Chapter 146 Make Sure He's Here
The situation had spiraled completely out of control. Getting Blair to apologize was impossible. That kind of humiliation would be worse than death for her.
Melissa lowered her gaze, panic flickering across her face. "That's not what I meant. I just thought you hadn't synced with everyone yet..."
"But didn't you just say my movements were flawless?" Bianca cut her off. "If my movements are flawless, and everyone else's are flawless, what exactly needs syncing?"
Melissa's face drained of color. She stood speechless under the angry stares of the team.
"Enough. Keep practicing!" Blair felt a tightness in her chest. She shot Melissa a furious glare. "You. Come with me."
She spun on her heel and strode away, her posture radiating barely contained rage.
Melissa hurried after her.
After rehearsal ended, the team members left one by one. Bianca stayed behind to pack up the props. As she rounded a corner in the hallway, she caught the sound of hushed voices.
A deep male voice carried unmistakable authority. "Melissa, the Anderson Group's sponsorship and attendance depend on you. The prestige of this anniversary hinges on whether Mr. Anderson shows up. You have to get him here."
Melissa's voice was strained. "I... I'll try my best."
"Not try. You will do it." The vice principal's tone hardened. "I've seen the forum posts. Given your relationship with Mr. Anderson, inviting him shouldn't be difficult. Besides, this is his alma mater."
"If you succeed, the school will allocate resources to you going forward. You understand what I'm saying."
Bianca leaned against the wall, her fingertips tracing the edge of the tea tray. A cold glint flickered in her eyes.
Melissa had gone to great lengths to use Blair's position as team leader to suppress her. Now she was trying to climb the ladder by latching onto Terrence. The calculation was almost impressive.
Bianca lowered her gaze and smiled. The coldness in her eyes sharpened into certainty.
Melissa didn't have the ability to get Terrence here. But she did.
If Melissa wanted to play this game, Bianca would give her a push.
She thought mockingly, 'Melissa, don't disappoint me when the time comes.'
Her finger hovered over a familiar number in her contacts. She pressed dial.
The line rang twice before a low, smooth voice cut through. No pleasantries, as if he'd been waiting for this call.
"Hello."
One word, but Bianca could hear the satisfaction in his tone.
She shook off the thought.
"Terrence," she said softly, her voice warm, laced with a hint of sweetness. "The school needs an outstanding alumni representative for the anniversary. I'd like to invite you."
Terrence raised an eyebrow. "So that's why you asked me last time? To invite me?"
Bianca paused, then smiled. "Of course. I'll be receiving guests. Don't you want to see me?"
"I do." His answer came without hesitation.
Her heart skipped. A smile tugged at her lips, her eyes crinkling with amusement.
"So, Terrence, will you accept my invitation?"
"It would be my honor."
The answer didn't surprise her, but it still made her smile widen.
"Just don't make it too obvious." Her voice was gentle, almost coaxing.
"Hmm?" His tone lifted. "Why not?"
"I don't want people at school to know about us." Bianca paused, then cleared her throat to sound more natural. "It's not that I don't want to go public. You know I want to finish my degree quickly. Your identity would bring unnecessary complications. I don't like dealing with headaches."
"Understood." His tone was flat, unreadable.
Bianca knew he cared about keeping their relationship private. She sighed and softened her voice. "Please, darling? You're the best man in the world."
A low, indulgent laugh came through the line. Terrence's mood had clearly improved.
"If I promised, I'll do it."
The call ended. Terrence turned and called for Barry.
"Push back next week's schedule. Cancel anything that can't be moved. Reserve time for Ravenswood University's anniversary. And don't breathe a word of this to anyone."
Barry nodded and left. The office fell silent again.
In front of the Anderson Group tower, Blair frowned at the towering building. She glanced at Melissa beside her.
"You're sure about this?"
"Blair, trust me. Once you meet Mr. Anderson, you can appeal to his emotions and reason. He won't refuse. You can also get closer to him." Melissa's tone was confident.
Blair crossed her arms, a smile playing on her lips. "You've been dying to get close to Terrence. Why aren't you going yourself?"
Her eyes narrowed, gaze lingering on Melissa's slightly nervous face.
"Blair, I've told you everything. With my status, how could I stand beside Mr. Anderson? Naturally, you're the one who belongs at his side."
Blair thought of everything Melissa had told her. She snorted. "You've got some nerve, playing everyone like fools. You're not afraid of dying, are you?"
Melissa lowered her eyes. "I'm just creating opportunities for you. I hope to serve you forever."
The vice principal's pressure and Blair's suspicion were suffocating. Melissa had no choice but to take this risk.
It was dangerous, but Blair ate up the flattery.
"Hmph." Blair looked her up and down. "You're not exactly pretty, but at least you're smart. Keeping you by my side isn't out of the question. I'll do what you said. Are you sure I'll actually see Mr. Anderson?"
"Of course." Melissa's face lit up with an ingratiating smile. "Ravenswood University is his alma mater. The vice principal already reached out. He won't refuse."
Melissa paused, then added, "Mr. Anderson doesn't like women who are too forward. Just act like you normally do."
"I'm nothing like those cheap women." Blair twisted her hips and strode into the building.
"Swipe me in. I need to see Mr. Anderson." She lifted her chin.
The receptionist smiled politely. "Hello, miss. Could you provide your phone number? I'll check your appointment."
"No appointment. Just swipe me in. Don't waste my time." Blair started toward the elevators.
The receptionist hurried out from behind the desk, blocking her path. "Miss, you can't enter without an appointment."
Blair glared at her, her perfectly made-up face radiating entitled arrogance. "Move. I have an arrangement with Mr. Anderson. We're discussing the anniversary collaboration."
The receptionist remained polite but firm, her hand still outstretched. "I'm sorry, miss. Without an appointment, you cannot proceed."
"Do you have any idea who I am?" Blair's voice rose, her finger nearly touching the receptionist's name tag. "If you delay Mr. Anderson's business, can you handle the consequences?"