Ch. 861..870

Chapter 861

Candice studied Elio with a furrowed brow, perplexed by the bitterness in his tone.

Had she misinterpreted something?

Visibly disheartened, Elio met her gaze for a tense moment before abruptly exiting the car. "Sean, please take her," he instructed icily before slamming the door and striding away. Candice was utterly bewildered.

Following Elio's directive, Sean swiftly started the engine and executed a sharp U-turn.

As the car continued along the road, Sean spoke up, "Ms. Candice, do you have an address in mind? I'll take you wherever you need to go." Candice hesitated, puzzled by Sean's question.

Wasn't he supposed to take her back to the hotel to rest?

Just as Candice was about to respond, her phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Mervyn calling.

Upon picking up Mervyn's call, Candice was met with his inquiry about her work progress and dinner plans, followed by a request to meet up.

After a brief exchange with Mervyn, Candice turned to Sean and politely requested, "Could you please drive me to Regalia Restaurant? Thanks."

Sean acknowledged her request with a respectful nod. With that, he proceeded to navigate the car toward the restaurant.

Glancing into the rearview mirror, he caught sight of Candice engaged in a lively conversation with Mervyn over the phone, her face adorned with a radiant smile.

Observing this scene, Sean couldn't help but let out a resigned sigh.

Upon arriving at Regalia Restaurant, Candice disembarked from the car and informed Sean, "You can head back now. I'll arrange my own transportation back to the hotel later." "Ms. Candice, it's not safe for you to be alone," Sean insisted.

"But I have Mervyn with me, don't I?" Candice countered.

With a hint of reluctance, Sean eventually departed.

Meanwhile, Candice stepped into the restaurant, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Rising from his seat, Mervyn called out, "Candice, right this way!"

Candice's face lit up as she approached Mervyn with easy, carefree steps, gracefully taking a seat across from him.

She found herself drawn to his radiant presence and captivating smile, feeling as though she were enveloped by his charm effortlessly.

"It's been ages, Merv!" Candice exclaimed, unable to hide her delight.

A smile graced Mervyn's lips as he admitted, "I never expected to bump into you here on a business trip."

Candice couldn't help but chuckle at his remark. "Nor did I, honestly."

Without skipping a beat, Mervyn promptly retrieved the menu and offered it to her. "Take a look and see what appeals to you."

C

NOW PLAY YOUR

FAVOURITE GAMES ON PIOPLAY

After perusing the menu, Candice casually opted for a set meal.

Despite the restaurant's mediocre cuisine, the ambiance exuded romance and tranquility.

Soft melodies drifted through the air,

while warm golden lights enveloped

the space. With only a handful of

other diners present, the setting felt intimate and secluded.

Mervyn's smile lingered as he looked at Candice, a touch of nostalgia reflecting in his eyes.

Unable to resist, Candice lightly touched her cheek. "What's the matter? Do I have something on my face?"

Mervyn shook his head in disbelief. "It's been quite some time, and you've only become more stunning. I almost didn't recognize you," he remarked.

Candice was surprised by his

compliment. "Oh, stop it. I haven't

had any cosmetic work done. How

could there be such a drastic

change that you didn't recognize me?"

Mervyn couldn't help but chuckle, his amusement evident.

Candice joined in, her laughter bubbling forth.

Mervyn warmly engaged Candice in conversation about her parents and

constrating genuine

family,

interest in her work and delving into

discussions about their lives.

Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. While outside, the sky darkened, and a brisk north wind swept through the streets. Before they knew it, a torrential downpour began.

The rain-soaked streets were empty, with only a few vehicles passing by.

The softly glowing street lights cast a gentle ambiance as rain cascaded down, forming puddles on the pavement below.

From the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows, an ethereal glow spilled onto the rain-slicked streets.

Driven by gusts of wind, the rain fell steadily outside.

However, within the restaurant, warmth and laughter embraced the patrons, offering a stark contrast to the tempest raging beyond its walls.

Half an hour later, a sleek luxury car glided to a stop by the roadside.

With a creak, the door swung open, revealing a towering figure impeccably dressed in a tailored suit.

Unfazed by the cold rain, he strode confidently through the puddles, navigating the street with determination.

The cold rain trickled down his short hair, tracing a path to his cheeks, its icy touch penetrating his skin and chilling him to the bone.

His eyes adopted a reddish hue as he kept his gaze firmly fixed on the couple behind the glass window.

The woman's joy was unmistakable, her infectious laughter filling the air.

Encountering the one she loved in a foreign land ought to be a moment of sheer bliss, shouldn't it?

As the unyielding rain obscured his sorrowful eyes, he clenched his fists with unwavering determination.

Chapter 862

Chapter 862

With roadside parking off-limits, Sean skillfully maneuvered the car into the nearest parking lot.

