Ch. 851..860

Chapter 851

Elio turned away with a cold expression, leaving behind a curt remark, "Then don't address me as anything."

The group stood there, bewildered, and Candice was equally perplexed. Elio's moods were always unpredictable and hard to understand.

After the banquet ended, Candice followed her cousins out of the villa. As she waited by the entrance for Jasper, she heard a painful groan from a distant corner. Curious, she walked over to investigate. In a secluded area, a man in a suit was beating up a waiter. It was the same waiter who had spilled red wine on her earlier.

Before she could intervene, Candice heard the waiter begging for mercy. "Please, don't hit me anymore! I'll confess. It was Josie's aunt who told me to do it! She wanted Ms. Candice to be humiliated at the banquet!"

Candice was stunned. Josie's aunt? Her name was Fenna, if she remembered correctly.

"Get lost," the man in the suit ordered.

The waiter scrambled away in fear.

Candice stood frozen, not noticing the man approach her. Seeing Candice, the man was stunned momentarily before greeting her respectfully, "Ms. Candice, what are you doing here?"

Candice looked at the unfamiliar face, unable to tell which of her cousins he worked for.

"Beating someone is illegal. Next time, try to get information without such harsh methods."

The man nodded respectfully. "Yes, Ms. Candice."

Candice turned and returned to the front entrance, joining Jasper and getting into the car.

The next morning, Candice went to work as usual. The atmosphere in the office was tense and somber.

The director had just returned from a visit to the CEO's office, looking particularly grim. He packed his things silently and left, causing a stir among the employees.

"What happened?"

"Why did the director suddenly leave?"

"Did he get fired? Isn't that too harsh, without any formal process?"

"I heard the new CEO is ruthless and unpredictable. I didn't expect him to start by firing the director. How terrifying!"

"Are they planning layoffs? Could we be next?"

"Stop making guesses and get back to work."

Candice listened curiously to the murmurs around her.

Just then, the secretary called from the door. "Ms. Candice, the CEO wants to see you in his office."

Candice was taken aback. Everyone.

in the office turned to look at her their expressions a mix of shock and confusion. How could a mere intern be summoned by the CEO?

Vanessa hurried over, looking anxious. "Candice, why does the CEO want to see you?"

Candice shook her head, unsure how to explain.

Vanessa continued, "Did you know? In our design department, only the director has been to the CEO's office. You... What's going on?"

Candice patted Vanessa's hand reassuringly. "I'll explain when I get back."

With that, she walked out of the office and took the elevator to the 35th floor.

It was normal for everyone to be shocked. They didn't know Candice's true identity and thought she was just an ordinary recent graduate working hard for a living.

The elevator doors opened on the 35th floor. A man in a suit greeted her respectfully at the CEO's office

doon

Theno

morning, Ms. Candice.

CEO is waiting for you inside." en.swhovels

Candice stared at him, stunned. He was the same man who had beaten the waiter last night

Chapter 852

Chapter 852

"Who are you?" Candice asked.

The man replied respectfully, "I'm Sean Lowe, the CEO's assistant."

Candice nodded in greeting. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Lowe."

"Ms. Candice, please come in," Sean said, opening the door for her.

Candice hesitated for a few seconds, wondering why they had questioned the waiter who had accidentally dirtied her evening gown. It was such a minor incident, and even if it was intentional, it didn't really bother her.

She stepped into the office. It was spacious, bright, and elegantly decorated. In front of the window walls stood a clean, impressive desk. The handsome man behind it, dressed in a sleek black suit, exuded charm as he worked intently.

As soon as she saw him, Candice felt inexplicably nervous, her heart pounding erratically. Taking a deep breath, she pondered how to address him. Calling him "uncle" was out of the question. "Mr. Hoffis, you wanted to see me?" Candice approached politely.

Elio was momentarily stunned. He barely glanced up and continued to peruse his documents without acknowledging her.

Candice's fingers fidgeted, her breathing growing more erratic. Watching his handsome profile, she nearly trembled with anxiety. She wondered why he called her up if he was just going to ignore her. Determined not to let her thoughts run wild and become a love fool, Candice called again, "Mr. Hoffis?"

Still, there was no reaction.

Frustrated, she said, "Mr. Hoffis, why did you call me here?"

Elio took out another document file and opened it.

Not having been ignored since she was young, Candice gritted her teeth and clenched her fist in anger. "Elio Hoffis, why exactly did you call me up here?"

