Chapter 564: It’s A Deal

Dave let out a small smile. With so many businesses to manage including Phoenix Alliance Group, taking care of Evans Group was just another part of the job.

“If my top shareholder makes a request, I have no choice but to keep her happy,” he said in a smooth voice. “I’ll be there in an hour.”

Bianca grinned. “I’ll be waiting.”

After the call, she looked out the window at the city lights. There was a silent hope in her heart.

The only thing still between her and Dave was the promise she had made to Blake.

But Bianca believed it was just a matter of time. Once Blake came back, everything would fall into place.

Diana was overjoyed when she got to the office that afternoon. She couldn’t stop praising Bianca and Dave. After buying shares in Phoenix Alliance Group, the price had shot up, and now she was a rich woman.

“Thank you, Diana,” Bianca said as she held her hand. She knew Diana had taken big risks for her, like using her villa as collateral for a loan. Bianca felt deeply grateful, even if she couldn’t find the right words to say it.

“No need to thank me! I’ll stand by you for life, and even after that,” Diana said with a bright smile.

Having a friend like Diana made everything worth it for Bianca.

Later, when Bianca asked about the extra work Diana had taken on with Brandon, she expected some complaints. But Diana didn’t say a word about being tired. She just smiled and said she’d take care of everything.

It seemed like Brandon had managed to win Diana over, but Bianca wasn’t sure how far things had gone between them.

While waiting for Dave, Bianca’s phone rang. It was Leonel. He had meant to call her earlier, but he’d been busy with a project these past few days.

“Bianca, Phoenix Alliance Group’s stock price has been hitting the limit for three days straight! Did you still hold your shares?”

Bianca had actually planned to sell her stocks first, then call Leonel to surprise him. But he beat her to it and called her instead.

“Yes, I still have them. Or are you telling me it’s time to sell?” Bianca asked.

“No! Absolutely not!” Leonel replied right away. “Phoenix Alliance Group is doing really well right now. Everything’s going in its favor.”

Bianca raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? You sound pretty confident about the company now. That’s interesting… considering how you used to talk down both Phoenix Alliance Group and Dave. What do you have to say about that?”

Hearing Bianca’s words, Leonel quickly tried to explain. “I wasn’t sure about things back then. I was just worried you might get hurt. I may not fully trust him, but I’ve always trusted you. That’s why I offered you everything I had.”

“Oh, really?” Bianca asked, slightly teasing him.

“I mean it,” Leonel said quickly. “I’ve been out of your life for so long. I haven’t done much for you. But if you ever needed money, I’d help without thinking twice.”

Leonel had always felt like he owed her. After a short pause, he added with a hint of admiration, “I have to admit, I didn’t realize how capable my future brother-in-law is.”

“Brother-in-law?” Bianca repeated.

Bianca was caught off guard for a moment. It was the first time Leonel had called Dave that.

Leonel cleared his throat. “Yes, I meant Dave.”

Bianca laughed. She could tell her brother had finally accepted him. Whatever tension had existed between them seemed to be gone now.

She smiled. “Alright, alright. I believe you.”

Then she thought about what Dave had told her. “He said this is just the beginning and warned me not to sell too early. I trust him. I was thinking about selling some shares, but then I thought, why let go when things are just getting good? So, I’m holding on for now.”

“Handle it however you think is best,” Leonel said kindly. “If you or Dave ever need anything, just call me.”

Though, truthfully, it didn’t seem like Dave would ever need his help.

Bianca’s tone softened. “Thank you, Leonel. I really mean it.”

Leonel wasn’t used to hearing that from her. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. She was his sister, after all. Even if they didn’t always see eye to eye, he had always trusted her. Now, seeing how capable Dave was, Leonel found himself finally seeing things the way Bianca did.

He cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed. “Why are you thanking me? We’re family. You don’t have to be formal with me. Helping you… it’s just what I’m supposed to do.”

He meant every word.

On the other end of the line, Bianca smiled warmly.

Not knowing how happy she looked, Leonel went on sincerely, “This whole thing has shown me just how sharp your instincts are. You read people way better than I do.”

Bianca hadn’t expected him to say that. She felt a little lighter hearing his words. Since Leonel seemed to be on a roll with the compliments, she figured she’d let him keep going, and maybe even get him to say a few nice things about Dave too.

It felt like the distance between them had finally closed. Their conversation shifted to more cheerful topics, mostly family talk. Leonel joked that if Bianca ended up making a fortune from the stocks, she better not forget her big brother, especially since the recent profits had already beat his entire year’s salary.

Bianca laughed. “I’ll remember, brother. Once I sell the stocks, I’ll split the profits between you and mom.”

“My sister’s success makes me proud,” Leonel said with a laugh. “And I didn’t expect Dave to be this capable. Looks like you’re going to be the CEO’s wife. I guess I need to stay on your good side now.”

“And how exactly do you plan to do that?” Bianca asked with a playful tone.

“Maybe I’ll treat you to a nice dinner?” Leonel offered, thinking that was the best he could do.

A good meal could be just as tempting as any sweet promise.

"One dinner isn’t enough," Bianca said with a grin, seizing the chance to ask for more.

“Then you can have as many as you want!” Leonel laughed, playing along like the doting brother he was. “No problem at all!”

“It’s a deal!”

“Absolutely!”

Just as their call was wrapping up, Bianca got up to clear the table. Her phone rang again.

This time, it was her mom, Madison.

“What is it, Mom?” she asked, answering the call.

“Bianca, did your brother just call you?”