Equipped with a black umbrella, he splashed through the pooled water to join Elio, shielding him from the unrelenting rain.

At that moment, Sean found himself at a loss for words.

After all, he had been the one to bring Candice to this location.

Upon returning to the banquet, Sean discovered that Elio was already outside, making his way directly to this very spot. Having stood by Elio's side for many years, Sean was intimately familiar with almost every aspect of his life.

What he witnessed in Elio was a man devoid of joy, weighed down by the expectations of his parents.

Every facet of Elio's existence-his career, his future, even his marriage-had been meticulously orchestrated by them.

Since birth, Elio had never experienced true autonomy. He was merely a puppet shaped by the Hoffis family to inherit their fortune.

For someone like Elio, who had always been drawn to Candice's carefree and innocent spirit, she appeared as an unattainable dream, a vision of happiness forever beyond his grasp.

Sean trembled as the biting wind whipped around him, accompanied by relentless raindrops that felt like they were piercing deep into his core.

Though Sean was only partially damp, Elio was thoroughly soaked. Undoubtedly, Elio must have felt even colder.

Apart from the physical discomfort, witnessing the intimate moments inside the restaurant must have been a tormenting ordeal for him.

With genuine concern, Sean expressed his worry. "Mr. Hoffis, you're soaked through. You'll catch a cold if you stay out here any longer. Why don't we head back?"

Despite Sean's plea, Elio remained silent. He stood unmoving, his silence conveying more than words ever could.

Time stretched on, each moment heavier than the last.

As time dragged on, Sean felt the cold seeping deeper into his bones, causing his body to tremble. His teeth chattered incessantly, and his hands grew increasingly numb. Suddenly, the restaurant door swung open, and Mervyn emerged. Seeing the downpour, he swiftly opened a large umbrella, shielding Candice from the rain.

With a protective arm around her, he drew her close, offering both shelter and warmth.

After an hour of enduring the rain, Elio finally stirred.

He turned around slowly, facing away from Candice and Mervyn.

At that moment, Sean swiveled and lowered his umbrella, ensuring that Candice and Mervyn's view remained concealed.

As they walked, Candice nestled into Mervyn's embrace, her gaze fixed on the pooling water beneath her feet.

In a hushed tone, she lamented, "It's been pouring for two hours straight. When will it ever let up?"

M

NOW PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES ON

ILD WWW

"It does seem like we've had a lot of rain lately. Make sure you take your umbrella with you next time you go out," Mervyn gently reminded her.

"I know," Candice replied, her voice tinged with resignation.

"Hurry up, let's dash for the parking lot up ahead. That's where my car is parked," Mervyn suggested.

"Merv, could you adjust the umbrella? You're leaning it all on me, and your clothes are soaked," Candice pointed out.

"It's fine," Mervyn assured her.

Following him, Candice made her way to the parking lot and entered the car.

Without delay, Mervyn turned up the heater and offered her a fresh towel.

Although Candice wasn't drenched, her shoes were completely soaked. As she wiped them dry, she glanced up and noticed a vehicle in the opposite parking spot with a familiar license plate.

She paused abruptly, scanning her surroundings.

Wasn't Sean supposed to have left by now?

Had he been waiting here for two hours in this rain?

Unable to resist, Candice reached for her phone and dialed Sean's number.

Meanwhile, Mervyn ignited the car's engine and drove away slowly.

Just then, Sean's phone rang unexpectedly, catching him off guard. His voice wavered slightly as he answered, "Hello, Ms. Candice." "Mr. Lowe, why is your car still parked near the restaurant? Haven't you left yet?"

"No," Sean admitted.

"You really didn't have to wait for me. Merv is already escorting me back to the hotel. Given this heavy rainfall, you should head home and get some rest," Candice insisted. en.swhovels

"Alright, Ms. Candice," Sean acquiesced.

"I'm truly sorry to have kept you waiting for so long. Thank you for being patient," Candice expressed her gratitude.

"Ms. Candice, there's no need to thank me. It's the least I can do," Sean assured her.

Nonetheless, Candice couldn't help but notice a notable tremor in Sean's voice, as if he were enduring the chill of the rain.

Perplexed Candice bid him farewell

before ending the call. As she

back in her seat, her thoughts.

ettled

gradually drifted to Elio, his angry expression lingering in her mind. en.swhovels

Chapter 863

Chapter 863

As Candice's mind continued to wander, her emotions weighed heavily on her.

She found herself in a perpetual battle to understand Elio's intentions, her mind engulfed by thoughts of him as she attempted to unravel his innermost feelings. Unable to hold back, Candice released a deep sigh.

Mervyn chuckled softly, remarking, "Look at that our carefree Candice, sighing just like the rest of us."

