Chapter 22: Dream On!

“Bianca, I used to think you had a good heart despite your stubbornness. But I never expected you to make up such a ridiculous lie for your own selfish reasons. You really disappoint me!”

Bianca smiled bitterly. She was even more disappointed than Peter.

“Dad, if Mom were here, she would’ve believed me.”

Peter’s anger erupted at the mention of his ex-wife, Madison. He pointed at Bianca and shouted, “Have you forgotten how your mother abandoned you? When we divorced, she took your brother with her. I’ve worked hard to provide for you all these years! Don’t you dare mention her to me! If you think I’m not good enough, go to your mother and see if she’ll take you in!”

To Peter, Madison had abandoned Bianca, and he was the one who raised her.

Despite their constant arguments, Peter loved Bianca deeply throughout the years. So, her ungrateful words hurt him deeply, as if she was saying he wasn’t as good as her mother, the one who had left her.

However, what Peter didn’t know was that before leaving, Madison had asked Bianca if she wanted to go with her. Bianca chose to stay with Peter because she didn’t want him to be too lonely.

Madison came from a wealthy family and had a successful career, so Bianca could have had a better life with her.

But Bianca chose to stay with Peter because she thought her mother wouldn’t be lonely with her brother around. She didn’t want her dad to be alone. So, she made a tough decision to stay with him.

After the divorce, Peter didn’t let her keep in touch with her mom, so Bianca cut ties with her completely.

As Peter’s company grew, he got busier. Then, when Stacey and her daughter joined the family, he had even less time for Bianca.

Now, her dad didn’t trust her. He even kicked her out of the house because of Stacey!

Bianca felt heartbroken.

She looked at her father coldly, feeling like he was a stranger.

Bianca took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

“Do you really want me to leave?”

“If you want to stay, then apologize to Stacey!”

Peter wanted to make Bianca give in, but he should’ve known better than to expect his stubborn daughter to back down.

Bianca raised her chin defiantly and sneered, “Dream on!”

As Bianca turned away from Peter, tears welled up in her eyes, but she didn’t regret her decision.

Seeing that she was serious about leaving, Peter was furious.

“You’re just as stubborn as your mother! Don’t even think about coming back here!”

Watching Bianca walk away without looking back, Peter slumped onto the sofa like a deflated balloon. But his clenched fists still shook with anger. “Why does my daughter have to be so ungrateful?”

Stacey sat next to him and gently patted his chest. “Shh, calm down, honey. Forget about Bianca; you still have your other daughter. Ashley is much more obedient than her. Speaking of Ashley, I heard that she just signed a contract with a reputable agency. Maybe she’ll become a big star someday. I’m sure she’ll make you proud.”

Peter sighed. Indeed, Ashley Scott had always been obedient and sensible, but she wasn’t his biological daughter. Peter reached out to touch Stacey’s belly, silently placing all his hopes on this unborn child.

Stacey seemed to understand Peter’s worries. She pouted sadly and whispered, “Peter, we all know the company hasn’t been doing well lately. Bianca got money from her mother and even got engaged to a rich man. But she’s not helping us through these tough times. Do you think she wants to leave because she sees us as a burden?”

Her words struck a nerve with Peter.

Seeing his reaction, Stacey continued, “If the company goes bankrupt, it’ll affect the baby from the start.”

Tears filled Stacey’s eyes once more.

Peter hugged Stacey tightly, trying to reassure her, but there was a hint of coldness in his eyes.

He couldn’t let his company fail. Bianca needed to step up and help with the family business, especially since she had received money and got engaged to a wealthy man. Plus, he believed he deserved a share of the property Bianca had received!

****

After leaving home for good, Bianca dried her tears and pushed aside her worries. She focused on school and her goals.

Soon after, she learned she was chosen as this year’s valedictorian. Excited, she quickly prepared a resume and applied to Phoenix Entertainment.

To her surprise, they replied promptly, inviting her for an interview.

Bianca’s excitement overshadowed her previous sadness.

On the day of the interview, she arrived at Phoenix Entertainment feeling optimistic and confident.

The office was in the busy downtown area, with a tall building that stood out. Bianca gazed up at it, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The glass door showed her reflection, and she noticed many people coming and going, adding to the bustling atmosphere. She was thrilled at the thought of possibly meeting a celebrity here.

After calming herself down, she confidently walked in and told the receptionist why she was there. The receptionist called someone and instructed her to wait outside the meeting room on the fifth floor.

Coincidentally, Justin saw Bianca as he stepped out of the VIP elevator. He immediately retreated back inside and made a call.

“Dave, Bianca is at Phoenix Entertainment!”

Dave furrowed his brows. “Why would she be there?”

“Looks like she’s dressed for an interview,” Justin replied.

A small smile formed on Dave’s lips.

So, Bianca was aiming for a job at Phoenix Entertainment.

Interesting.

Bianca left the meeting room around noon, wearing a bright smile. She felt great about how the interview went and was confident she’d get the job.

Bianca hurried out of the office building. Just as she passed through the glass doors, she bumped into someone she knew.

“Mr. Evans?” Bianca exclaimed in surprise.

Dave glanced at the resume she was holding.

“Are you here for an interview?”

“Yeah!” Bianca smiled proudly at him. “What about you?”

“I just happened to be in the area,” Dave replied mysteriously, falling into step with Bianca as they walked down the street. “How did the interview go?”

“They’ll let me know in a few days. If I don’t get in, I’ll be really disappointed!” Bianca sighed dramatically, placing the back of her hand on her forehead. She didn’t realize how comfortable she felt talking to Dave.

Dave pondered for a moment. “If you don’t get in, you can always try another company.”

“But you don’t understand! I’ve always dreamed of working at Phoenix Entertainment!” Bianca’s eyes sparkled with hope. “My mother used to work there as a top agent. I want to be just as successful as she was.”