Accidentally Slept With The Ruthless Billionaire

Chapter 590: This Isn’t Your Fault

Blake turned to Dave, his face calm but hard to read. “You know, I used to be an artist. Running a company was never part of the plan. But after taking over the Lawson Group, I saw how much people respected my father. I want to be like him, learn how to lead a company. I’ve heard about the recent stock issue with the Phoenix Alliance Group. Honestly, I’m really impressed.”

Blake’s calm and composed manner caught Bianca and Dave by surprise. Bianca had expected some tension between the two. But things turned out differently. It was clear that Blake had changed a lot over the past six months.

Dave looked at him without saying anything for a moment. Then he finally spoke. “The capital market is unpredictable. No one can fully control it.”

Blake nodded. “You’re right. My father believed too much in his own judgment. The pressure must’ve been overwhelming. In the end, no one else was to blame. He chose to carry that weight.”

As he spoke, his eyes briefly landed on Bianca before turning back to Dave.

“Mr. Evans,” Blake said plainly, “I won’t go in circles. The Lawson Group is in trouble. If there’s ever a chance, I hope you can help us.”

Dave's expression remained neutral.

“Of course… no problem.”

With a slight, unreadable smile, he slid his arm around Bianca’s waist and pulled her close. The move was subtle, but it made a clear statement: she was his. “Oh, and by the way,” he said casually, “Bianca and I are getting married soon. I hope you’ll come to the wedding.”

The moment provoked something in Blake, reminding him of the first time he saw Dave with Bianca. Dave had held her like this back then, too, proudly calling her his fiancée.

A wave of sadness hit Blake. His hands curled into fists, but his face didn’t show it.

“Of course, Mr. Evans. I’ll be there,” he replied. After a pause, he looked at Dave and said more quietly, “Mr. Evans, I owe you an apology. I said things I shouldn’t have. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Blake poured himself a drink, stood up, and raised his glass toward Dave.

“To you, Mr. Evans. I apologize for my thoughtless words.”

Dave didn’t move. He narrowed his eyes, observing Blake carefully. Something about the sudden change in tone didn’t sit right with him. It felt too smooth, too practiced. Until he understood what Blake was really up to, he wasn’t letting his guard down.

“I’m not feeling well and I’m on medication,” Dave said coldly. “I can’t drink.”

Blake paused for a second, clearly thrown off, but quickly recovered. “That’s okay,” he said with a stiff smile. “I’ll drink for both of us.”

He emptied the glass in one go and poured another. The liquor burned going down, stinging his chest. But instead of backing down, it seemed to clear his head. He felt awful inside, but on the outside, he stayed composed.

“Enough! This isn’t your fault.” Bianca reached out to stop him, but she was a second too late.

Blake finished his wine, gave them both a small smile, then turned and walked away.

“He… he really seems different now,” Bianca said quietly, watching him go. “He’s not as stubborn as he used to be.”

Dave nodded, but his eyes stayed sharp. “Maybe. But not everything is as it looks.”

Bianca, on the other hand, didn’t seem to share his doubts. “I think you’re overthinking it. Blake’s been through a lot. Of course, he’s changed. Sure, he used to be hot-headed, but he’s always meant well. Maybe he really does want to make things right… or maybe the Lawson Group is just in serious trouble.”

Dave looked at her, noticing the way she seemed deep in thought. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

“If the right project shows up, I’ll think about working with him.”

Bianca blinked, surprised. “You… you don’t mind?”

Dave grinned. "The past doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you’re with me now."

Bianca blushed at his sudden sweet words. She gave his chest a light punch. "You’re such a smooth talker!"

Dave took her hand and gently rubbed it between his palms. "I’m a businessman. In business, there are no real friends or enemies. It’s all about profit."

He had been surprised to find out that Blake was Brady’s illegitimate son, but he didn’t want to get involved in their family issues. He had already gotten justice for his aunt. As long as Blake behaved, Dave had no reason to cause problems.

By now, all the guests had arrived, except for the star of the night, Brenda McGee.

Blake asked everyone to wait while he went to get Brenda.

While they waited, Reese walked over to Bianca and Dave.

"Bianca, Mr. Evans, would you like a drink?"

She held out two glasses of wine for them.

Dave took one. He couldn’t say no to Reese. She was Bianca’s biggest star, and for Bianca’s sake, he had to accept.

They clinked their glasses and took a sip.

"Didn’t you take your medicine? How come you’re still drinking?" Bianca teased, a playful smirk on her face.

Dave raised an eyebrow. "Whether I take it or not depends on who’s making the toast."

"Oh? I smell jealousy. Who made you this bitter?" Bianca laughed.

Dave leaned closer and gently pinched her cheek. "You love teasing me, huh? I’ll get you back later!"

As they joked around, Blake came back, walking beside a stunning woman. The moment he saw Bianca and Dave laughing together, his face darkened.

There was no need to guess who the woman was. Her beauty and presence made it clear that she was the one everyone had been waiting for, Brenda McGee.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let’s raise our glasses to Ms. Brenda McGee. I’m sure tonight will be unforgettable.”

With Brenda’s arrival, the party hit its peak. After the performances, guests gathered around, toasting and chatting with her.

Dave and Bianca stayed seated in the back, silently watching everything.

But just when everyone thought Brenda would start greeting the people nearby, she surprised them. Instead of going to the closest guests, she headed straight for Reese.

Reese was caught off guard. For a moment, she looked flustered, trying to stay composed.

But then Brenda turned and spoke directly to Bianca, her voice clear and confident in a fluent Edenfield accent. "Are you Bianca Scott, the general manager of Emerald Artists Agency?"

The room fell silent in surprise.