Chapter 211

Chapter 211
But she still didn’t forget to remind Bianca, “That’s why you need to strike while the iron’s hot–lock things down with him before someone else swoops in and ruins your chances!”
“That won’t happen. Seth truly cares about me,” Bianca replied.
“Oh, sweetheart, feelings change in the blink of an eye! Can you guarantee he’ll always be this devoted? Trust me, I know men better than you do. You need to find a way to secure him for good! Don’t let it end up like it did with Dylan–you wasted seven years of your life on that one.”
Bianca immediately straightened up, her tone serious. “I understand.”
“You need to put in more effort. And if the situation calls for it, don’t be afraid to use a little strategy. Playing coy doesn’t always work. Take a page out of my book.”
Yvonne kept her voice low, not wanting anyone else to overhear.
Bianca bit her lip, saying nothing. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ
Being mother and daughter, Yvonne instantly understood that look. Her brow furrowed. “You two still haven’t made any real progress, have you?”
“…Seth respects me,” Bianca managed, almost defensively.
Yvonne’s expression darkened. “Respect? Between a man and a woman? I went to great lengths to give you a push, and you’re telling me nothing’s happened?”
By “great lengths,” Yvonne meant she’d deliberately set fire to their house, giving Bianca no choice but to move in with Seth.
But today was Bianca’s big day, so Yvonne decided to hold her tongue.
“Don’t drag your feet. Time’s running out.”
“I know.”
Once Bianca’s parents arrived, the celebration officially began.
The emcee took the stage, and Jude couldn’t help but marvel again at Seth’s generosity–even the host was a well–known local TV anchor.
Healy’s seat was right next to Jude, but the ceremony had already started and he still hadn’t shown.
Jude quickly dialed Healy’s number.
To his frustration, not only did Healy not answer, he actually declined the call.
What on earth is that kid up to?
Jude tried again, only for the call to be cut off even faster.
While the emcee was explaining the evening’s schedule, Bianca came over to Jude’s table to check in.
“Dylan’s still not here?”
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17:37
“Yeah, where is he?” Jude was even more anxious than she was.
“I’ll try calling him.”
Jude dialed Dylan’s number.
He got cut off, too.
Jude stared at his phone, bewildered. “What’s going on? Why is everyone ignoring my calls tonight?”
Bianca glanced at the two empty seats at the main table, a strange expression flickering across her
face.
Right then, Seth put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Get ready–it’s your turn to go up.”
The uncertainty in Bianca’s heart settled as soon as she heard Seth’s voice.
It didn’t matter if Dylan didn’t show up.
It didn’t matter if Healy left at the last minute.
She still had Seth.
Seth was all she needed.
As the emcee worked the crowd to a fever pitch, Bianca stepped onto the stage to deliver her speech.
Flashbulbs went off like fireworks.
Looking out at the bustling crowd, whatever lingering resentment she felt melted away, replaced by overwhelming pride.
This–this was a triumph Noreen could only dream of.
Bianca accepted the microphone with composure, radiating the confidence of a winner as she thanked friends, family, and the media for coming to celebrate SkyMind’s success.
At events like this, it was customary to share a story, to tug at the heartstrings.
Bianca spoke about all the obstacles she’d overcome to make the project a reality–implying, intentionally or not, that the credit was hers alone.
Yet, in truth, she’d only ever been an investor.
When it came time to present the project’s achievements, the emcee suddenly chimed in, “Director Lowell, your good friend Mr. Jude has popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate. Why don’t we toast and reminisce about SkyMind’s journey?”
Everyone agreed it was a great idea, and Bianca was more than happy to go along.
17.27