Dave’s smile faded slightly. “Don’t worry about the cost. It’s nothing for me.” He cleared his throat. “Look at it this way-you’re a boss now. Having a car that matches your role makes sense. I know you’re not into fancy stuff, but in business, image matters…” His voice drifted off.
Bianca knew he had a point. In their world, how things looked was important.
She didn’t want him to spend too much before she fully adjusted to this new life, but she understood where he was coming from.
To him, buying a car was probably no big deal.
The reason she hadn’t gotten one herself wasn’t about money. She just felt out of practice since getting her license back in college.
And work had been so busy that she never had the time to go car shopping or get behind the wheel.
Still, Bianca liked to save. No matter how rich Dave was, she didn’t believe in wasting money.
If she ever got a car, it would be something useful and simple.
The sleek Bugatti stopped in front of her office just as the morning crowd grew. Her company was right in the middle of the busy business area, and the rare car quickly caught everyone’s eye.
People turned to look and their faces were full of surprise.
“Whoa, that’s a Bugatti! That thing’s gotta be worth at least ten million!”
“Who’s inside? Some VIP?”
A group of women nearby fixed their hair and straightened their clothes as they stared at the car.
“Do I look good today?”
“Maybe he’ll notice me!”
“What if he chooses me?”
Working in a busy business district made it easy for people to dream about marrying rich. The women nearby didn’t want to miss their chance to see who owned the fancy car.
Bianca wasn’t paying much attention. She waved goodbye to Dave. Just as she reached for the door, his deep voice stopped her. “Wait.”
“Huh?” Bianca tilted her head, puzzled.
Dave smiled again. He pointed to his cheek.
Bianca’s cheeks turned red. She bit her lip, leaned in, and gave him a quick kiss.
“There you go.” She pouted.
Dave’s eyes lit up with joy. He gently touched her cheek, his voice low and warm. “Can I see you tonight?”
“Maybe,” Bianca said with a small blink. “Depends…”
Dave’s smile widened. “Then call me, okay?”
Bianca nodded with a soft smile. She gave him one last wave, then stepped out of the car.
Dave drove off, and Bianca watched him go before turning toward the building.
Right away, fingers pointed at her. Whispers followed.
A group of women in designer outfits looked at her with cold eyes.
“Why is it always her?” one of them muttered.
“Wouldn’t be shocked if it’s another sugar daddy,” another said.
“People in showbiz rarely have self-respect. She’s probably with some married guy,” someone added.
“Probably. How else could a small company like hers sign so many rising stars?”
Bianca was already known from past TV shows and online events. The moment she stepped out of Dave’s car, people recognized her.
She was used to the gossip. Without giving them a second glance, she walked straight to the building.
Inside the General Manager’s Office at Orion Entertainment, Yosef was buzzing with excitement as he looked through Shelly’s online numbers.
“This is huge, Natalie! Thanks to you, Shelly’s outshining Reese! Her fans are going wild!”
Natalie lounged on the couch with a smug smile. “Told you. Stick to my plan, and Emerald Artists Agency won’t last long. We’re going to crush Bianca and her artists for good.”
Yosef gave Natalie a thankful nod. “This time, it’s all thanks to you for getting Reese’s aunt and uncle-in-law to cause trouble. Just make sure they don’t figure out it was you.”
“Don’t worry,” Natalie said. “I’ve already paid off all of Reese’s relatives. As long as they stick to the same story, she won’t be able to fight back. And I still have one more trick ready.” She crossed her arms with confidence.
“Let’s hope that’s enough,” Yosef said, giving her a worried look.
“But your last idea-leaking that video from the Evans banquet-didn’t work as we planned. Ever since people found out Bianca is the Phoenix Alliance Group CEO’s secret girlfriend, a lot of partners want to work with her. Instead of hurting her, the Emerald Artists Agency actually gained more support.”
Natalie’s smile faded. That part still bothered her.
Natalie had thought the video would ruin Skylar and drag Bianca into a wave of public hate. She believed it would destroy Bianca’s image and even hurt the Phoenix Alliance Group.
She was sure Dave and Bianca had already broken up. If the Phoenix Alliance Group tried to explain their relationship now, mixed with the drama around Reese, it could crush Emerald Artists Agency.
It seemed like the perfect plan to take down both.
But things didn’t go how she expected. The Phoenix Alliance Group stayed silent. They didn’t explain anything or try to stop the trending posts. They just let it all grow.
Online, opinions about Bianca were mixed.
To Natalie’s surprise, many people supported her. She couldn’t understand why. Bianca was just an agent, yet fans were strongly on her side.
Natalie felt jealous, but she kept a calm and uncaring look.
With a playful smile, she turned to Yosef. “Dave and Bianca aren’t together anymore. If he still cared, the Phoenix Alliance Group would’ve intervened. He would’ve stopped the rumors. Why let her get attacked online?”
“That’s true,” Yosef said. “But the Phoenix Alliance Group staying silent also shows quiet support. That’s why Bianca’s partners haven’t left her.” He had been in the business world long enough to know how people think. Something didn’t feel right.
Natalie smirked and walked behind Yosef. She started rubbing his shoulders. “That’s fine. The higher they go, the harder they fall.”
Yosef raised an eyebrow, curious. “Oh? What are you planning?”
Natalie laughed softly and leaned in, her voice quiet and full of secrets. “I heard Bianca’s seeing another rich guy. Just think what’ll happen if that gets out. What will her partners do? And how will the public react?”
Yosef’s eyes lit up. “Natalie, are you sure about this?”
Natalie gave a sharp snort, full of confidence. “We’ll know soon. I’ve already hired a private detective to look into it. We should get proof any day now.”
Yosef clapped his hands, barely hiding his excitement. “Perfect! If it’s true, it could ruin her company. All we have to do is expose it and enjoy the show.”