Lucas had known Caleb for a long time. They grew up as friends and often competed. They knew each other well.
When Caleb spoke so directly, Lucas didn’t try to hide anything.
“Just like always. You see right through me. I did want to catch up. It’s been a while. But there’s something more. It’s not about you, though…”
Lucas looked at Reece, who sat beside Caleb.
Caleb turned to Reece, surprised. “About Reece?”
“Yes,” Lucas said with a small chuckle.
Reece looked up at him, squinting a little. But then his eyes moved to Skylar.
He sat up straight and asked carefully. “Mr. Evans, how can I help you today?”
Lucas sighed. “Here’s the thing. Dave is supposed to marry Skylar. But he’s seeing another woman and ignoring Skylar.”
“I’ve heard some talk about that,” Caleb said. “You’ve gone too easy on Dave. The woman he ends up with should be a good match. The ones he’s with now only care about money and status.”
“You’re right. The woman’s name is Bianca Scott. She runs a small agency. With Dave’s help, she’s gotten some attention in the industry. But at the Evans Group’s banquet, Dave embarrassed us. Now he wants to leave the company for her. I see him as the true heir. I won’t let him be swayed away by some random woman,” Lucas said firmly, gritting his teeth.
Caleb nodded. “You can’t just let that slide. But what does this have to do with Reece?”
Lucas looked at Reece and said dramatically. “I heard you’re working with Bianca as her lawyer. You’re handling her contract issues, right?”
Caleb turned to Reece, surprised. “Is that true?”
“Yeah,” Reece answered immediately.
“How can you defend someone like her?” Caleb shouted, pointing at Reece. He looked irritated and scary.
Lucas quickly interjected to defend Reece.
“Don’t be upset. This isn’t Reece’s fault. He’s a lawyer. It makes sense that he took the case. But Reece, you’ve worked with powerful people. Did you take Bianca’s case because of Dave?”
Reece frowned and his eyes landed on Skylar.
She gave him a secret nod.
He gave a slight smile in return and said to Lucas, “Yes, I took the case because of Dave.”
“Dave is just too much!” Caleb said, shocked by Reece’s words.
Lucas, however, didn’t look upset. He wore a gentle smile, lightly touching his teacup. “With that said, Reece, you understand what I’m asking from you now, right?”
Reece nodded slowly. He looked straight at Lucas. “You want me to make sure Bianca loses the case, don’t you?”
Lucas gave a pleased nod. “Exactly. But that’s not all.”
Reece frowned. Even Skylar looked surprised.
Lucas looked up again. His eyes were sharp and cold. “I want you to make sure she never gets back on her feet again.”
Lucas’s words made the dining room fall silent.
Reece’s eyes grew wide. Skylar looked surprised.
“You’re a lawyer. I’m sure you know how to get Bianca a criminal record,” Lucas said with a sly smile.
Reece paused. His voice was quiet. “Mr. Evans, are you telling me to set Bianca up?”
“Just as expected of Caleb’s grandson. You’re smart to understand what I want,” Lucas said with a satisfied look.
Reece frowned deeply. He had already agreed to help Skylar make Bianca lose the case, even though it went against his values.
At first, he thought making Bianca pay some money would be enough. But now, Lucas was asking for something that broke both the law and his morals. He felt torn.
Noticing Reece’s troubled face, Skylar spoke softly. “Reece, I get it. You’re a good lawyer and don’t want to go against what you believe in. But Bianca’s actions have put Dave’s future at risk. You’re close to him. You wouldn’t want her to ruin everything he’s worked for, right? And with how sneaky she’s been, she brought this on herself.”
Lucas nodded and looked at Reece. “Help me, and I’ll treat your family’s problems like my own. We also have a lot of projects ahead we can work on.”
Caleb narrowed his eyes. “Is she really worth all this hesitation? She’s from a lower class.”
“But…” Reece clenched his fists. His conscience was fighting with his loyalty.
Before Reece could respond, Caleb said loudly. “I’ve made the decision for Reece.”
“Grandpa!” Reece stood up, his voice full of shock. “You don’t have the right to choose for me!”
“I’m your grandfather. That alone gives me the right,” Caleb snapped. He was more annoyed that Reece was talking back in front of Lucas.
Reece’s face turned red as anger overwhelmed him. “I built my law firm without a cent from you! Everything I have, I earned myself. You didn’t care about my career when I needed support. But now that you need me, you think you can just boss me around?”
“Enough!” Caleb shouted, slamming his hand on the table. “Is this really the time to argue? Have you forgotten how to show respect?”
Realizing Lucas, the head of the Evans family, was watching, Reece held back his anger and sat down quietly.
The room was filled with heavy tension.
Lucas stayed calm, waiting for the Bartons to make their choice.
The Barton family had been slipping in the business world and wanted a partnership with the Evans Group. But Lucas had never shown interest before.
Now, with a golden chance in front of them, he was sure Caleb wouldn’t let it go.
Noticing the tension, Skylar smiled and said, “Reece, I know this is hard. Take some time to think about it and let us know later.”
“Skylar’s right. There’s no need to rush,” Lucas said. “We’re here to have a good time. Let’s not argue.”
Reece stayed silent and slowly sat back down. His heart felt heavy.
Caleb forced a smile to hide his anger. “You’re right, Lucas. Reece is just acting childish. I’ll deal with him at home.”
The talk then moved to business matters. No one brought up the issue again.
After dinner, Lucas looked at Skylar and smiled. “Skylar, I need to speak with Caleb in private. Please keep Reece company.”
“I will,” Skylar replied with a polite nod.
Lucas and Caleb went upstairs to the study and closed the door.
Skylar stayed behind with Reece in the dining room. With servants nearby, she talked cautiously.
She gave him a warm smile and said, “Reece, have you ever seen the estate? A walk might help after dinner.”
Reece felt his heart race and quickly said, “Sure.”
Skylar stood, gave a few instructions to the servants, and then guided Reece toward the garden.