Lucas’s surprise softened into approval. “You’re right. If he sees her true colors, he’ll end things on his own. That way, I won’t have to do anything.”
“I’ll take care of it,” the butler said respectfully before leaving the suite.
Lucas’s lips curved into a tight smile as he stared at the moon outside the window, his expression cold.
“Dave, one day you’ll understand why I had to do this,” he murmured.
At the same time, Dave opened the door to the deluxe suite and motioned politely for Bianca to enter.
Bianca pressed her lips together and walked past him, unable to shake the feeling of distance between them.
It was Bianca’s first time seeing a deluxe suite on the cruise, and she was stunned by its luxurious design.
The suite was huge.
She stepped through the glass doorway and entered a spacious living room.
A crystal vase on the coffee table held lilies, filling the air with their soft fragrance.
As Bianca explored, she noticed something unusual. The suite, despite its size, had only one bedroom.
“Why is there only one bedroom?” she mumbled.
“That’s just how this suite is,” a deep, smooth voice replied from behind her.
Startled, Bianca turned quickly and accidentally bumped into Dave’s chest.
Bianca instinctively stepped back, her eyes landing on the sofa in the living room.
Before she could say she would take the sofa, Dave quickly offered. “You take the bedroom. I’ll sleep on the sofa.”
“This is your room,” Bianca replied firmly. “I’ll take the sofa.”
Without waiting for a response, she headed toward it.
Dave caught her wrist gently from behind and let out a soft chuckle. “This is my room, so you’ll follow my rules.”
Before she could argue, he guided her toward the bedroom, leaving no room for objections.
Bianca resisted for a moment, but Dave spoke softly. “I can’t relax unless I’m out there keeping an eye on you. This isn’t my territory, after all.”
His words touched Bianca, and she stopped resisting, letting him guide her into the bedroom.
She sat on the edge of the bed, and Dave knelt in front of her, reaching to remove her high heels.
When her red, tired feet were exposed, she instinctively pulled them back.
Dave gently but firmly held her ankle, stopping her.
He stood, grabbed a pair of slippers from the bedside table, and returned.
Squatting down again, he carefully slipped the slippers onto her feet.
Watching his gentle actions, Bianca clenched her teeth, reminding herself that it could just be an act.
She told herself she wouldn’t fall for it again.
“Thanks,” she muttered softly.
Dave looked up at her, and when their eyes met, she quickly looked away.
“You must be exhausted from wearing those heels all day,” he said. “I’ll get you some warm water to soak your feet.”
“No, I’m fine,” Bianca replied quickly, grabbing her clothes. “You’re the CEO of the Phoenix Alliance Group. You shouldn’t be doing things like this. I can handle it myself.”
Hearing her words, Dave paused, turned back, and gently took her hand. He gave her a soft smile and said, “To you, I’ll always be the caring Dave.”
His words struck a chord, making Bianca clench her fists without realizing it.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the moment.
Dave frowned and said quietly to Bianca, “Wait here for a moment.”
Dave walked to the door and opened it. Standing there, wearing a mild smile, was his grandpa’s butler, Franklin.
“Sir,” Franklin said, “your grandpa has asked me to invite you to the cruise party.”
Dave’s eyes darkened. “I’m not interested. I just had an argument with him. My being there will only make things worse.”
Franklin’s smile didn’t waver as he glanced into the room. “Actually, he specifically asked for you to bring Miss Scott as well.”
Dave’s brow tightened in confusion. His grandpa had just tried to push them away, and now he personally invited them to the party.
What was his real motive?
“He was upset earlier and may have spoken harshly,” Franklin said calmly. “But he’s had time to reflect and now feels some remorse. He believes feelings shouldn’t be forced. Since you hold Miss Scott in high regard, he wants you to introduce her properly so he can see her virtues for himself and learn more about her.”
“Did he really say that?” Dave asked, his eyes looked sharp and skeptical.
Franklin nodded. “He is your grandfather. In the past, he thought you were too young and feared the wrong influences, so he was overly controlling. As for the missing girls, he didn’t harm them. He simply relocated them out of Edenfield and helped them settle in other cities. If you don’t believe me, I have records of their new locations here for you to verify.”
Dave’s dark eyes narrowed as he considered Franklin’s words. Was it possible Lucas had sent the girls away to protect him, not to hurt them?
Franklin looked directly into Dave’s eyes and continued thoughtfully. “Things are different now. Over the years, you’ve shown your capabilities, and your grandfather intended to entrust the Evans Group to you, believing in your judgment of people. He also believed Miss Larson was the right match for you. Though she didn’t come from a prominent family, he sent her abroad for training, hoping to prepare her to stand by your side. If he cared only about family status, why would he choose Skylar for you? Doesn’t that show he was trying to act in your best interest? Unfortunately, his way of showing affection led to misunderstandings. If you had spoken to him sooner about your feelings for Miss Scott or communicated more, perhaps things wouldn’t have escalated like this.”
Franklin’s tone was calm and firm, leaving no room for argument.
After leaving the asylum, Dave’s personality changed drastically. He became quiet, kept his distance from others, and adopted a cold attitude.
He threw himself into his studies, aiming to be seen as a scholar and leader.
Using his skills, he earned an important position in the Evans Group at a young age.
Later, he founded the Phoenix Alliance Group, dedicating all his energy to its success.
As a result, his interactions with Lucas became rare.
Despite appearing to be a close family, there was always a noticeable tension between Dave and Lucas.
“Your grandpa has led the Evans Group for many years,” Franklin said. “It’s taken a toll on him. He’s ready to step back. That’s what he meant.”
Dave’s face remained clouded with a frown, and he said nothing. Seeing this, Franklin sighed and continued, “To be honest, your grandpa carries a deep guilt about your parents, especially your mother. He once told me that he’d change certain decisions if he could turn back time. As people grow older, the desire for family harmony becomes stronger. Your grandpa always wished for peace among you and your uncles. But given the past, he knew it was impossible, and that only added to his guilt.”