Snapping back to reality, Candice couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, it's strange. I don't know when it happened, but it seems I've picked up some worries too," she confessed. "It sounds like a sign of growing up," Mervyn observed.

With a playful pout, Candice muttered, "If growing up means having worries, I'd rather not grow up at all."

"Tell me, is something at work bothering you?" Mervyn asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

Candice shook her head, her mind preoccupied.

Mervyn's expression darkened slightly, his tone growing more serious. "Is it about relationships, then?"

At Mervyn's probing question, Candice lowered her head, nervously twisting the towel in her hands. She remained silent, unable to articulate her thoughts.

A somber expression crossed Mervyn's face, a trace of concern evident in his features.

However, he maintained a composed demeanor as he cautiously broached. "Are you worried that if you were to share your feelings with me, I might not reciprocate?" Candice frowned at Mervyn's words. "Merv, please don't make jokes like that. It's not funny," she murmured.

Mervyn let out a nervous laugh, trying to conceal his embarrassment.

After dropping Candice off at the hotel, he bid her farewell and departed.

Upon reaching the suite, Candice discovered that Elio hadn't yet returned.

Undeterred, she retreated to her room, seeking solace in a steaming shower.

With ample time at her disposal, Candice settled against the headboard, her earphones in place as she delved into sketching designs to the backdrop of music. Minutes melded seamlessly into hours as Candice poured herself into her craft, eventually completing two sets of drafts.

A glance at her phone revealed the precise moment of midnight.

Typically, Candice would have been in a deep sleep by now.

But tonight, rest seemed distant.

C

NOW PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES ON

Rather than solely losing herself in music and sketches, it felt as though Candice was unconsciously awaiting Elio's return.

After setting her sketches aside and removing her headphones, Candice quietly slipped out of bed. Donning her slippers, she treaded cautiously toward the door.

With delicate movements, she turned the doorknob and discreetly peeked outside.

To her surprise, the living room was illuminated by bright light, a stark contrast to its previous dimness, indicating Elio's return.

Succumbing to weariness, Candice finally gave in to the urge to sleep.

However, just as she was about to retreat into her room and surrender to rest, a sudden clattering noise echoed from outside, catching her attention. Despite her initial hesitation, Candice decided to brave the unknown and opened the door, determined to investigate the source of the disturbance.

Entering the living room, she was

greeted by a disarray of empty wine bottles strewn across the floor, accompanied by several partially consumed liquor bottles atop the coffee table.

Elio sat slumped on the sofa, his head tilted back against the cushion, revealing the captivating curve of his Adam's apple.

One hand shielded his eyes from view, while the other gripped an empty wine glass, an air of melancholy shrouding him in desolation.

His short hair remained damp, and his white shirt clung to his skin, emphasizing the contours of his chest muscles.

"Elio, what's wrong?" Candice's heart

raced with concern as she swiftly

collected the scattered bottles,

sitting beside him in bewilderment. "Why did you drink so much? And why are you soaking wet? Where's Sean?"

With caution, Candice delicately retrieved the empty glass from his hand. Examining his drenched form, she felt utterly lost, her unease visible. Despite her worry, she refrained from reaching out to touch Elio.

With no strength left, Elio's hand fell to his side as he raised his head. His eyes, clouded and bloodshot, blazed intensely as they met Candice's gaze. Despite Elio's distress, his focus remained unwavering on Candice, his chest rising and falling heavily as he remained still. Caught in the intensity of his stare, Candice's body tensed with apprehension. Softly, she inquired, "What's the matter?"

Chapter 864

Chapter 864

Elio's deep voice softly pronounced her name. "Candice."

Perplexed, Candice responded, "Yes?"

"Candice," he called out once more.

"I'm here, right beside you. What's wrong?" Candice replied patiently.

"Candice, Candice..." Elio's voice grew heavier, infused with a sense of desolation. As he continued, his eyes reddened further, his gaze gradually drifting away. Observing Elio's condition, Candice felt utterly bewildered.

She had been by his side the whole time, so why was he repeatedly calling her name without providing any further explanation?

Was he intoxicated?

With a bitter twist to his lips, Elio struggled to speak, his words slow and labored. "Ca... Can... dice."

Concern etched on her face, Candice leaned closer. Meeting his gaze, she reassured him. "I'm here."

Elio stole a glance at her, offering a faint smile before reclining further back on the sofa. With his eyes closed, he murmured, "You've intruded into my dreams once more." "What?" Candice couldn't quite grasp his meaning. Intrigued, she leaned in closer and asked, "Elio, what are you trying to tell me?"

"Candice."

"Why do you keep calling my name? Just tell me what's on your mind!" Candice urged, growing impatient.

"C... an... dice."

Candice's words sliced through the air as she exclaimed, "You're seriously drunk!" before quickly retreating into the bedroom. With urgency, she grabbed her phone and dialed Sean's number. Sean answered the call sluggishly, his voice still heavy with sleep.

