Chapter Two- The escape

Bianca's pov

"Miss!"

My eyes fluttered open when I heard a voice, along with a firm grip on my shoulder that shook me awake. When I saw that it was Dean, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief which made my eyes water.

"Dean," I stood up from the ground, whilst aware of my own weak legs. "My grandfather…"

I looked behind Dean and saw the masses of helpers that were cleaning up the scene. My grandfather and the driver's body were now nowhere in sight.

"Unfortunately, the chairman passed away, as well as the driver. I'm sure you know that by now." Dean said sympathetically.

I nodded and averted my gaze to the ground.

Now that someone else was telling me what had happened, it made me feel weak and jelly inside, especially when I remembered how clearly my grandfather had protected me with his body when clearly I didn't deserve it. I was his grandchild! I was the one that was supposed to be agile and quick to save him, but I was useless, utterly useless!

I swallowed under the impending gaze of Dean, aware that he knew… everything.

Dean was quick witted as he had had to think on his feet working for the chairman. Standing under his scrutiny made me uncomfortable, almost ashamed.

"You know…" I started nervously, "The chairman died because he was protecting me."

"Yes," Dean said dryly, "He did choose you as his heir."

A tear rolled down my cheek before I could help it. "You know… I feel sorry towards him."

"Then prove it." With that, Dean walked past me and I couldn't tell if he was angry or being cordial with me.

"W-what do you mean?"

"The chairman died protecting you. In response, you have to carry on his will for you."

"His will…" I whispered.

"His will for you as the heir of his company."

I held back a sob. Although all these years I followed my grandfather everywhere because I had nothing good to do, taking over a company was too much for a reckless twenty-five year old.

"I don't know if I can." I shivered at the thought of me telling those ruthless fifty year olds what to do.

"It's not about if you can!" Dean snapped, causing me to flinch for the first time. "It's what you must do!"

He turned around to face me and I noted the redness in his eyes which made me shiver. 

"Bianca Marie Wilde. That would've been your name if not for that wretched douchebag of a son the chairman gave birth to. Not only is your stepfather an ungrateful dog that bites the hand that feeds him, he also killed your mother for the landed properties she owned. Doesn't someone like that deserve to be killed?"

My eyes chirped up at the language Dean used to address my stepfather. "Does that mean my stepfather is responsible for the accident?"

Dean's eyes darkened, "What else did you think?"

I crouched down, feeling my stomach gnaw at me from the inside.

It was all too much.

I hadn't fully been able to believe that he would go that far to kill my mother. My mother loved him very much but… it seemed it was all for naught because he never felt the same. The worst of all was that he'd tamper with his own father's car, all because he didn't like that I was to take over the company. If that wasn't evil, I didn't know what was.

"I…" Despite the gnawing feeling of dread and shiver running up and down my spine. I clenched my fists and stood to my feet. "I'll take revenge for my grandfather even if it's the last thing I do."

Dean looked at me with content.

I walked over to him while feeling adrenaline pulsing through my skin.

"What do I need to do, Dean? Teach me."

Dean's eyes were unmoving as his gaze peered into my soul. I stood without shame. What else was more shameful than me not being able to protect my grandfather? To redeem myself, I would sacrifice myself if I had to.

I stood there under his gaze for a good minute until he lifted his hand, and they landed on my right shoulder. For some reason, this simple gesture made me feel warm, something I didn't realize was missing in me.

"The… first thing you have to do," his hand shifted to my elbow and he kept his grip there. "I'm going to Italy."

I felt as though the earth underneath my feet was shaking and my knees buckled and I would have fell if not for Dean's strong grip keeping me up. "No!" I felt out of breath but I did not lower my guard.

I shifted and found my balance then I proceeded to slap Dean's hand away. I looked up to him and felt rage at his calm, relaxed expression.

"You're telling me to run away."

"I'm telling you to retreat for now and—"

"—That's the same thing as running away!" I screamed, but I didn't expect my tears to come rushing down like a hurricane.

As though I was a child, Dean placed both of his hands on my shoulders and I tried to brush him off with a shrug but his grip was too firm. 

"Child," 

Reluctantly, I looked up to face him with my tear-stained face.

"We're not retreating." His voice was as calm as his face. "Right now, we're no match for the enemy. Only by chance did I find out what he did, but without evidence, all is fruitless and your life will constantly be put in danger."

"Does that mean you have no evidence that my step-grandfather is responsible for grandpa's death?"

"Yes."

There was silence for a little while until he said, "If we fake your death, the enemy's guard will loosen and he'll reveal his cards. Only then can we counteract and weaken him by reintroducing you to the company."

I bowed my head. I hated to admit it but Dean had a point.

I heard his smirk but then I followed with my eyes where he was pointing only to see a long-haired woman who was dressed in a black suit and her hair tied in a ponytail. She had her head bowed towards me. I hadn't noticed her before.

"Meet Leah, your temporary bodyguard. She'll escort you to Italy according to my arrangements." 

"It's a pleasure to serve you, Miss." She lifted her head and I was met with her siren blue gaze.

Dean brought out a file from the side of his wide black jacket and handed it to me. I confusedly grabbed the file.

"Apart from going to Italy to regroup and recover, I have another task for you to handle."

"What Is that?" I asked as I opened the file.

"You have to get married to one of the eligible bachelors on the list."