With a bitter chuckle, Blake lowered his head, mocking himself.
Dave stood up, no longer paying attention to Blake.
Without a second thought, he turned and walked off the stage.
The audience had been fixated on Dave since he appeared, and their eyes followed him even after he left.
Not interested in their admiration, Dave walked out of the studio with a dignified air.
As he disappeared from view, Bianca felt a strange sense of loss she couldn’t quite understand. She turned to look at Blake and noticed his expression was off, looking gloomy.
Had Dave said something to him during the award ceremony? Bianca’s worry deepened.
The final episode of the talent show “Star Search” had just finished. Backstage, Bianca and Diana joined Blake, Reese, and Sophia.
“Everyone did a great job today! I’ll throw a party later. Let’s celebrate!” Bianca said excitedly.
“Yay!”
“Wonderful.”
Diana and Reese were excited, and Sophia, with a calm expression, was happy to be spending time with everyone.
Bianca looked at Blake, who was sitting in the wheelchair next to her. He should have been happy with his win, but since leaving the stage, he had been quiet, his eyes lowered.
“Blake, is something wrong?” Bianca asked, kneeling down beside him.
Blake seemed to snap out of his thoughts. He glanced up at Bianca, but she noticed the light in his eyes dim again.
“It’s nothing,” Blake mumbled, looking down once more.
Seeing his troubled expression, Bianca asked, “Did he say something harsh to you during the award ceremony?”
It was clear who she meant, and Blake understood.
His fingers trembled slightly, and he forced a smile. “No, I’m just surprised to find out your ex-boyfriend is the CEO of the Phoenix Alliance Group. You’ve never mentioned it.”
Just then, Sophia spoke up. “Yes, Bianca, why haven’t you said anything about this before? It was quite a shock.”
Bianca sighed, knowing she couldn’t keep it hidden any longer.
“I only found out he was the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group a few days ago, and we’ve broken up.”
Sophia’s jaw dropped. She hadn’t seen Bianca in a while because of work and was completely out of the loop.
“You broke up? What happened?” she asked quickly.
Diana, already upset, crossed her arms. “Why even ask? That so-called CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group is just a jerk! He’s all about money and has no morals! He used Bianca, hiding his true identity to take advantage of her. Now that it’s all out, he’s scared she’ll hold on to him! Don’t forget, he’s already got a fiancee!”
The room fell silent, shocked by the news.
No one knew what to say, and the air felt thick with awkward sympathy.
Feeling the pitying stares, Bianca suddenly burst into laughter, surprising everyone.
“You guys are totally wrong! He’s not the one who dumped me – I did!”
But her smile felt off, forced, and fragile.
“Bianca, there are plenty of good guys out there,” Reese said gently, and her eyes unknowingly drifting toward Blake.
“Exactly!” Diana added, giving Bianca a cheerful slap on the shoulder. “Tonight, we’re going out! We’ll find you some hotties to take your mind off things!”
Bianca forced a laugh, unaware of Blake’s sad expression beside her.
Just then, Brandon and Nicolas appeared, having overheard Diana’s comment. Brandon raised an eyebrow. “Well, Miss Schultz, you sure know how to spice things up.”
Diana rolled her eyes. “None of your business.”
Brandon smirked. “We’re old friends, right? Since we’re all here, how about we have some fun together?”
His suggestion lingered in the air, creating an uncomfortable silence.
A direct refusal seemed rude, especially since Brandon was close with Dave, and Bianca didn’t want to get involved with him.
As she hesitated, Nicolas, always the diplomat, spoke up. “I know a great club perfect for a night to remember.”
With his eagerness to go, saying no felt impossible.
Bianca pursed her lips. “I’m in, but it depends on everyone else’s thoughts.”
Diana hesitated, then said, “I… I don’t mind. With Nicolas there, it can’t be that bad, right?”
Sophia gave a soft smile. “Wherever you all go, I’m in.”
Reese, with no other choice, agreed. “Me too. I’m sticking with Bianca.”
Everyone looked at Blake. “What about you?” Reese asked.
He felt pressured by their stares.
Blake looked down, hiding his feelings. “Not tonight. I’m not feeling well.”
Bianca’s worry increased. She crouched down in front of him. “Blake, what’s wrong? Is your leg bothering you?”
The way he had struggled to stand earlier made her worry.
Blake shook his head, trying to calm her down. “Nothing serious, just a bit tired. I need some rest.”
Bianca understood. His body hadn’t fully healed yet. The competition must have worn him out. Rest was important.
“Next time, the meal’s on me,” she said with a sincere smile, her eyes lighting up.
Blake avoided looking at her, giving a small nod.
“Alright then, let’s get this party started!” Brandon shouted, full of excitement.
Nicolas gave Bianca a polite nod, but his eyes lingered on Sophia for a moment too long. “May I have your contact information? I’ll send the club’s address.”
“Sure,” Bianca replied.
After a quick exchange of contact details, Nicolas sent Bianca the address and then turned to the group. “See you all later!”
Bianca planned to take Blake to the hospital before attending the club Nicolas had mentioned.
But Blake insisted she shouldn’t worry.
“Don’t bother with me. The assistant can take me back. If you drive me to the hospital first, you’ll be late.”
“But…”
Even though he reassured her, Bianca couldn’t shake her worry.
Since Blake had left the stage, something about him felt off, though she couldn’t figure out what it was.
Seeing the situation, Reese stepped forward and offered, “Bianca, let me take him back. You’re the face of Emerald Artists Agency, and you can’t afford to be late. I’ll meet you at the club after I drop him off.”
Bianca felt relieved and looked at Reese with gratitude.
“Thank you, that’s a huge help.”
“My pleasure,” Reese said with a bright smile as she started pushing Blake’s wheelchair.
After helping Reese and Blake into the car, Bianca stepped out and waved them off.
“Take care on the road. Let me know when you get there.”
“Don’t worry!” Reese called back, her head sticking out of the car while Blake remained out of view.