Soon, the ship docked, and the celebration ended.
As Skylar was leaving, she ran into Natalie. Natalie’s look was cold and full of contempt. “Oh, look who’s crossing my path. Isn’t you the future Mrs. Evans? Where’s your fiance? Oh, right, he left you for Bianca!”
Natalie’s laugh was full of mockery.
Since learning that Skylar was Dave’s fiancee, Natalie had felt a deep hatred for her.
Skylar knew Natalie had feelings for Dave. This was just another insult.
Holding back her anger, Skylar replied, “At least I have Lucas Evans’s approval! Unlike some people, who are just actresses trying to get into the Evans family. It’s pathetic!”
Natalie’s face turned red out of rage.
Skylar had always acted sweet and calm in front of her.
Seeing Skylar act this way only made Natalie hate her more.
“And who was making a fool of themselves last night? Stop pretending! You’re nothing but dumped garbage by Dave!” Natalie snapped before storming off in her high heels.
Skylar clenched her fists. Even an actress had the nerve to mock her now.
This was all Bianca’s fault!
She wouldn’t let Bianca get away with it.
As the crowd left, Bianca followed Dave off the ship.
She felt a wave of relief as she touched onto solid ground. She looked at Dave. His strong features caught her attention, yet he seemed far away, both familiar and strange.
He wasn’t the same Dave she once knew. Now, he held the power and coldness of a Evans family heir.
They were in completely different worlds.
Still in a daze, Bianca finally realized she was standing in front of his rare Bugatti car.
She had ridden in it once before when Dave had said it was his boss’ car. The powerful, mysterious boss he mentioned turned out to be himself.
The irony made Bianca smile bitterly.
“Get in,” Dave said, stepping forward to open the door for her. His eyes softened when they met hers.
Bianca hesitated. She didn’t want to ride with him, but he had warned her several times to stay close. His grandfather’s men were around, waiting for a chance to strike.
Bianca decided to leave the area first and figure things out later.
Pressing her lips together, she slid into the car and sat in the far back seat to keep some distance from Dave.
Dave noticed but said nothing. He just asked, “Where to?”
“To the hospital to see my mom,” Bianca replied.
Dave nodded. “I’ll tag along.”
Bianca was surprised by Dave’s words. “No need. You’re busy. I can manage on my own.”
Dave glanced at her before looking away. “I’m free today. I need to talk to your mother about Cherish.”
Bianca’s heart tightened. So, this was about work. If that was the case, she couldn’t say no.
Cherish had been bought by Phoenix Alliance Group and was now one of its brands.
Sooner or later, her mother would have to talk to Dave.
“Alright,” Bianca agreed, turning to look out the car window. The tension in the air was thick.
Soon, they stood at the door to Madison’s hospital room.
Bianca paused and glanced at Dave. “My mom just woke up. She can’t handle too much stress. About us…”
“Don’t worry. I know how to handle it,” Dave said, his calm voice cutting through the tension.
Bianca had intended to say more but couldn’t find the right words. She nodded and pushed the door open.
Leonel was sitting by the bed, peeling an apple for Madison.
When he heard the sound, he turned and saw Bianca and Dave.
His eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly stood.
“Leonel, I’m back,” Bianca said softly.
Leonel glanced at Dave with suspicion and asked in a cold tone. “What’s he doing here?”
Madison, who had been resting, slowly opened her eyes at the noise and turned her head toward Bianca.
When she saw Dave, her eyes widened in surprise.
“He’s here to see Mom,” Bianca explained gently, feeling unsure of how to explain the whirlwind of events from the past few days.
“But why?” Leonel glared at Dave, then looked at Bianca. “Didn’t you two break up? What’s going on? Are you back together? Don’t even think about asking for our blessing!”
His dislike for Dave had always existed. He felt relieved when Bianca told him they had broken up.
Seeing them together again made him angry. He couldn’t understand why his sister liked him so much.
“Leonel, it’s not what you think. We really did break up.”
Bianca paused, biting her lip.
“He needs to talk to Mom about some other things.”
“What could a useless man like him possibly have to discuss?” Leonel sneered.
“Leonel!” Bianca’s voice rose, trying to stop him.
She wanted to tell him Dave’s true identity, but she was afraid it would only make her brother angrier and cause more conflict.
In desperation, she turned to her mother for help.
Snapping out of shock, Madison sat up in bed and tugged on Leonel’s sleeve. “Leonel, I need to speak with him alone. You and Bianc should step out for a moment.”
“Why?” Leonel was surprised, staring at Madison in disbelief. “What could you possibly need to talk about with him?”
“Leonel! Are you ignoring my order now?”
Madison’s sharp words cut through the air, making Leonel’s blood boil.
He shot Dave one last angry look before storming out of the room.
Bianca hesitated, glancing between Dave and Madison. “Mom, I’ll be outside. Call me if you need anything,” she said.
Madison gave a quick nod, and after a moment of uncertainty, Bianca turned and left the room.
Now, it was just Dave and Madison.
Dave walked toward Madison with confidence, his face showing concern. “Ms. Lopez, how are you feeling? Any discomfort?” he asked cautiously.
Madison looked up at him, a slight smile on her lips. “No need for the formalities with me. Please, have a seat, Dave Evans, the big boss.”
Dave’s face showed a flicker of surprise, but he sat down next to her.
“It seems you already know who I am,” Dave said in a firm tone and his face was unreadable.
Madison replied with the same calm tone, her words carefully chosen. “The youngest heir of the Evans family, CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group. Tell me, why did you hide your true identity to get close to Bianc? She’s just an ordinary woman. How could she ever be worthy of someone like you?”
Her words carried a protective, maternal tone.