Chapter 574: Peter’s Rage

Reese hid her feelings and answered calmly. “Bianca’s been really busy, but I heard she made a lot of money from Phoenix Alliance Group’s stocks. All the actors at Emerald Artists Agency are working hard now.”

Blake’s face darkened as he listened.

Not long ago, a stranger had come to see him. The man said he was a close friend of his father and told Blake the truth about what happened to Brady. This made Blake hate Dave even more. To him, Phoenix Alliance Group’s success felt like it was built on his father’s suffering and the fall of Lawson Group.

Trying to stay calm, Blake asked, “Does Bianca have any plans with everything she’s working on?”

Reese lowered her voice. “Bianca told us to keep it a secret.”

“Are you planning to keep it from me?” Blake asked softly.

Hearing his gentle voice, Reese felt her heart race.

“Then…” she hesitated. “I’ll tell you, but you have to promise to keep it secret.”

Blake smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

He hadn’t expected to hear such big news from Reese. In six months, Universal Pictures would team up with a major agency in Edenfield to prepare for their next blockbuster movie.

“Then you need to work even harder,” Blake said, adding a few words to remind Reese to take care of herself.

“Blake, are you really leaving the entertainment industry for good?” Reese asked softly. She waited for his answer.

Blake nodded. “Yes. I’m done with that life,” he said simply. “I like music, but I never cared about being famous. And when I come back, I’ll have more important things to deal with.”

Reese grew curious. “What important things?”

“I’m feeling a little tired, Reese,” Blake said, smoothly changing the topic.

“Then rest,” Reese said softly.

“Thank you,” Blake replied kindly. He ended the call before she could ask anything more.

His gentle but distant tone always left Reese feeling unsure of where she stood with him.

After the call ended, Blake’s eyes turned cold.

This time, Brady’s old friend had given him more than just information; he had also delivered a will. Blake didn’t have Dave’s power yet, but he was still the second-largest shareholder in the group, thanks to the shares Brady had left him. The yearly dividends alone were enough to let him live comfortably for the rest of his life.

But Blake’s desire grew stronger with each day. His hatred had taken root, and it only ran deeper.

“Dave Evans...” Blake muttered through clenched teeth, his eyes burning with determination. He pushed himself harder in his rehabilitation training, focused on just one goal.

He had to come back. He had to take back everything that belonged to him.

Including Bianca; the woman he couldn’t forget.

At the same time, back at Emerald Artists Agency, Bianca felt exhausted. She was swamped with people coming in all day, hoping to discuss new projects. Diana had left early that morning to meet with contacts and hadn’t come back yet, leaving Bianca to handle everything by herself.

Reese had missed her chance to join the theatrical movie. So, Bianca decided to let her gain experience through online movies and short dramas instead.

The short drama market had been growing fast for the past two years. Many new actors became famous through it. Once they got noticed by industry professionals, they received more opportunities.

Short dramas had another advantage; the filming usually finished in just one or two weeks. This would help Reese build her screen presence, gain fans, and grow her reputation quickly. Universal Pictures also looked at an agency’s influence and its actors’ popularity when choosing partners.

Edenfield’s film and television industry was huge, offering many chances. If Reese became popular, it would help Emerald Artists Agency stand out and improve their chances of working with Universal Pictures.

“Should I ask Dave about this?” Bianca wondered for a moment. In the end, she chose not to call him.

Dave’s schedule was full, and he couldn’t avoid doing interviews. As Phoenix Alliance Group became more popular, his workload kept growing.

Rumors said things at Phoenix Alliance Group were even crazier than at Bianca’s company. People lined up outside, hoping to meet Dave, with the line supposedly stretching two blocks. Of course, that was an exaggeration.

Bianca hadn’t seen Dave for several days. She couldn’t help but admit that she missed him.

As if they were connected somehow, Dave called her. “Bianca, I won’t make it back today. I have a client's dinner.”

Bianca pouted. “You said the same thing yesterday.”

“I’ll make it up to you soon.” Dave paused, realizing how busy he had been the past couple of days. He barely had time to call Bianca, and when he did, their talks were short.

“No need. I have a client dinner too,” Bianca said honestly. “You’re not the only one who’s busy.”

Dave chuckled. “Alright, my busy girl.” But he didn’t hang up. He stayed on the line.

After a while, Bianca asked quietly, “Why haven’t you hung up yet?”

“I just want to hear your voice a little longer,” Dave said in a warm voice filled with love.

“You miss me, don’t you?” Bianca asked, smiling. “Why not just say it? No need to be shy.”

Dave cleared his throat. “There are people around.”

Bianca laughed, imagining him trying to confess in front of others.

“Alright, go back to work. And... I miss you too,” she said softly before hanging up.

After the call, Dave looked at the secret guard standing in front of him, his expression turning cold. “What is it?” he asked.

He remembered that this guard had been assigned to watch Bianca’s stepmother in prison.

The guard stepped forward and handed him a document. The report said that Stacey had gone into premature labor while in prison.

Dave’s face darkened. He frowned, clearly worried.

****

Edenfield’s ninth prison sat between the mountains and the sea. Three sides faced the water, with mountains blocking the fourth. No one had ever escaped. The only way in or out was through the main gate.

Bianca’s father, Peter, hurried to the prison like he always did. He visited nearly every day and usually stayed at a hotel nearby.

He was waiting for Stacey to give birth. But instead of good news, he heard something that crushed him. Stacey gave birth too early. The baby was born dead.

Peter collapsed right there in the prison. The doctor could only offer his sympathy.

“Mr. Scott, even if Stacey had given birth at the best hospital in the city, the result would have been the same.”

“Nonsense! This is your fault! How could our baby be stillborn? How could this happen?” Peter shouted.

But before he could say more, the guards moved to escort him out.