Elio, barely suppressing a smirk, pulled out a document and handed it to her. Candice hesitated, noting his reaction and the document he handed over.

His gaze was deep and inscrutable as he watched her silently.

"What's this?" she asked, reaching out to take the document.

Candice opened the file and saw it was a permanent employment contract. She had anticipated this outcome, knowing her cousins' influence would ensure her confirmation.

But why was Elio handling this personally? Wasn't this HR's responsibility?

Gathering her courage, Candice

closed the file and said, "If my work performance is the issue, you don't have to consider my cousin's words. I don't want to rely on connections to join ND."

In a steady voice, Elio replied, "It's not your performance. The person with issues has already left."

Candice realized he was referring to director who had just packed up and left.

Elio picked up a pen, removed the cap, and handed it to her. "Sign it."

After a moment's hesitation,

Candice looked down at the contract. This was her dream job. She had foved designing clothes since childhood, making outfits for her dolls, and even pursued this passion through college.

ND Group was the world's most prestigious luxury fashion brand. Being a designer at ND symbolized the pinnacle of the designer world.

She had been selected from thousands of designers, emerging as one of the few interns. Why would she hesitate now if she had the chance to become a permanent designer?

Taking the pen, Candice signed her

name and dated the contract. Elio

handed her à fingerprint pad to imprint her fingerprint. She set down the pen, inked her finger, and pressed her fingerprint onto the document.

As she finished, Elio handed her a wet wipe. Candice was momentarily stunned, looking at him curiously.

She couldn't help but wonder if she was the first designer to sign a contract in the CEO's office. Was he this considerate with everyone?

"Thank you," Candice said, accepting the wet wipe and quickly cleaning her hands.

Chapter 853

Chapter 853

Elio glanced at the contract briefly before closing it and placing it in the drawer.

Candice asked, "Mr. Hoffis, is there anything else?"

Elio looked up at her indifferently. His cool and unreadable gaze unsettled Candice, making her heart race.

"You" Elio started to speak but was interrupted by the sound of the door opening.

"Leo," called out Josie's gentle voice.

Josie, who walked in without knocking, paused for a moment when she saw Candice. She quickly smiled and said, "Candice, you're here too?"

Candice nodded politely. "Hello, Josie."

Josie beamed. "Am I interrupting? Should I come back later?"

Elio immediately interjected, "No need." He then turned to Candice and said, "That's all for now. You may leave."

Candice felt a pang in her chest. She didn't understand why she felt so sad.

Josie was Elio's first girlfriend, and they had been dating for years. They were getting engaged next month. Of course, she could enter without knocking. Elio must have allowed it.

With Josie here, it was obvious that Candice had to leave. Why did it hurt so much? She tried to comfort herself, but the dull ache in her heart remained. Lowering her head, she bid farewell and left the office. Once she exited his office and entered the elevator, her tears began to flow as the doors closed.

Candice felt a sharp pain in her chest. She wiped away her tears anxiously and took deep breaths to stop her tears.

Loving someone secretly was agonizing. Her 12 years of feelings for Elio weren't easy to let go.

If she and Elio could never be together, she wished he would treat her kindly, like her other cousins, and not be distant and cold. However, the reality was harsh.

A week after becoming a full-time employee, Candice received an unexpected assignment from her new director, Sadie Lloyd.

"Candice, you're coming on a business trip with me the day after tomorrow."

"A business trip?" Candice was surprised.

"Yes, we're flying abroad to attend ND's international fashion show."

"Me?" Candice was both shocked and flattered.

The design department buzzed with

excitement. Even seasoned designers were envious, yet confused at the same time. "Why Candice? A newbie shouldn't get such an opportunity!"

The ND international fashion show was a globally significant and impactful event. All attendees were top fashion industry leaders and renowned designers from around the world.

Sadie replied, "It's the company's decision. If you have any objections, take them up with the CEO."

Although not satisfied with the decision, none dared to object.

This was Candice's first

international business trip. Her five cousing all came to see her off at the airport, each offering their own advice, making it feel like a tearful farewell.

After bidding her cousins goodbye, Candice boarded the plane with her ticket. To her surprise, she had a first-class seat.

The flight attendant led her to her seat. Seeing the man sitting next to her, she was utterly shocked. It was Elio.

He was wearing a casual yet elegant grey shirt, his chiseled profile highlighted by a pair of stylish glasses as he quietly read a book.

