Previously…
[The robotics lab at Schuyler Enterprises stretched before Bianca like something out of a science fiction movie. Clean white walls gleamed under fluorescent lights, and pristine glass panels divided workstations, offering clear views of mechanical arms, intricate circuits, and prototype machines. Humming softly in the background was the faint whir of cooling systems, the occasional clink of metal, and the low murmur of a distant radio.
Bianca's steps echoed against the smooth tiled floor as she followed Ken deeper into the lab, the subtle scent of oil and faintly charred wires tickling her nose. She couldn't help but marvel at the sprawling displays of half-built robots, each one more intricate than the last.
"Here it is," Ken said, gesturing to a table lined with mechanical prototypes. He gave her a proud smile as he slid his hands into a pair of snug, high-tech gloves. "This is the highlight."
Bianca stepped closer, her curiosity overtaking her nerves. On the table sat a set of robotic arms, sleek and futuristic, their chrome joints and rubber-tipped fingers motionless for now. At first glance, they seemed lifeless, but as soon as Ken clenched his fists, the arms sprang to life, mirroring his movements with eerie precision.
Her eyes widened. "Oh my gosh, Ken. That's incredible."
Ken grinned like a kid showing off a favorite toy. "They're designed for industrial precision tasks, like handling delicate materials. Eventually, they'll revolutionize manufacturing."
Bianca leaned closer, mesmerized by the synchronized movements. "It's like they're alive. It's kind of creepy, but in a good way."
Ken chuckled. "Creepy's part of the fun."
When he turned back to face her, Bianca suddenly became aware of how close they were standing. The steady hum of the machines seemed to fade, and the warmth of his smile reached his dark eyes. The air between them thickened, charged with something she couldn't quite name. Her heart skipped a beat as Ken's expression softened.
"You know, it's really nice having you here," he said, his voice low and genuine.
Bianca's breath caught, and for a second, she forgot how to respond. "I—"
The door to the lab burst open with a loud thud, shattering the moment. Robert strode in, his shoes tapping sharply against the floor, his phone still pressed to his ear.
"Ken? He should be right here—" Robert's voice faltered mid-sentence when he spotted them. His dark brows shot up, and his sharp gaze darted from Ken to Bianca, who had instinctively taken a step back.]
"Robert?" Ken said, irritation slipping into his tone. "What are you doing here? And why is Imelda calling you?"
Robert slipped his phone into his jacket pocket, his expression sour. "She was looking for you. Do I even want to know what you two were up to?" His eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"We were just… working," Bianca said quickly, though her face betrayed her with a flush of red.
Robert's eyebrow rose. "Working? You know you don't actually work here, right, Bianca?"
Ken frowned, his voice going colder. "She's learning about the prototypes. That counts."
Robert gave them both a long look, skepticism clear on his face. "Sure. Learning."
"Robert, don't you have the Milan breach press release to finalize?" Ken asked sharply, his patience wearing thin.
Robert crossed his arms. "I've been busy. But apparently, I'm not the only one."
Ken's jaw tightened. "If you've got something to say, just say it. Otherwise, go get your job done."
For a moment, it seemed like Robert might fire back, but instead, he turned toward the exit. He paused with one hand on the doorknob and glanced back at Bianca.
"Almost forgot," Robert said, his voice clipped. "Imelda wanted me to tell you that since you're getting the grand tour today, you're invited to the company picnic this weekend."
Bianca blinked in surprise. "Imelda? Inviting me?"
"Yeah. Maybe it's a 'keep your enemies closer' thing," Robert said with a smirk. "Either way, she told Mom and Dad, so now they're expecting you." Without another word, he pushed through the door and left the lab, letting it swing shut behind him.
Ken exhaled through his nose, clearly annoyed. "You okay?" he asked, turning to Bianca.
"I'm fine." Bianca tried to laugh it off, though her voice sounded more uncertain than she'd intended. "I can handle Robert. It's the picnic I'm worried about."
Ken looked at her, his gaze softer now. "You don't have to go, you know."
Something about the quiet way he said it made Bianca pause. "Wait… do you not want me to go?"
Ken blinked, clearly caught off guard. "No, it's not that. I—" He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "I do want you there. Against my better instincts… I always want you wherever I am."
Bianca's heart gave an involuntary flutter. She looked up at him, unable to keep the smile from spreading across her face. "Okay, then. I'll be there."
---
The morning sunlight streamed through Bianca's window as she sat on her bed, staring hopelessly at the clothes strewn around her. Dresses, jeans, blouses—nothing felt right for an event like this. She groaned, flopping backward onto her comforter.
"I give up. I have no idea what to wear," she muttered to herself.
The sound of rapid footsteps echoed from the hallway. She sat up just as Jason and Mason appeared in the doorway, both grinning mischievously and lugging an oversized shopping bag between them.
"Bianca! We got you something!" Jason exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Dad said we could pick it out for you," Mason added proudly, practically bouncing on his toes.
Bianca smirked, amused. "Oh, really? What did you pick?"
She took the bag from them and pulled out a beautiful, summery dress. It was soft white with small yellow flowers embroidered across the fabric, airy and elegant. A wide-brimmed straw hat and a pair of simple tan sandals completed the look. Bianca's smile grew as she held it up.
"You two have great taste. This is perfect," she said warmly.
"Try it on!" Mason said, clapping his hands.
---
A few minutes later, Bianca stepped out of her room, wearing the dress. The fabric swayed lightly with her steps, the perfect blend of casual and classy. She'd added a soft curl to her hair, letting it cascade over her shoulders, and her makeup was minimal but polished.
"It fits perfectly," Bianca said, spinning for the boys. "I love it. Thank you."