A surge of guilt washed over Candice as she began, "I apologize for disturbing you, Mr. Lowe, but it appears that Mr. Hoffis is intoxicated.

"He's currently seated in the living room with his clothing soaked through. I'm genuinely worried he might become ill."

"What? Mr. Hoffis is drunk?" Sean exclaimed, caught off guard.

Wasn't Elio perfectly fine when he was dropped off at the hotel just a short while ago? How had he managed to become intoxicated and still not changed out of his wet attire? With a touch of apprehension, Candice elaborated, "Yes, once he saw me, he kept calling my name, as if he had something important to convey but couldn't articulate it.

"It seems the alcohol has muddled his thoughts, and I doubt he'll even bother changing out of his wet clothes. Could you please come over and lend a hand?"

"Absolutely. I'll head over right away," Sean assured, swiftly abandoning his bed and rushing over in his pajamas.

As the doorbell chimed, Candice hurried to answer it.

NOW PLAY YOUR

FAVOURITE GAMES ON

Upon entering, Sean was greeted by

the sight of Elio still clad in his

soaked garments. Witnessing his inebriated state stirred Sean's

compassion.

Approaching gently, he draped an arm around Elio's shoulders, guiding him toward the bedroom.

Setting her phone aside, Candice joined in, taking hold of Elio's other arm.

Accompanied by Sean, they assisted Elio into his room and carefully laid him down on the spacious bed.

As Sean straightened up, he couldn't help but exchange a glance with Candice.

Intrigued, Candice inquired, "Wasn't he meant to attend the banquet? How did he end up so intoxicated and drenched? Didn't he have an umbrella?" Sean struggled to find a plausible explanation.

While he understood Elio's sentiments, he was aware that disclosing even a hint of them was off-limits.

After all, the relationship between Elio and Candice was intricate, with hardly any chance of them being together.

Furthermore, Elio had his own considerations-matters that Sean wasn't at liberty to discuss.

Skirting around Candice's inquiry, Sean respectfully proposed, "Ms Candice, would you mind stepping out for a moment? I'll assist Mr. Hoffis in changing out of his damp clothes."

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Candice quickly complied, saying, "Of course. Please take care of him. I'll retire to bed now."

With that, Candice exited Elio's room and closed the door behind her.

A palpable weight settled in her heart as she made her way back to her own room.

Despite reclining on her bed, sleep continued to elude her.

Restlessly, she tossed and turned, the passing minutes feeling endless.

Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door. Confirming Sean's departure, Candice swiftly threw off the covers and left the bed, her steps hesitant as she ventured out of the room. en.swhovels

The living room lay shrouded in darkness, except for the light spilling from Elio's room, casting Candice in its glow.

Standing stationary by the door, her heart felt unsettled despite Elio being merely a wall's distance away.

With worry consuming her, Candice felt an overwhelming urge to check on him.

Despite her concern, she lingered outside for what felt like an eternity, unable to summon the courage to enter.

She found herself wrestling with a sense of unworthiness regarding her care for him.

Although Elio held disdain for her and rejected being called "Mr. Hoffis", their familial bonds were an undeniable truth.

Chapter 865

Chapter 865

Despite harboring a secret crush on Elio for many years, Candice knew deep down that a romantic relationship between them was utterly impossible.

From a moral standpoint, her unrequited love was destined to remain hidden forever.

Therefore, Candice never dared to entertain the hope of getting close to Elio, let alone indulge in her silly fantasies.

Instead, she accepted the reality of keeping this clandestine affection buried deep within her heart for her whole life.

After grappling with her emotions, Candice eventually retreated to her room. Closing the door behind her, she settled back into bed, hoping to find solace in the prospect of peaceful sleep. However, rest evaded Candice that night, her sleep was disturbed and she felt uneasy.

The next morning, Elio remained trapped in the grip of his hangover, unaware of the world waking around him.

Meanwhile, Candice had already gotten up and joined Sadie and Emerson, as they made their way to the event venue.

The space had been meticulously prepared, with the runway set up and ready for the highly anticipated fashion show of the season.

With the significant moment approaching, everyone worked diligently to ensure every detail was flawless before the show began.

In the backstage lounge, a man with an authoritative presence gestured toward Candice and asked, "Who's that?"

However, as he attempted to speak further, his words faltered. "You... You..."

Surprised, Candice pointed to herself. "Me? Are you referring to me?"

"Yes, you! Which department are you from?" the man inquired.

Candice nodded politely. "I work in the design department."

"I haven't seen you around," the man remarked.

"I'm new. I'm from the headquarters," Candice explained.

"I see. Well, could you do us a favor and grab some coffee?" the man instructed.

Taken aback by the request, Candice couldn't help but express her surprise. "Me? Go get coffee?"

