Chapter 018

18.

“What the heck are you saying, Bianca? We're here trying to find a way of increasing our stock, and you have the guts to tell me to sign a contract worth millions with the Millers?” Mr. Sullivan snapped at Bianca, who went on her knees immediately.

“Father, please, you can use them as part of your investment. Their company is on the verge of bankruptcy, and I am sure they will work hard if you give them this contract. They can in turn help in boosting the company's sales as well.”

“You are doing this because of the love you have for that man. I can't let that happen. Do you think it's that easy?”

“I understand what you're saying, Father,” Bianca replied, her voice trembling. “But I assure you, this is a sound business decision. The Millers' company may be struggling, but they have a loyal customer base and a strong brand. With our investment, they can turn things around and become a valuable asset to our company. And as for Nathan, I know you may think I'm biased, but I promise you, my feelings for him have nothing to do with this proposal. I'm thinking about the future of our company, not my personal relationships.”

Mr. Sullivan scowled, his face red with anger. “You're just like your mother, always thinking with your heart instead of your head. I can't trust you to make rational decisions. Get out of my sight, Bianca. You're no longer welcome in this office.”

Bianca's eyes welled up with tears as she slowly got up from her knees. If her father wasn't going to listen, she knew the ultimate way to make him surrender. He hated to see her cry, and she was more than ready to show him just how much tears she was willing to shed so he could help Nathan.

She wasn't going to lose Nathan this way. She must fight to keep him, and so she burst into tears, causing Mr. Sullivan's eyes to widen.

“Bianca, stop that right now!” he ordered, but her cries only got louder. Well, what did he expect from a spoiled heiress?

“Father please, just this once. Help me please, we can't let Nathan's company go bankrupt just like that. I already explained everything to you, but you're hurting me by acting this way.” she let out a shrill cry, tears streaming down her face in torrents.

“Bianca, don't make me call security. I'll forget you are my daughter and call them to kick you out if you don't stop what you're doing right now.” he thundered.

But Bianca refused to give up. She fell to her knees, her body shaking with sobs. “Father, please. I know I've made mistakes in the past, but this time I'm thinking clearly. Nathan's company is a sound investment, and with our help, he can turn things around. Please, Father, have a heart.” she held his leg, her tears dropping on his shoes.

Her father's expression softened slightly at the sight of his daughter's tears, but he quickly regained his composure. “Bianca, stop being dramatic and get out of my office,” he said sternly.

But Bianca continued to plead, her voice hoarse from crying. “Father, please. Just this once. Help me help Nathan. I promise I'll make it worth your while. I'll do anything, just please, Father, grant me this one wish.”

Mr. Sullivan sighed, his expression weary. “Bianca, you're pushing me too hard. I'm not made of stone, you know.”

Bianca saw a glimmer of hope and pressed on. “I know you're not, Father. That's why I'm begging you. Please have mercy on Nathan. He's a good man, and he doesn't deserve to lose everything.”

Mr. Sullivan rubbed his temples, his face pale. “Fine, Bianca. I'll grant you your wish. But if this turns out to be a mistake, you'll be the one who'll suffer the consequences.”

Bianca's tears stopped, and she looked up at her father with a radiant smile. “Thank you, Father. I promise you won't regret this. Nathan will make it worth your while, I swear.”

Her father nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “I hope so, Bianca. For your sake, I hope so.”

****

Later that night…

Bianca drove to Nathan's house, her heart racing with excitement. She couldn't wait to share the news with him. As she walked into the house, she was greeted by Nathan's mother, Laylani, and his little brother, Lucas.

“Hey, Bianca! What brings you here today?” Laylani asked, smiling.

“Just wanted to drop by and see Nathan,” Bianca replied, trying to contain her enthusiasm.

Nathan walked into the room, a curious expression on his face. “Hey, what's up? You look like you're in a good mood. What's going on?”

Bianca grinned mischievously. “Guess.”

Nathan thought for a moment. “Ummm, did you get a designer bag that's out of this world like the last time?” he blinked at her.

Bianca shook her head, her smile growing wider. “Nope, guess again.”

Nathan furrowed his brow. “Hmm… Has your father finally fixed the day you will be announced as the CEO of his company?”

Bianca chuckled. “No, it's much better than that.”

Nathan's eyes narrowed. “I give up. What's going on?”

Bianca waved the contract paper in the air, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “My father is ready to work with you, Nathan! He's agreed to invest in your company!” she exclaimed.

The room fell silent, and then erupted into cheers and hugs. Laylani and Lucas congratulated Bianca and Nathan, beaming with pride.

Nathan's face lit up with a radiant smile. “Are you kidding me right now? Are you for real?” he asked, and she nodded, smiling. “Like, you're for real, Bianca? This isn't a joke, right?”

“No, it's not,” Bianca chuckled. “Your company finally has the opportunity to bounce back.”

Nathan couldn't contain his joy as he pecked her cheek and lifted her off the ground. Laylani tapped Lucas, and they walked away, leaving the two to celebrate.

Nathan couldn't believe Bianca was able to convince her father for his sake. When he finally dropped her, she wrapped her hand around his neck.

“Now that the matter with your company has been taken care of, when are you going to propose to me?” she asked and Nathan's countenance changed.