied again. I must be a terrible man.”
He looked deeply into her eyes, his voice soft and heavy with raw emotion as he spoke to her. “So… will you…?” He trailed off and his words was filled with deep meaning. “Will you trust me again?”
“I…” Bianca hesitated, doubt gripping her heart. She hadn’t expected this.
Dave had chosen her. But why? He had lied and played with her feelings for so long. Was this just another cruel trick?
Her mind went blank for a moment. She felt lost, overwhelmed by confusion.
Could she trust him again? A part of her wanted to believe, but the pain from his past betrayals still lingered. Yet, here he was, giving up the Evans empire for her.
Her thoughts spun, torn between hope and fear, unsure of what to believe.
The room buzzed with heated whispers.
Sitting in the back, Natalie stared in shock, her mouth hanging open.
Skylar’s face twisted with disbelief; she staggered backward and barely kept her balance.
Dave’s decision was unimaginable.
How could he? How dare he?
Skylar, always the picture of grace and elegance, felt her polished image shatter. Grief consumed her.
Dave had chosen Bianca over power and wealth. He had given up the Evans Group to protect her.
Her dream of becoming his wife was destroyed. She felt like nothing more than a shadow next to Bianca.
Anger bubbled inside her as she struggled to understand his decision.
She, the one who had saved him as a child, endured so much pain for him and molded herself into the perfect woman Lucas admired-all for Dave.
How could Bianca surpass her?
Skylar’s composure was gone, and she stumbled forward and grabbed Dave’s arm. Tears filled her voice as she cried, “Dave, you’re lying! How could you choose her? All you ever wanted was the Evans Group, wasn’t it?”
Dave’s eyes turned cold as he stared at her. With a firm movement, he pushed her hand away.
“Dave Evans! You promised me!” Skylar’s voice cracked with tears as she clenched her fists. “I saved your life! You swore you’d grant me one wish! All I ever wanted was to be your wife!”