Candice was stunned. Why was she seated next to the CEO? Where was Sadie?

Seeing Elio, who barely glanced up, Candice felt nervous and greeted softly, "Good morning, Mr. Hoffis."

Elio didn't react.

Candice took a deep breath and settled into her seat, feeling awkward and tense.

After a while, she couldn't resist asking, "Where's Ms. Lloyd? I didn't see her."

"She's in economy class," Elio replied coolly, turning a page of his book.

Chapter 854

Chapter 854

Candice's uneasiness grew. "Then I'll go to the economy class. I'm just an ordinary employee. It's not appropriate for me to be in first class."

She was about to get up when Elio's voice, lazy yet commanding, stopped her. "Sit down. I paid for your ticket privately. It's not on the company's dime."

Candice quickly pulled out her phone. "Then I'll pay you back. How much is it?"

With a sharp sound, Elio snapped his book shut. He removed his glasses, folded them neatly, and placed them on the table beside him before closing his eyes as if to rest.

Holding her phone, Candice was stunned for a moment but received no response from Elio. She then slowly put it away. Elio was truly unpredictable.

During the flight, neither of them spoke. Elio alternated between reading and resting his eyes, while Candice spent the time sketching designs.

After they landed, Candice followed Sadie and another renowned ND designer, Emerson Hartford, to check in at a five-star hotel.

Sitting on the lobby couch, Candice couldn't resist pulling out her phone and calling her childhood friend.

"Merv, guess where I am right now?" Candice said excitedly when the call connected.

Mervyn Campbell was the son of Ryan, who was Daniel's close friend. He was Candice's childhood companion and was now studying for his PhD in this country.

"From your tone, could you already be at my dorm door?" Mervyn replied, equally excited.

"Close enough. I'm on a business trip with my company and just arrived here. I don't know how far I am from you," Candice replied.

"Candice, where exactly are you? Send me your location, and I'll come over immediately," Mervyn said.

"I'm..." Candice looked around and continued, "I'm not sure of the exact place. I'll send you my location. But only if you have time. I don't want to interrupt your studies, Merv." "You're more important than my studies."

Candice smiled. "You're-"

Before she could finish, her phone was suddenly snatched away. Startled, she turned to see Elio standing behind the couch, shutting off her phone.

"What are you doing?" Candice asked, annoyed by his rudeness, and stood to face him across the couch.

The two of them stared at each other across the couch.

Candice's expression darkened as she said, "Why did you end my call and snatch my phone? Give it back to me."

Elio didn't return her phone and instead, his face remained cold as he responded, "You're here to work, not to visit your friends."

"We aren't working 24/7. I should have some personal time to see my friends," Candice argued.

Just then, Mervyn's number flashed

on the screen, and Elio immediately rejected the call. Stunned, Candice watched as Mervyn called again, only for Elio to reject once more. en.swhovels

His rude actions left Candice speechless. "Elio Hoffis, give me my phone back! Merv will be worried," she demanded.

"Merv?" Elio sneered, handing the

phone back to her with an icy tone.

"Don't disclose our itinerary and

location to irrelevant people. It's a

work requirement."

"Irrelevant people?" Candice took her phone back, seething inside.

Elio, still with a cold expression, turned and walked away.

Candice was left speechless. Was there something wrong with Elio? He was unpredictable, unreasonable, and frustrating.

When her phone rang again, Candice answered and apologized to Mervyn. Not daring to share her location, she explained, "I can't give you my address; company policy. But come find you once I'm done with work."

"Okay, I'll wait for you!" Mervyn said cheerfully.

Chapter 855

Chapter 855

After checking in, Candice took the room key from Sadie and followed the bellhop upstairs.

When she opened the door to her room, she stood in stunned disbelief. Quickly, she turned back and asked Sadie, "Ms. Lloyd, did I get the wrong room key?"

Sadie smiled softly and responded, "Nope. That is your room."

With that, Sadie entered her room and shut the door, leaving Candice at a loss.

Candice walked back into her room, which turned out to be the most luxurious suite in the five-star hotel. The opulent decor, complete with a living room, kitchen, and a spacious balcony garden, was overwhelming. More notably, the suite had three bedrooms.

As she explored, the bellhop politely asked, "Miss, which room would you like?"

Feeling that it was all too extravagant and a waste for just one person, Candice replied, "Any will do."

