Chapter 394: Will You Forgive Me?
These words struck a chord with Dave. He had a deep resentment toward his grandfather for allowing Rupert to scatter his mother’s ashes.
It was a wound that refused to heal.
He often wondered if his grandfather had ever felt regret or guilt.
Even a small sign of remorse would have brought Dave some comfort.
But over the years, the incident was never mentioned.
To Dave, Lucas seemed like a man who made decisions without regret, as if every choice from the past was justified.
Now, hearing Franklin’s words, a sharp pain pierced Dave’s heart just as it had started to mend. He began to question if he had misjudged his grandfather.
Could it be that he had been wrong all along? Did his grandfather truly feel guilt, regret, and a sense of debt toward his parents?
Was his grandpa truly capable of setting aside his pride and accepting Bianca?
Dave glanced back toward the bedroom, and his eyes lingered in silence.
After a moment, he turned to Franklin, his expression softer.
“Okay. I understand,” he said quietly in a gentle tone.
When Dave finally agreed, Franklin sighed in relief, satisfied that his efforts had worked. He left the suite quietly.
As the door closed, Bianca stepped out of the bedroom. Dave looked into her eyes and asked, “Bianc, would you like to go to the party with me?”
Knowing she might have overheard his conversation with Franklin, he decided to address it immediately.
Bianca fidgeted with her fingers, staying silent.
Dave walked up to her. In a gentle voice, he said, “I promised to introduce you to my grandpa in a better way. I didn’t think it would happen tonight. Can we try again? Let me do it properly this time. Is that okay?”
His words were careful, showing how much he valued her feelings. He didn’t want to hurt her any more than he already had.
Bianca looked up at him, her emotions swirling. She had always wanted to be a part of his world and meet his family, especially the grandpa he often mentioned.
She had longed for his grandpa’s approval. But now, faced with the opportunity, she felt unsure.
She was painfully aware of the vast gap between her life and Dave’s world. She had never sought to marry into wealth.
What she cherished was their simple life together—grocery shopping, lounging on the couch watching TV, dreaming about their future, and riding the bus, where she could lean her head on his shoulder and enjoy the ordinary yet comforting moments.
She had never been drawn to the distinguished heir of the Evans Group.
Everything happening now felt like a dream, distant and unreal.
Deep down, she felt reluctant.
She might have tried to walk away if they weren’t confined to the cruise. But there was no escape here.
“Is it necessary?” Bianca asked, her voice carrying a hint of bitter self-mockery.
Her words hit Dave like a dagger.
He licked his dry lips and said, “I have nowhere else to be, and I don’t feel right leaving you alone. If you don’t want to go, I’ll stay.”
As he reached for his phone to call Zane, Bianca stopped him.
“I’ll go,” she said softly.
She didn’t want her presence to destroy Dave’s relationship with his grandfather. Being stuck in the same suite with him already left her feeling uneasy.
In a larger group, it would be easier for her to hide her emotions.
Dave’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly masked it and murmured, “Okay.”
He glanced at Bianca in her pink dress and said, “Let’s change your outfit.”
The reason was obvious. Her dress had caused a scene earlier because it matched Skylar’s. A change was needed.
Bianca silently nodded her agreement.
On the top deck of the cruise ship, the open-air pool sparkled under the bright, colorful lights.
After the banquet, guests were invited to a high-end party on the deck.
Women in bikinis swayed to the booming music, bringing a lively energy to the quiet sea.
Servers in tuxedos moved gracefully through the crowd, connecting the outdoor deck to the luxurious indoor hall.
Guests mingled and toasted, surrounded by the grandeur of the event.
Lucas’s arrival heightened the excitement. The crowd, holding champagne glasses, quickly gathered around him.
He took a glass from a server and raised it for a toast.
Soon after, his expression returned to the calm, reserved look of an experienced leader.
As the party continued, the hall doors suddenly swung open.
All eyes turned to the newcomers, drawing everyone’s attention as the crowd stepped aside.
Bianca wore a diamond-studded black gown that sparkled under the lights. Her hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders, and her bold yet elegant makeup highlighted her natural beauty.
She carried herself with charm and dignity. With her arm linked through Dave’s, they walked toward Lucas.
The atmosphere shifted.
Soft murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“Why does Bianca seem like a better match for Dave than Skylar?”
“I agree. That dress is stunning. She’s outshining everyone here.”
“The two of them arriving like this... are we about to see some drama?”
“Grandpa.”
Dave greeted Lucas as they reached him, then guided Bianca closer. With a serious tone, he introduced her. “Bianc, this is my grandpa Lucas. Grandpa, this is Bianca, the woman I’ve always admired.”
Lucas chuckled softly, his eyes studying Bianca. Her transformation surprised him.
She looked just as stunning as Skylar, far from the simple woman he had expected.
He thought she might seem overwhelmed by the lavish surroundings, but instead, she carried herself with grace and confidence, which caught him off guard.
While the crowd waited for some drama, Lucas smiled faintly. He took Bianca’s gloved hand in his and gently patted it.
“No wonder Dave is so taken with you,” Lucas said. “You’re not only beautiful but gracious as well.”
The sudden change in his tone left the crowd exchanging surprised glances.
Everyone stared in shock, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Did something happen while they weren’t paying attention that made Lucas suddenly accept Bianca?
His attitude toward her seemed to change in an instant.
Bianca prepared herself for harsh words from Lucas. To her surprise, he greeted her warmly.
He was nothing like the man who had tried to throw her out of the banquet hall just moments ago.
She didn’t know what to say and simply nodded with a polite smile.
Lucas hid the contempt in his eyes, putting on a kind and gentle expression as he looked Bianca over and gave a fake nod of approval.
“Can I call you Bianca? I acted rashly earlier and misunderstood everything. It’s all Dave’s fault. I’ve always told him to introduce me to any woman he’s serious about. But he didn’t say a word about you. Instead, he kept it a secret, which pushed me to arrange things with Skylar. Will you forgive me?”