The man's frown deepened as he gestured to the bustling room. "We're all swamped, and it seems like you have the least on your plate. If not you, then who?"

Seeing the logic behind his request, Candice acquiesced. After all, it was just a quick errand to fetch a few cups of coffee.

"Alright, how many cups do you need?" she inquired.

Pointing toward the crowd, the man instructed, "Count how many people are here, and make sure there's enough for everyone."

Following the man's directives, Candice surveyed the room.

With both staff and models present, there were at least several dozen people in attendance. She quickly realized she couldn't handle that many cups of coffee by herself. "Why are you just standing there? Start moving already!" the man urged impatiently.

Nonetheless, Candice's optimistic outlook prevailed. She firmly believed that for every problem, there was a solution waiting to be uncovered.

In the worst-case scenario, she could resort to using cardboard boxes to transport the coffee cups.

"Okay. By the way, am I allowed to seek reimbursement for these expenses from the company?" Candice spoke up.

The man's expression darkened, his

tone tinged with disapproval. "What?

Do you seriously expect the

company to cover the cost of a few cups of coffee? Have you no

shame?"

What did he mean by "a few cups"?

It was evident that she needed to buy several dozen.

Candice had already shown generosity by volunteering to run errands without charge. Thus, expecting her to cover the cost of coffee for everyone seemed unreasonable.

If her offer was driven by goodwill, she wouldn't hesitate to pay, even if it meant spending a few thousand bucks.

However, feeling pressured and morally manipulated into doing so changed the situation for her, making it difficult to agree.

Judging by his demeanor, the man appeared to hold a position of authority, possibly overseeing a branch or having a managerial or directorial role.

Hence, Candice was mindful not to offend him, so she chose her words carefully.

"Could I possibly buy some instant coffee instead? It's more within my budget, just a few dollars a packet," Candice diplomatically proposed.

Upon hearing her suggestion, the man's expression soured even further.

Nonetheless, Candice managed a faint, innocent smile, her expression tinged with helplessness.

"I've recently secured a permanent

position, but my modest salary barely covers essentials like rent and meals. Despite my attempts to.

budget wisely, I still struggle tool ne

make ends meet every month," she sate with a hint of despair.

Shooting Candice a disdainful glance, the man reached into his pocket. Extracting his wallet, he withdrew over 200 dollars and handed it to Candice.

In an authoritative tone, he directed, "After you've noted everyone's preferences, go to the city's cafes. And make sure to bring back the receipt when you return."

As Candice reached for the money, an unexpected intervention halted her movement. A large hand intercepted, swiftly snatching the cash before she could react. Candice was taken aback, her gaze shifting to the man beside her. To her astonishment, it was Elio standing there.

Clad in a sleek and sophisticated black suit, he exuded an air of composure and aloofness, his gaze distant yet piercing.

At the sight of Elio, the man's arrogance vanished instantly. With a respectful nod, he greeted, "Mr. Hoffis, good to see you."

Without a word, Elio hurled the

money directly at the man's face Startled, the man flinched, causing the bills to scatter across his

features before cascading tothe ground.

Chapter 866

Chapter 866

Candice's gasp echoed through the room, her hands flying to her mouth in disbelief as she struggled to comprehend the unfolding scene.

Elio's chilling presence was so overpowering that it reduced the arrogant man to trembling silence. He bowed his head in submission, too terrified to speak. Every word Elio spoke carried an icy intensity, freezing the air around them. "If you're thirsty, get your own drink. Don't expect my team to cater to your needs."

The words "my team" echoed through Candice like an explosion, stirring a blend of nervousness and anticipation that hastened her heartbeat.

While she understood that Elio was referring to his subordinates from headquarters as "my team", she couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction.

Terrified and flustered, the man swiftly bowed and offered an apology. "I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Hoffis, I've made a mistake."

Elio's demeanor remained icy as he turned and walked away without acknowledging Candice, leaving her bewildered.

Despite Elio's intervention in reprimanding his subordinate, Candice couldn't shake the sense that his attitude toward her remained distant and unpredictable, alternating between cold and warm. Once Elio had left, Candice knelt down to help the man gather the scattered dollar bills.

Visibly shaken, the man's apologies tumbled out in a frantic rush. "I-I'm truly sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I can handle it myself..."

His demeanor toward Candice now bore an added layer of fear and apprehension.

Standing up, Candice turned her gaze back toward Elio, feeling a rush of concern wash over her.

Had he recovered from last night's heavy drinking? Was he feeling unwell today?

Lost in her thoughts, she observed him closely as he carried out his tasks, her expression distant.

Elio's work ethic was characterized by an unparalleled level of seriousness and gravitas, radiating an aura that commanded respect.

Sensing someone's gaze upon him, Elio briefly turned, only to find no one there.