The bellhop placed her luggage in the master bedroom and then left.

Candice entered the master bedroom. As she gazed at the spacious and luxurious surroundings, a strange heaviness grew in her heart. Was she here for a business trip or a vacation?

Sighing, she decided to take it easy and make the best of it. She unpacked her suitcase, hanging her clothes in the walk-in closet. Afterward, she grabbed some casual wear and headed to the bathroom for a shower.

By the time she finished, it was already late. Feeling hungry, she stepped out of the bedroom just as the doorbell rang. She hurried to open it.

Outside stood an attendant with a dinner cart. "Miss, your dinner is ready."

"Please come in," Candice hastily replied and opened the door wider.

The attendant brought in a sumptuous meal on the dining cart.

Although Candice was cherished at home, her family valued frugality and modest living. This extravagant dinner was certainly not arranged by her cousins. The only person she could think of was Elio.

"What is he up to?" Candice wondered as she ate.

After dinner, Gandice turned on the

large TV and watched a comedy show, snacking and laughing heartily, Eventually, exhaustion overcame her, and she drifted off to sleep in the cozy recliner, the warm

lighting of the living room aiding her

slumber.

The clock on the wall showed 11:48 pm when the door clicked open. A man entered. He paused briefly as he took in the scene in the living room before quietly closing the door behind him. Moving with utmost care, he swapped his shoes for slippers and approached Candice.

Kneeling beside her, he gazed at her sleeping face quietly, his eyes filled with intense warmth.

Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, with some strands gently covering her face and eyes as her head slanted to the side.

His breathing deepened and hesitated for a moment before gently reaching out, his movements tender and delicate. He brushed the strands of hair away from her face, tucking them behind her ear.

Her pink cheeks were exposed, complementing her serene and sweet sleeping expression. She was utterly adorable.

He pressed his lips together, his

Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed, and his long fingers lightly reached toward her face. Just a millimeter away from her skin, he suddenly halted, frozen and staring, unable to muster the courage to touch her.

Struggling to restrain himself, his eyes reddened and his fingertips trembled. After a long internal battle, he abruptly clenched his fist and withdrew his hand, using all his willpower to control his desire and hole back.

Chapter 856

Chapter 856

After suppressing his feelings for so many years, Elio found himself lacking the courage to touch Candice's face. He mocked himself inwardly. What a coward he was.

But he couldn't wait any longer. He had no more time to waste.

Standing up, he entered the bedroom and retrieved a plush blanket, gently draping it over Candice before retreating to his own room.

By the nightstand, he removed his watch and loosened his tie. At that instant, his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw it was Michaela calling.

Due to the time difference, it was midnight here but noon back in Norvania. He shed his tie and blazer before answering the call.

His voice was low and hoarse. "Mom, what's going on?"

From the other end, Michaela's furious voice erupted. "Elio, have you lost your mind? Why did you take Candice out of the country? What are you trying to do? You rascal, you promised me you'd manage the overseas company for ten years before coming back!"

Elio remained silent.

Michaela continued, "You lost it when you found out Candice joined our company, didn't you? You couldn't even last two years!"

Elio's tone was cold and detached. "I returned under the condition that we made a deal."

"You agreed to follow one condition without question. I announced your engagement to Josie at the banquet, so you must marry her and be loyal to her," scolded Michaela.

"The Morrison family adores Candice. If you harm her even a little, they won't let you off!"

"Are you done?" Elio asked, his indifference palpable.

Michaela was infuriated. "Elio, send Candice back immediately! Others may not understand you, but as your mother, I do. If you lay a finger on her, the Morrisons will make you regret it."

Elio stepped out onto the balcony,

standing in the night like a lonely soul. His tone was devoid of anger as he responded, "Mom, do you even remember what you've done to me all these years?"

There was silence from Michaela's end.

Elio lowered his head and let out a bitter laugh, his words laced with pain and sorrow. "I didn't have. Wanda's exceptional intelligence, but you

used the same harsh

educating methods on me.

"I wasn't good at studying. My childhood was filled with nothing but learning every waking hour except for six hours of sleep. I had no time for play, no personal time, no freedom.

"All I did was harbor a secret crush

on a girl. Was that such a crime? You burned all the photos I had of her, threw away every gift she gave me, and even forbade me from seeing her. You forced me to date

other girls and used every method to make her hate me.

