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make sure you get the best manager to guide you.
He began listing names of prominent. industry professionals, each more. prestigious than the last. Bianca‘ s eyes widened with each mention–these were top–tier managers she had only read about in magazines.
Elliott chimed in confidently, “You don’t need to worry about funding. I‘ 11 personally invest in your projects.”
Stephen, the second of her brothers, added with a mischievous grin, “I know a few directors. If you‘ re interested, I can ask them about scripts where you’d fit as the lead.”
Bianca’s gaze darted between her family members, overwhelmed by their unreserved support. Her heart swelled with emotion and despite herself, a laugh escaped through her tears. “You‘ re all so serious about this,” she said, her voice trembling. “I don‘ t even know if I’m
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ready yet.”
Milena reached out, brushing a lock of hair behind Bianca’s ear. “Aubree, we re your family. Whatever you want to do, we ll support you.
In that moment, Bianca felt the weight of years of loneliness lift from her shoulders. For so long, she had believed her dreams were foolish. Now, surrounded by people who loved her unconditionally, she allowed herself to hope again.
After much encouragement, Bianca agreed to return to the Stanton estate with them and take the first steps toward reclaiming. her dreams.
On the day of her departure from Ridgeview, Bianca stood outside her quaint home, saying her final goodbyes to the place that had been her refuge. The crisp mountain air carried a bittersweet chill. mirroring her mixed emotions.
Nathan stood nearby, his hands clasped
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loosely in front of him. His calm demeanor was unchanged, but there was a faint softness in his expression as he looked at her.
Bianca smiled warmly. “Thank you for everything. Mr. Lawson, My family told me how much you helped uncover the truth. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
Nathan gave a slight shake of his head, his voice steady but kind. “There’s no need for repayment. You re Elisa’s best friend and helping you was the right thing to do.”
Bianca tilted her head thoughtfully. “Even so, I owe you a meal at the very least. Next time we meet, let me treat you.”
Nathan slips curved into a faint smile.
“I’II hold you to that.
They exchanged a quiet nod and Bianca turned to join her family. As she stepped into the car, Nathan remained where he stood, watching as the vehicle disappeared
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down the winding road. The cool mountain breeze tousled his hair, but he didn’t
move. For the first time in a long while, his stoic expression softened with genuine
contentment.
Though their paths diverged here, Nathan knew she was heading toward the happiness she deserved.
In Hillcrest, the Stanton estate buzzed with activity as preparations for a grand banquet were underway. The celebration would serve as Bianca‘ formal introduction to society as the Stantons” long–lost daughter.
The sprawling estate was breathtaking–an architectural masterpiece surrounded by manicured gardens and glittering fountains. Bianca felt both awe and trepidation as she descended the grand staircase on the evening of the event. Her elegant gown flowed around her like liquid. gold and the gentle hum of conversation in the ballroom halted as all eyes turned
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toward her.
Among the guests was Peter, a distant
relative of the Stantons and Erick’s closest friend. When his gaze landed on Bianca, he froze, his glass of champagne trembling in his hand. He blinked several times, unsure if his eyes were deceiving him.
It couldn’t be, he thought. Bianca was supposed to be dead.
Overwhelmed by the resemblance, Peter discreetly snapped a photo of her and sent it to Erick. The image went unnoticed by the lively crowd around him, but to Peter, it was a seismic moment. He waited
anxiously for a response, but hours passed without one.
The next morning, Erick stirred awake in a haze, the clinking of empty bottles around him amplifying his pounding headache. His phone buzzed incessantly on the nightstand, dragging him out of his stupor.
When he saw the photo Peter had sent,
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Erick’s eyes widened in disbelief. His heart began to race as he stared at the image, his breath catching. It was her- Bianca.
He fumbled to call Peter, his voice frantic.
“Where did you see her? Tell me!”
Peter hesitated, unsure if he should reveal too much. “I’m not entirely certain it s her,” he said cautiously.
“It’s her!” Erick s voice cracked with desperation. He stumbled to his feet, kicking aside the empty bottles that littered the floor. “I d recognize her anywhere. Where is she?”
Peter reluctantly explained that he had
seen her at the Stantons
banquet the
previous evening.
Erick didn’t wait for further explanation.
The moment he heard the word
“Stanton, he grabbed his keys and bolted out the door, his mind racing with questions.
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intervention, but she remained silent, her posture stiff as she stood by the car.
Gritting his teeth. Erick clenched his fists. The realization that Blanca was now part of a family far more influential than the Wests only fueled his determination. Ignoring the bodyguards warnings, he moved to push past them.
What followed was a swift and brutal scuffle. Erick, once a formidable figure in his prime, was no match for the bodyguards. His body, weakened by years of excessive drinking and neglect. faltered under their calculated strikes. In mere moments, they had him pinned to the ground. his cheek pressed against the cold gravel.
“Let go of me!” Erick roared, struggling against their hold.
Meanwhile. Biance stood unmoving, her face a mask of calm indifference. After ä moments hesitation, she straightened her shoulders and turned away from Erick.
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Chanter 20
Without sparing him a second glance, she stepped into the waiting car.
As the engine roared to life. Erick shouted again. his voice raw and hoarse.
“Bianca!”
His cry seemed to hang in the air, but it was Bianca s pause that made it resonate. She turned her head slightly, her gaze finally meeting his. The sight of him- disheveled, desperate and utterly defeated -struck her with a pang of emotion she quickly buried.
“My name isn‘ t Bianca,” she said coolly, her tone carrying an unmistakable finality.
“It’s Aubree.”
The words sliced through Erick like a blade. He watched, helpless, as the car pulled away, taking her further from his grasp.
The bodyguards released Erick once Bianca was gone, but his respite was short–lived.
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Chapter 20
Three men approached from the shadows, their movements purposeful and menacing. Erick barely had time to react before they descended on him, fists. landing with brutal precision.
Pain exploded across his ribs and jaw, the force of the blows sending him sprawling onto the ground. His vision blurred as he tried to shield himself, but the attackers showed no mercy.
“Pathetic,” came a cold, disdainful voice. Martin Stanton stood a few feet away, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. “If this is all you ve got, you re even more worthless than 1 thought.”
Erick tried to rise, but Martin’s foot landed on his chest, pinning him down, “Listen closely, West. If you ever come near my sister again, I’ll make sure you lose more than just your pride. Consider this your only warning.”
With a sharp gesture, Martin ordered hist
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