After a swift survey of his surroundings, his eyes landed on Candice.

"Mr. Hoffis, you have a call." Sean suddenly appeared, his demeanor solemn as he handed Elio the phone.

Elio glanced at the screen, noting the incoming video call from his mother, Michaela.

After a brief moment of hesitation, he finally accepted the phone. With his Bluetooth earpiece in place, he answered the call calmly, "What's the matter?"

"I've already arranged for someone to retrieve Candice. Regardless of your intentions, she needs to return," Michaela's voice asserted firmly through the phone.

"Tell your associates to back off," Elio replied sharply.

Michaela's voice remained composed as she continued, "If you choose not to heed my advice, then I'II..."

Her sentence trailed off as she switched the camera to the rear-facing view, focusing on a large painting hanging on the wall.

Elio's composure faltered as he stepped outside, gripping his phone tightly.

Fighting to contain his frustration, he stood by the fire escape stairwe and admonished, "Get out of room this instant! What do you think you're doing?"

"If you refuse to send Candice back, I'll destroy it," Michaela threatened.

Elio's fists clenched, the veins on the back of his hands standing out prominently.

The painting on the wall held

profound significance-it was a labor of love, painstakingly created over a month during his high school years, portraying Candice's likeness using the letters of her name.

It remained a cherished fixture in his room ever since.

In the past, Elio had treasured numerous small gifts from Candice, only for Michaela to destroy them all in acts of manipulation.

Now, this painting remained as the final tangible connection he had to Candice.

"Keep your hands away," Elio growled, his words pronounced with precision.

"Bring Candice back now," Michaela demanded sternly from the other end of the line.

"That's not happening," Elio replied firmly, his resolve unyielding.

In response, Michaela retrieved a pair of scissors and mercilessly punctured the glass frame.

The room echoed with a resounding crash as the frame housing the painting shattered into pieces, symbolizing the breaking of Elio's heart.

Numbness consumed him entirely as he clenched his fists, his eyes swollen and red with suppressed tears.

Keeping his gaze fixed on the screen, Elio watched helplessly as Michaela continued her relentless attack on his beloved artwork.

Intense agony seized him, transforming each breath into a struggle for air.

His fists quivered slightly, trembling beneath the weight of his torment.

Chapter 867

Chapter 867

Michaela delivered a firm admonition, stating, "In this world, any woman is welcome, except for Candice Morrison."

However, it wasn't that Michaela bore any animosity toward Candice.

On the contrary, she held a deep affection for her, treating her with the same love and care as if she were her own granddaughter.

Her apprehensions arose from a fear of Candice getting hurt, concerns about tarnishing her family's reputation, and anxieties regarding the potential strain it might place on the relationship between their two families.

Despite these concerns, Michaela appeared indifferent to Elio's happiness.

Throughout, she had vehemently opposed his relationship with Candice, resorting to extreme measures.

Elio had spent half his life compromising, but he had reached his breaking point.

He was determined to live life on his own terms.

If Candice were willing to embrace him and stand by his side despite the world's opposition, he wouldn't hesitate for a moment.

"My personal affairs are none of your concern," Elio responded sharply to Michaela's probing.

Michaela's anger flared as she persisted, "But what about Josie? After all these years together, are you going to abandon her for Candice?"

Elio's frustration erupted as he fired back, "Josie and I were never a couple. If it weren't for your insistence, I wouldn't have begged her to pretend to be my first love."

Michaela's astonishment was evident. "Pretend? Your relationship with Josie was fake?"

A bitter, rueful smile tugged at Elio's lips.

Recalling the time when his hidden affection for Candice was exposed, he found himself confronted with threats and coercion from his family.

Feeling trapped, Elio realized he had no option but to resort to drastic measures.

"Elio, you've disappointed me greatly!" Michaela declared, her voice trembling with anger.

Unmoved, Elio responded, "I'm busy. Unless it's urgent, don't bother calling."

With that, he ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket.

He lowered his head, lost in thought.

In his world, the only person who could stop him from being with Candice was Candice herself.

He couldn't care less about anyone else.

In the ensuing days, Candice found herself increasingly occupied as the event unfolded.

It was the apex moment in the fashion industry, attracting live coverage from major media outlets.

Throughout the event, Candice had the privilege of meeting numerous globally acclaimed designers.

For a novice designer like herself, this fashion spectacle proved to be an immensely enriching experience.

Seated at the front, Candice found herself positioned right next to Elio.

At that moment, she felt grateful for their connection, which afforded her certain privileges.

As the event wrapped up successfully, the celebratory banquet swiftly ensued.

Managing his duties as the CEO of ND Group, Elio found little time to spare.

Meanwhile, Candice held an

aversion to attending banquets.

Much like her mother, she prefinet

seeking out a secluded corner where she could quietly relish her meal.