"As you wished, she hates me now." Elio forced a bitter smile, his voice filled with anguish. "But what now? I've been driven to madness, all because of you."

"Elio, if Nathan finds out you've hurt his beloved niece, he won't spare you."

Elio's eyes turned red as he growled, "Candice is mine! Let him kill me then."

With that, he hung up the phone.

Elio released the phone and clutched the balcony railing, his head bowed in agony as he closed his eyes and took deep breaths.

His body trembled with the effort to remain upright, his knuckles white with the force of his grip, veins bulging as the heartache overwhelmed him.

His childhood memories, save for those involving Candice, were nothing but a tapestry of sorrow, loneliness, misery, and isolation.

Chapter 857

Chapter 857

During middle school, Elio spent countless hours poring over foreign language articles in his study. His world echoed with the presence of teachers, test papers, and homework. That year, Zach passed away, marking the most painful and helpless period of his life.

One day, outside the study's balcony, Candice tugged at Elio's glass door with a kite in her hand.

When he opened the door, Candice handed him the string. "Uncle Elio, my cousin said you seem pitiful and you're always studying. Take a break. Let's look at the sky, and fly a kite." It was then, during his middle school years, that he first flew a kite.

For the first time, he lifted his head to see the color of the sky and watch the kite soar. He felt utterly inferior even to a mere kite.

Afterward, Candice often snuck behind the balcony, secretly handing him items as entertainment like game consoles, chess sets, comics, dartboards, and even water guns.

She laughed a lot as if her life had never known sorrow or worry, difficulty or sadness. Every day, she exuded an optimistic and joyful demeanor.

In her eyes, the world was nothing but beautiful. Coincidentally, it was the opposite for him.

Elio's childhood was oppressive and painful. Even the sky seemed gray to him. Only when he saw her did he feel that the world also had colors. However, Michaela saw through his thoughts.

What made it even sadder was the fact that Candice was his relative. Even without a blood relation, they could never be together.

Thinking about it, Elio couldn't help but look up at the sky and laugh bitterly.

He returned to Norvania and became Candice's superior under the condition that he would marry Josie.

This kind of opportunity came only once in his life.

He had only one month left. A month later, he would fulfill Michaela's promise and get engaged to Josie.

Elio resolutely turned around and went into the bathroom to shower. Half an hour later, he emerged from his room.

Candice was still sleeping on the recliner. Elio walked over, placing his arm under Candice's back, and gently lifted her.

Candice, still drowsy, slowly opened

her eyes. In a daze, she saw the handsome jawline of the man. She suddenly woke up, realizing she was being carried, cradled in Elio's broad and warm chest.

"Elio, how did... how did you come in?" Candice asked, flustered. Elio bent down, gently placing her on the large bed in the bedroom.

Candice nervously scooted to the head of the bed, her heart racing.

"I'm staying in the next room." Elio's voice was gentle. "I saw you sleeping outside and wanted to carry you into the room."

Candice swallowed nervously. "Why are we staying in the same suite?"

Elio's tone sounded somewhat disappointed. "Is it not allowed?"

Candice shook her head. "It's not that it's not allowed, it's just..."

Elio smiled gently without saying a word, turned around, and left the room. As he closed the door behind him, he softly whispered, "Goodnight." With that, he closed the door.

Candice lay dumbfounded on the bed, completely bewildered.

What was going on?

Was she dreaming?

Did Elio just smile and speak so softly to her?

It must have been a dream, it must have been! Otherwise, why would he act so out of character?

The last time he smiled at her like that was many, many years ago.

Candice collapsed onto the bed, clutching her pounding heart. Images of Elio holding her kept replaying in her mind. His body had felt warm, almost hot, and his scent was pleasantly comforting

Feeling bashful, Candice pulled the blanket over her head, trying to hide from her racing thoughts. Despite her efforts, she couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips.

Chapter 858

Chapter 858

The golden sunlight streamed into the balcony garden, where flowers bloomed and greenery thrived.

Candice awoke naturally, groggily reaching for her phone. One glance at the time made her bolt upright in bed. She hurriedly threw off the covers and rushed into the bathroom.

After freshening up and getting dressed, she grabbed her bag and left her room. Passing through the living room, she saw Elio sitting at the dining table with two plates of breakfast and two glasses of milk in front of him.

"Good morning," Candice said nervously as she approached. "I didn't hear the alarm. I'm sorry. Is there any work planned for today?"