Jason grinned. "Told you she'd like it."
"Let's go already!" Mason said, racing toward the front door.
---
Central Park stretched out in front of them like a living postcard. The grass was freshly cut, bright green under the mid-morning sun, and white tents dotted the landscape like scattered clouds. The Schuyler Enterprises building loomed in the distance, its glass facade reflecting the clear blue sky.
Ken parked the car and stepped out, wearing a fitted navy polo shirt and khaki shorts that somehow looked both casual and tailored. Jason and Mason tumbled out after him, their matching striped shirts and sneakers giving them the air of carefree summer troublemakers.
Bianca smiled as she took in the scene. "This is impressive. A bit much for a picnic, don't you think?"
"Nothing's 'a bit much' for Schuyler Enterprises," Ken replied with a wry smile.
As they walked toward the tents, Jason sighed. "Why do I feel like Aunt Imelda is going to ruin this?"
Ken laughed. "Relax, boys. Imelda didn't plan this."
"You sure?" Mason said skeptically. "Because she always has rules."
Ken chuckled. "I promise, boys, Aunt Imelda didn't plan this one. No rules—except the ones I give."
"Really?" Jason perked up.
"Really," Bianca added with a grin. "Plus, if you're good, I bet you can sneak an ice cream cone. Right, Ken?"
Ken smiled. "One treat each. That's the deal."
The moment they rounded a corner, the picnic revealed itself in full view. Bianca's breath caught at the sight of it: tables covered with checkered tablecloths, coolers stocked with drinks, colorful balloons fluttering in the breeze. A small stage stood near the center, and lawn games—cornhole, badminton, and even giant Jenga—drew clusters of employees cheering and laughing. The scene was bright and cheerful, filled with the hum of conversation and bursts of laughter.
The twins gasped. "Whoa! Look at that!"
"Wow," Jason whispered. "It's like a carnival."
Imelda appeared out of nowhere, waving them hello. Her presence was as sharp as always. She wore a crisp linen jumpsuit, her sunglasses perched just low enough on her nose to give a judgmental glance. "Ken," she called, waving him over with a polished hand. Her lips curved into a tight smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You've got to see this—accounting versus legal on the badminton court. It's priceless."
Before Ken could respond, Imelda looped her arm through his and started guiding him away, leaving Bianca and the boys standing awkwardly behind.
"Oh, and Bianca," Imelda called over her shoulder, her tone sweet but laced with a hint of command. "Don't let the boys get dirty, or loud, or eat sugar, or too much of anything. We'll be back."
Bianca blinked, stunned by the abruptness, but forced a smile. "Sure. Got it," Bianca replied, rolling her eyes playfully at the boys. "Come on, let's find something fun to do."
Jason and Mason groaned in unison, their shoulders sagging. "This doesn't feel like fun," Mason muttered.
"Hey, don't knock it till we try it," Bianca said brightly, steering them toward a cluster of lawn games. "Let's see what Schuyler Enterprises has in the way of entertainment."
---
The trio hadn't gone far before they spotted Jason Sr. and Lilian, the boys' grandparents, standing near a refreshments table under one of the larger tents. Jason Sr. wore a classic polo and tan slacks, while Lilian looked effortlessly chic in a soft sundress and sun hat.
"Bianca! Jason! Mason!" Jason Sr. greeted warmly. "Welcome to our humble affair."
Bianca laughed. "Thank you for having us. The boys are already thrilled. This looks more like a summer gala." She said, glancing around at the lavish spread.
Jason Sr. chuckled. "You don't want to see the receipt."
Lilian leaned in with a conspiratorial smile. "He says that every year, but he loves spoiling everyone. Especially these two troublemakers." She winked at Jason and Mason, who beamed under her attention.
"Have you boys been getting enough sunshine and sugar to keep you occupied?" Jason Sr. asked with a twinkle in his eye.
"Not yet!" Mason replied eagerly.
"Well, let's fix that, shall we?" Lilian said, holding out her hands to the boys. "Bianca, do you mind if we steal them for a bit? There's a gelato cart that's calling their names."
"Be my guest," Bianca said, laughing.
---
A while later, Henry from the lab waved Bianca over, standing with Robert near a table stacked with drinks. He was dressed casually in a striped polo and cargo shorts, his wiry frame relaxed as he leaned against the picnic table. While Robert, his expression as stormy as Bianca last saw him, his neatly pressed shirt and chinos making him look overdressed for the occasion.
"Bianca! Made it to the picnic, huh? Guess we really charmed you."
Bianca smiled. "Ken gave me the full tour. He's very persuasive."
Robert shot her a look, frowning. "Persuasive, huh?"
"Robert, don't start," Bianca said smoothly.
"Just saying," Robert muttered darkly, his mood foul.
Henry frowned, clearly confused. "What's going on?"
Robert didn't answer right away, his gaze locked on Bianca with an intensity that made her shift uncomfortably.
"Robert," Bianca said firmly, "if you have something to say, just say it."
For a moment, it seemed like he might, but then he shook his head, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Forget it."
Henry, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, if Ken's as good at pitching ideas as he is at badminton, it's no wonder you're here. Have you seen him play? Guy's a machine."
Bianca chuckled, grateful for the change in subject. "I haven't, but I'll take your word for it."
The conversation was cut short by the sudden blare of a megaphone. Across the field, Jason Sr. stood on a small platform, his voice booming over the crowd as he held up the device.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Annual Schuyler Enterprises Company Picnic! I hope you're ready for some good old-fashioned fun. We've got games for everyone, but in five minutes, we'll kick off the highlight of the day...tug-of-war!"