Once she finished eating, she would briefly mingle before discreetly slipping away.

At the celebratory banquet, Candice found herself amidst a crowd of unfamiliar faces from around the world, heightening her social unease. Despite her discomfort, her sweet appearance seemed to attract a series of peculiar men who were eager to engage her in conversation. Unable to endure the situation any longer, she quietly left the scene without alerting anyone.

Summoning a taxi, she made her way back to the hotel.

As she stepped into the lobby, two foreigners rose from the couches, swiftly moving to intercept her.

Speaking in their native language, they asked, "Excuse us, are you Candice Morrison?"

Taken aback, Candice cautiously retreated a step, replying in the same language, "Who are you? What do you want from me?"

Gesturing toward the entrance, the foreigners said, "Your friend is waiting outside and wants to see you."

Candice hesitated, glancing nervously over her shoulder.

"Come with us," they insisted.

Candice's instincts screamed

danger, propelling her into a sprinte toward call the police!" she urgently blurted out.

the front deskel

Before her plea could fully register, the two men behind her surged forward, seizing her and muffling her cries. With a swift motion, they lifted her onto their shoulders and made a dash for the exit.

The receptionist's voice rang out in panic, "Put the lady down immediately! If you don't release her, I'll call the police!"

Out of fear, the receptionists refrained from impulsively chasing the foreigners, mindful of the potential that they might be armed.

Instead, they quickly grabbed the landline phone to report the situation to the authorities.

Chapter 868

Chapter 868

Used to the safety in Norvania, Candice never imagined that in broad daylight, criminals could boldly storm into a hotel and abduct someone.

She was thrown into a car with her hands and feet bound, eyes blindfolded, and mouth gagged. She curled up in a corner of the car. She was terrified, shivering uncontrollably.

The foreigners in the car laughed heartily, speaking in their native language filled with filthy words.

"This woman is really beautiful."

"Not only did we get the money, we also got a pretty girl to play with. Guys, this is a great deal!"

"Look at that body, that face. She's a real prize, isn't she?"

"Let's have some fun with her later."

Hearing these vile conversations, Candice was terrified and helpless.

From their words, it was clear they were hired to kidnap and violate her.

She felt very disgusted, making her want to vomit.

Half an hour later, Candice felt herself being dragged out of the car.

After being carried into a room, she was tossed onto a soft bed.

She whimpered as she tried to speak. When she was struggling to escape, the lewd men laughed. The more she struggled, the more they laughed.

Suddenly, the ropes binding her hands and feet were untied. She was spread out and tied again. Each of her limbs was tied to the four corners of the bed.

She fought with all her strength, but the ropes cut into her wrists and ankles, causing her pain.

The men laughed excitedly while she wept.

What was waiting for her was hell.

Just as she was about to despair, there came a loud bang.

Candice recognized the sound. It was a gunshot.

Soon, the door was kicked open and a flurry of gunshots followed.

There were at least a dozen shots fired.

Although Candice froze in terror, she was still holding a glimmer of hope.

Did the hotel staff call the police? Did the police find her?

"Ms. Candice, it's over." It was Sean's voice.

Then, the blindfold and the gag was removed.

Her face was pale and tear-streaked, feeling limp and weak.

As she breathed heavily, she glanced at Sean. When she raised her head, she saw Elio holding a gun.

His tall and commanding presence

was clad in a dark gray suit. His face was handsome, stern, and cold. His short hair and hawk-like eyes glinted with a bloodthirsty menace, making him look very terrifying and powerful.

All the men lying on the ground were all shot.

When Elio looked down at the men coldly, he saw one of them twitch slightly.

Seeing he wasn't dead, he fired another shot, and another loud bang followed.

Candice was stunned in shock.

Daniel and Nathan were soldiers, so she had seen them in training.

Although she had seen them shooting, this was the first time she had witnessed a killing.

She was so afraid that tears streamed down her face.

Elio exuded an innate kingly demeanor. He looked like he was out of his mind, eliciting fear from others.

Sean noticed Candice's terror, so he

quickly reassured her. "Ms. Candice, don't be afraid. In this country, as long as they're committing crimes, we as victims have the right to shoot them. This is what we call self-defense."

Candice gulped nervously. As she nodded, a shiver was sent down her spine.

Elio's expression was terrifyingly

grim.

he loer handing the gun to

he looked at Candice. His gaz

was

belongs to en.swf

filled with worry and regret

As he walked toward Candice, he took off his suit jacket. Kneeling beside her, he draped the jacket over her.

I<--

Chapter 869

Chapter 869

Candice's eyes glistened with tears as she panicked.

The scent of Elio's clothes was soothing and comforting. She felt very thankful.

She choked out, "E-Elio, thank you."