Elio, with his usual calm demeanor, gestured to the plate opposite him. "I made an extra portion. Join me for breakfast."

He made this? Candice looked at the breakfast in surprise. There was a peeled and sliced egg, some blanched broccoli, a pancake, and some fruits. It looked both exquisite and healthy but was presented quite plainly, certainly not the work of a hotel chef.

"But Ms. Lloyd..." Candice hesitated, thinking about the agreement to start work at 9:00 am. It was already past 10:00 am, and she feared to be reprimanded by Sadie.

"I'm still here. What are you worried about?" Elio looked up at her.

Candice thought for a moment and realized he had a point. She pulled out a chair, sat down, and took a sip of the milk. She then started on the breakfast.

Even though it had cooled, it still tasted good. Elio's culinary skills were decent, and it was a pleasant surprise to find out he could cook, let alone make an extra portion for her. Eating a breakfast made by the man she liked filled Candice with an inexplicable sweetness, joy, and excitement. She maintained her composure, finishing her food and milk calmly. Elio ate elegantly, and once she was done, he reached over to take her plate.

"Let me wash them," Candice offered anxiously.

Elio raised an eyebrow, curious. "Have you ever washed dishes before?"

Candice forced an awkward smile and shook her head.

NOW PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES ON

su

"I'll handle it," Elio said, carrying the dishes and glasses to the sink.

From her seat at the dining table, Candice watched Elio's broad back as he worked in the open kitchen. She had never seen him wash dishes before. It was a new and

unfamiliar sight.

His tall and straight figure was striking, with the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up to his forearms

exuding a casual yet elegant charm.

As Elio finished washing the dishes and turned around, he caught Candice's intense gaze for a fleeting moment.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, pretending to be busy on her phone.

Elio paused for a moment, thinking it was just a coincidence, then walked back into his room.

Ten minutes later, he emerged wearing a tailored gray suit. "Let's go," he said softly.

Candice immediately followed him. They walked one after the other into the elevator, descending to the lobby.

In the lobby, Sadie and Emerson Hartford, along with Sean, who had been waiting for a long time, stood up promptly from the couch. "Good morning, Mr. Hoffis," they greeted.

Elio nodded in acknowledgment and strode outside, the others following suit, leaving the hotel.

In the luxurious seven-seater company car, Sean briefed Elio on the day's schedule.

Candice sat obediently in the back feeling overwhelmed by the packed agenda. It seemed exhausting, with hardly a moment to breathe except for meal times.

Candice couldn't understand what role a new designer like her would play.

Chapter 859

Chapter 859

In the morning, they visited the event site. The team was busy setting up and decorating, and the basic framework of the venue was almost complete.

After working there for a while, they had to head to the branch office for a meeting.

The meeting started at 11:00 am and went on until 1:00 pm.

Candice sat in the corner, her stomach growling and she yawned frequently. She rubbed her tired neck, swaying gently in her seat.

When her gaze inadvertently met Elio's, she immediately straightened up, adopting a posture of utmost attention, even holding her breath. Anxious waves crashed over her.

Candice worried that Elio might have noticed her small fidgeting actions and found it absurd. She mentally scolded herself for being so careless.

As the meeting carried on, Sean appeared suddenly and whispered in Candice's ear. "Ms. Candice, please come with me."

Swiftly gathering her notebook, Candice inquired cautiously, "Is something wrong?"

With a gesture, Sean beckoned her to follow. She had no choice but to follow him out.

Once outside the office, they walked one after the other into a lounge area. Candice was stunned to find a table laid out with lunch and juice, accompanied by a solitary bed.

"Ms. Candice, please enjoy your meal. After lunch, you can rest on the lounge chair. Mr. Hoffis will come for you once he's done," Sean informed her.

Intrigued, Candice asked, "Are Ms. Lloyd and the others having lunch as well?"

"Don't worry about them," Sean replied before leaving the room.

As Candice savored her lunch, her mind inevitably drifted to thoughts of Elio. After finishing her meal, she rested for an hour. Upon awakening, she realized that Sadie and Emerson had already left. Strangely enough, Candice found herself instructed to stay by Elio's side. He was engrossed in an unending string of meetings.

The drone of tedious data reports and strategic discussions acted as a lullaby, lulling Candice into a state of drowsiness.

