Chapter 448: What Should He Do?

Dave put on his suit jacket, signaling the end of the conversation. As he walked past Michael, Michael shouted after him, "We're rich and powerful! Why can't we make people stay with us? Just like in business, we do whatever is necessary to get what we want!"

Dave gave no reply. He merely snorted and exited the room.

"I don't believe you can really give up on Bianca unless you don't love her anymore!" Michael yelled angrily, his voice echoing after Dave.

Dave paused at the door, a faint smile on his lips. "Michael, you don't understand love at all."

Michael collapsed into the chair, coming to terms with the painful truth. How could he possibly understand?

His father was rarely ever home, always traveling for work. Eventually, Michael learned that his father spent most of his time with a mistress, while his mother controlled every aspect of his life.

He had neither freedom nor leisure. His destiny was to be molded until he could inherit the Hayes Group and become its leader.

The routine dulled and numbed him. Sophia’s arrival was the only bright spot in his otherwise dreary existence.

He longed to break free, to escape with Sophia to a peaceful place far away.

But the more he rebelled, the more Sophia suffered for it. So, he began seeing others to distract his mother. Still, he realized that he loved no one but Sophia.

Michael buried his face in his hands, overcome with confusion. What should he do?

****

Madison was finally ready to leave the hospital, and Bianca and Leonel took her home.

Although she had recovered a great deal, the doctor insisted on home rest. Yet Madison was already thinking of returning to work. Fortunately, Bianca persuaded her to take a few more days to rest.

"Mom, did you know that Cherish sponsored 'Star Search'?" Bianca asked, handing Madison a glass of water.

Madison nodded. "Yes."

"Then why didn't you tell me?" Bianca’s lips pressed together in frustration.

"It was Mr. Evans's decision. He wanted to keep it quiet so competitors wouldn’t catch on and try to sabotage things later. I promised him I’d keep it confidential," Madison explained.

Bianca frowned, growing more dissatisfied. "Come on, I’m your daughter. Why keep secrets from me? Please, limit your dealings with him. He’s too powerful—we can’t risk offending him!"

Madison laughed at her daughter’s concern. "He’s my boss now. I can’t exactly avoid him. But don’t worry, I always keep work and personal life separate. I trust he does the same."

Bianca looked at her mother with suspicion. "Why have you softened so much toward him? Is it because he’s the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group?"

"Not entirely," Madison answered, taking a sip of water. "Honestly, after working closely with him for a few days, I see that he’s a very capable and insightful leader. And importantly, he doesn’t act superior. He’s not at all what I expected."

“And…” Madison paused, glancing at Bianca, debating whether to mention that Dave’s sponsorship of 'Star Search' was really meant to help Bianca.

He believed that Bianca had talent enough to win first place, so he arranged for Phoenix Entertainment to offer her an S-level contract, hoping this would help make her company successful.

“And what?” Bianca asked casually as she straightened her mother’s clothes.

Madison hesitated, then let out a soft sigh. No matter how Dave felt about Bianca, she knew they weren’t meant to be, especially since Bianca was engaged to Blake.

So, Madison simply shook her head. “Nothing.”

When Bianca didn’t press further, Madison breathed a sigh of relief. Remembering something, she added, “By the way, Bianc, I haven’t seen Blake lately. Now that I’m out of the hospital, why not invite him for dinner? I do miss him a little.”

Bianca stopped straightening the clothes, her fingers clenching slightly.

Madison didn’t know that Blake had injured his leg.

Since she’d been hospitalized, Madison hadn’t kept up with entertainment news.

After some thought, Bianca realized she couldn’t keep the truth from her mother forever. Sooner or later, she’d have to tell her.

Setting aside what she was holding, Bianca walked to the bed and sat beside her mother. She bit her lip and said with care, “Mom, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Hearing her daughter’s serious tone, Madison grew anxious. She stood up, intent on listening to every word.

Bianca then recounted everything—how Blake had a car accident while saving her, and explained his current condition.

Madison was stunned by what she heard.

“How could this happen…”

Blake was Everleigh’s only son, and in saving her daughter, he had suffered so much and become disabled. Thinking of this, Madison felt a wave of guilt and deep sympathy for Everleigh.

“Bianc,” Madison suddenly took Bianca’s hand and looked her squarely in the eyes. “It pains me to see Blake like this. You must never feel disgust for him.”

“No, Mom. Never. Blake did it for me. No matter what, I’d never feel disgust for him. I’ll support him and stay by his side until he recovers,” Bianca said firmly.

Madison felt relieved by her daughter’s words. She nodded. “I’m glad to hear it. Let’s find a time soon to finalize your engagement.”

“What?” Bianca, startled by her mother’s sudden statement, stood up from the bed.

Madison frowned at her. “I’m saying you should get engaged. Didn’t you just say you wouldn’t dislike him and would stay by his side? If you’re engaged, I won’t worry about your marriage. Then we can pick a good date for the wedding.”

“No…” Bianca couldn’t find the right words.

“Mom, you misunderstood. I said I’d support Blake until he’s recovered. I owe him that much, but I never agreed to an engagement or marriage!”

Madison’s face turned stern, her eyes narrowing. “Bianc, what’s wrong with Blake? He risked his life for you! Why wouldn’t you want to marry him?”

“Well, that’s different!” Bianca replied anxiously. She struggled to explain clearly—these conversations always seemed to lead to arguments.

“Bianc,” Madison paused, then asked, “Do you still have feelings for Dave?”

Bianca was taken aback.

Her eyes shifted and she replied determinedly, “Of course not! I’m done with him. That’s over.”

“I don’t understand. If you have no feelings for him, and Blake’s disability isn’t a problem for you, why can’t you accept him? Bianc, I have good instincts for these matters. You could be happy with Blake. With your support, maybe his recovery will be even faster, right?”