Chapter 21: Between the Lines

Bianca adjusted her tailored blazer and smoothed out her slacks. The high ceilings and polished marble floors of Schuyler Enterprises made her feel both intimidated and excited. She glanced around nervously, her black pumps clicking softly.

"Sorry about all the excitement. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I invited you to the office," Ken said, his voice warm but tired.

"No need to apologize," Bianca replied with a small smile. "Besides, it's been kind of... thrilling to see you in action. I like the way you look out for other people first. Not a lot of businessmen would do the same."

"You're definitely right about that," Ken said, a hint of humor in his tone. He cleared his throat and smiled. "It seems you're quite the hit around the office already."

"I am?" Bianca gasped, stopping in her tracks.

Ken chuckled, turning to face her. "Everyone is curious about you. I blame Henry. Well, that, and the fact I've been so busy I haven't had the chance to give you a proper tour myself. But I booked the labs for this afternoon, so we'll have them all to ourselves."

"Really? That's amazing! Thank you!" Bianca's eyes lit up, her earlier nerves melting away.

"You're very welcome," Ken said, his lips curling into a mischievous grin. "Although..."

"What?" Bianca tilted her head, returning his playful look.

"I'm an impatient man, Bianca. I'm not sure I can wait that long to get you alone."

"What do you have in mind?" Bianca asked, a teasing edge in her voice.

"We could have lunch together, away from the prying eyes of my employees. Honestly, after the morning I've had, I could really use the break. What do you say?"

"Let's go," Bianca said, her joy evident in her bright smile.

---

It wasn't long before they were strolling along the High Line, the elevated urban park offering breathtaking views of the city. The sun was low but warm, casting a golden glow over the surrounding buildings. Leafless trees and art installations lined the path, and the air was crisp but refreshing.

"What about here?" Bianca asked, pointing to a quiet corner with a small wooden bench framed by tall grasses swaying in the breeze.

"Perfect," Ken said, smiling.

They sat down, and Bianca opened the large picnic basket Ken had brought along. Her eyes widened as she took in the contents.

"Are you telling me they managed to whip all of this up after a quick text? There's enough food here for ten people!" Bianca said, pulling out containers of neatly arranged Greek appetizers.

Ken held up a tray of spanakopita, golden and flaky, along with a bowl of creamy tzatziki. "I admit, I planned ahead a little. But really, all the chef did was pack what they were serving in the cafeteria into a basket instead of trays for my office."

"You eat like this every day?" Bianca gasped, dipping a piece of warm pita bread into the tzatziki.

"One of the perks of the job," Ken said with a grin.

Bianca took a bite, her eyes closing as the tangy yogurt, fresh herbs, and garlic danced on her tongue. "Mmmm. My compliments to the chef."

Ken chuckled, reaching for an olive. "So, first impressions. What do you think of Schuyler Enterprises?"

"It seems like a great place to work," Bianca said honestly. "The people are friendly, and everyone seems excited about what they do. Plus, if this is the food they serve daily, it's a dream job." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "I could see myself working here someday... assuming things aren't too complicated between us."

Ken set down his plate and placed a warm hand over hers. "Bianca, you'd be a great fit here. And the last thing I want is to be a complication for your career."

Bianca's chest tightened at his sincerity. "Thank you. It's nice to hear you say that."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the view. From their spot, they could see the Hudson River stretching out, the sunlight reflecting off its surface. Though there were a few other visitors walking along the path, the park felt serene, almost as if it were just the two of them.

---

Ken broke the silence first, his voice softer. "I hope it didn't bother you too much to see me get tense in the Milan meeting earlier."

"Not at all," Bianca said quickly. "This company is your baby. Sometimes tough love is necessary. Actually... I admire your strength and control. You handled that crisis so well."

Ken laughed, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I don't always handle things so well. Especially when it comes to you."

Bianca blinked, caught off guard. "Me?"

Ken's gaze softened. "Every time my control slips, you're the one who ends up taking the brunt of it. That's not fair to you."

Bianca's throat tightened, and she swallowed hard. "I understand. I help you... release pressure sometimes."

Ken's eyes darkened, filled with unspoken emotion. "You have no idea how often you've factored into me releasing pressure."

"Ken..." Bianca's voice was barely a whisper.

Ken cleared his throat, clearly trying to reign himself in. "Dessert?" he asked abruptly, shifting the mood.

Bianca nodded, grateful for the change in subject. "Dessert sounds great."

Ken pulled out a dish of chocolate sauce and a container of fresh strawberries. He dipped a strawberry into the sauce and held it out to her.

Bianca took it, her fingers brushing his. She bit into the fruit, the rich chocolate and juicy sweetness filling her senses. "Mmmm... that's incredible. I need another."

Ken's jaw clenched as he watched her savor the treat, his eyes never leaving hers.

"You're trying to kill me, aren't you?" Ken said, his voice thick with emotion.

Bianca grinned, dipping another strawberry and eating it slowly, deliberately. "I can see it's working."

Ken leaned back, putting space between them, but his expression was unreadable. After a long pause, he sighed. "Bianca... I'm sorry you're caught in the middle of all this."

"All what?" Bianca asked, her brow furrowing.

"My life. My engagement. My... desire," Ken said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It's not fair to put you through this when I can't give you everything you deserve."

Bianca reached out, her hand trembling as it touched his. "What if you're what I deserve?"

Ken's eyes filled with regret. "You have no idea how much I wish I'd met you first."

"Ken... we'll figure it out. I'm not going anywhere. Not after finding you," Bianca said, her voice firm.

"You'd wait? For me?" Ken asked, his eyes searching hers.

"Forever," Bianca replied, though a part of her wasn't sure she believed it herself.

---

After lunch, Ken led Bianca through the Schuyler Enterprises labs, a series of sleek, futuristic rooms filled with state-of-the-art equipment. The air smelled faintly of chemicals, and the hum of machines created a steady background noise.

"This is where the magic happens," Ken said with a proud smile. "Prototypes, formulas, and the occasional fistfight over whose name goes on the patent."

Bianca laughed. "I can picture it now."

Ken stopped at a table where a set of miniature robotic arms sat, gleaming under the bright lights. He slipped on a pair of snug rubber gloves and clenched his fists. The tiny arms mirrored his movements perfectly.

"Whoa. That's amazing!" Bianca exclaimed. "I can't decide if you're a mad scientist or if the robot is just too cute."

Ken grinned. "Why not both?"

They shared a laugh, but the moment was interrupted when Robert entered the lab, holding his phone to his ear.

"He should be just in here—" Robert's words trailed off as his gaze landed on them. He froze, his expression unreadable.

"Robert! What a pleasant surprise!" Bianca said, trying to keep her tone light.

"What are you doing here?" Ken asked, his voice sharp.

Robert tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as he gave them both an all-too-knowing look.

"Imelda? I'm going to have to call you back," Robert said, his voice tight. He hung up, his frown deepening.

The air in the room grew heavy, and Bianca's heart pounded in her chest. She could tell by Robert's expression that whatever he was about to say would probably not be good news.