C

NOW PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES ON

ILD WWW

Just then, her phone vibrated in her pocket, breaking the monotony. Hastily retrieving it, she saw

Mervyn's name flashing on thyel

screen.

A smile tugged at her lips as she answered the call, muffling her voice with her hand. "Merv."

Though her voice was barely a

5. joyful expression gave

away. She hunched down like a thief, sneaking toward the door.

Every move she made, every smile and frown, was noticed by Elio.

His typically impassive demeanor turned icy, anger spreading across his eyes, drawing his attention away from the meeting.

Slowly, he clenched his fist around

his pen, his demeanor was icy as it seemed that a chilly atmosphere settled over the room. The others in the meeting remained clueless as to what had angered the CEO, their unease palpable.

Outside the meeting room, Candice whispered, "Merv, what's up?"

"Where are you? Let's grab dinner together. I'll pick you up," Mervyn suggested.

Candice pouted, lamenting, "I'm still stuck at work."

"What? It's already late. Why aren't you off yet?"

She nodded sadly. "Yeah, I know."

"Who's the heartless boss keeping you at the office without dinner? It's already 6:00 pm."

Candice softly replied, "It's Elio."

Mervyn paused, then exclaimed in shock, "You mean your cousin's uncle, Elio? The one who's only good for his money and looks?" Candice gave an awkward smile. "He's not completely useless, you know."

Chapter 859

Chapter 860

Chapter 860

Candice couldn't shake the memory of the breakfast Elio had prepared personally, a gentle warmth still lingering within her.

Mervyn scoffed, "Not only is he utterly useless, but he also wears that deadpan expression, like the world is against him or something. His face, all cold and sour!" Grumbling, Candice interjected, "Merv, can you stop criticizing him?"

"Are you bothered?" Mervyn inquired.

"No," Candice replied, her insincerity peeking through.

With a faint smile, Mervyn stated, "I can tell you're bothered. Give me your address, I'll come pick you up. I'll treat you to some delicious food and bring you around." "But I'm not done with work yet."

"What kind of nonsense job is this? Forget about it, I'll take care of you."

Candice smiled wryly and responded, "I can handle myself, thanks for the offer."

Before she could finish, the office door swung open, and Elio emerged, his expression sour.

Feeling flustered, Candice assumed Elio was upset because she'd left the meeting midway, disrespecting him and interrupting his work.

"Got to go, I should go back to work." Candice quickly ended the call, standing up nervously, her mouth dry.

"Mr. Hoffis, are you done? Can I leave " Candice's words were cut off.

With a cold expression and a stern gaze, Elio ignored Candice and strode past her, heading for the elevator.

Candice was taken aback and stood stunned for a few seconds. What on earth was going on? She pondered, bewildered by Elio's sudden shift from his morning kindness. After a moment of contemplation, she concluded that it must be the immense work pressure and busyness that had caused his unpredictable mood swings.

Candice followed suit and left the company. Guided by Sean, she got into Elio's car.

G

NOW PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES ON

Elio remained silent, his face unreadable, radiating an air of tension that made Candice inexplicably nervous.

Leaning against the car window, Candice gazed quietly at the scenery outside. Shouldn't they be heading back to the hotel by now?

Half an hour later, much to Candice's surprise, the car stopped in front of a luxurious villa.

Peering out, Candice asked, "Where are we?"

Sean explained, "Ms. Candice, this is the governor's home. He has invited Mr. Hoffis to a banquet tonight."

Puzzled and annoyed, Candice

exclaimed, "Why bring me here?

Shouldn't you have sent me back to the hotel first? If you were busy, you could've at least told me so could find my own way back."

Sean fell silent.

Candice turned to Elio beside her. He sat wearily, silent and motionless, his eyes closed.

"Take me back," Candice instructed Sean, her tone firm.

Elio muttered, "I'll send you back after the banquet."

Frustrated, Candice clenched her fists, taking a deep breath to restrain herself before confronting Elio. "I'm just a new designer. You brought me along to work with you today, but I couldn't help at all, nor did I understand your work. I was just accompanying you the whole time.

"It's already after work hours, and now you want me to accompany you to a banquet? What exactly do you want?"

Elio's voice was cold as ice as he retorted, "Are you in such a rush to meet Mervyn?"

Stunned, Candice froze.

linet

Elio opened his eyes, his gaze intense as he looked at Candice. There was a fiery intensity in his eyes, yet his tone was incredibly icy. "Are you really so eager to see him?"