Elio bent down to carry her up. He murmured lightly, "I'm sorry. I didn't protect you well and I got here late too. You must be scared." Leaning against Elio's solid chest, Candice felt an overwhelming sense of safety as his warmth calmed her down.

As she looked up, she saw his Adam's apple was close to her face. With her cheek flushing, her heart raced as she breathed heavily.

Although she was still in a state of shock, she felt shy for some reason.

When they left the house, numerous police cars were at the entrance.

Sean stayed behind to handle the scene while Elio took her straight to the hospital.

After the doctor treated the rope burns on her wrists, a psychologist was brought in to help her cope with the terrifying experience. Luckily, her fear slowly disappeared and she began to feel better. She felt grateful to be alive.

At around 1:00 am, Elio escorted Candice back to the hotel.

Once inside, she was so weak that she collapsed onto the sofa, feeling as if she had narrowly escaped death.

Elio poured her glass of warm water and handed it to her. "Take a hot bath before you get some sleep."

Candice took the glass and then expressed her gratitude, "Thanks."

After that, she slowly took a sip of the water.

Elio sat across from her and then looked at her intensely. He asked gently, "Are you able to sleep alone?"

He saw through her fear. Also, he knew she didn't have the courage to sleep alone.

This was exactly what Candice was worried about because she knew she would have nightmares, so she didn't want to sleep alone.

After a moment of contemplation,

Candice said, "Can you keep this a

secret? don't want my family to know I was in danger abroad I don't

want them to worry."

Elio nodded.

"And... I want to go to Ms. Lloyd's room and sleep with her," Candice said with a slightly trembling voice.

Looking at the time on the wall in a tangle, she continued, "But at this hour, I'd be disturbing her "

"I'll sleep in the same room as yours," Elio interrupted.

"What?" Candice was stunned. She stared at him in surprise as her heart pounded. After a long pause, she finally asked, "You... You'll sleep in my room?"

Pursing his lips, Elio nodded. He teased, "If you don't mind, we can even share the same bed."

Just as Candice was about to take another sip of water, she choked when she heard his words. She covered her mouth as she coughed.

With her heart racing, she was starting to panic and felt embarrassed. She didn't know how to react.

Elio said nervously, "Be careful, don't choke on the water."

After recovering from the coughing fit, Candice wore a shy and awkward smile. She said, "Don't joke with me like that."

Otherwise, she might take it seriously.

Elio's gaze was steady and sincere, without a hint of jest. "I'm not joking," he said.

Candice panicked.

Elio had always been cold and arrogant. He wasn't the type to joke around. Was he trying to comfort her after such a fright?

"I... I'm going to take a bath," Candice said before hurriedly putting down the glass of water. Then, she stood up nervously and rushed into the bathroom.

As Elio leaned back on the sofa, he looked down and pondered about Candice's reaction just now.

What was happening? She didn't seem to be rejecting Elio.

Chapter 870

Chapter 870

Candice entered the bathroom and took her bath.

The entire process took a little over an hour.

Normally, after bathing, she would wash her hair and blow-dry it. Then, she would do her skincare routine, apply a face mask and hand mask, and finally apply lotion and cream all over her body.

By the time she finished all this, more than an hour had passed.

When she came out of the bathroom, she was surprised to find Elio already in her room.

His pillow and blanket were on the sofa. He was sitting there in casual sleepwear, looking at his phone.

She was slightly stunned. She was nervous for some reason because she had thought Elio was just joking when he said he would stay with her. She didn't expect him to come to her room to accompany her. She froze in place with her heart racing like crazy. She just stood there and nervously looked at him.

Elio put down his phone and then looked up at her. He curiously asked with a gentle voice, "Do you always take this long to shower?"

With her hands clutching her nightgown, Candice nodded nervously. Thankfully, her nightgown was modest or she would have felt even more embarrassed.

Seeing her standing there like a frightened child, Elio's heart melted. He said, "I'll sleep in your room tonight."

Candice nodded vigorously.

Elio found her too adorable. Although he wanted to smile, he still managed to suppress it. Then, he pointed to the bed.

Realizing what he meant, Candice quickly walked toward the bed and lay down. After that, she pulled the blanket to cover herself.

She felt so nervous that her body was tense. She also found it hard to breathe. She was just too nervous!

Candice kept trying to calm herself. She had never imagined that one day she would share a room with Elio.

She recalled how she used to find excuses to visit the Hoffises, just to catch a glimpse of him, but Elio had never looked at her or chatted with her.

He would even make excuses to leave when she showed up to deliberately avoid her.

She was so heartbroken at that time. She thought Elio disliked her so much that he avoided her.

She never expected him to bring her

on this trip. Apart from that, he was also willing to risk his life to save her, and even stay with her just because he worried she would be scared.

Who would ask him to do this?

It must have been Daniel.

Daniel was Elio's nephew, so he probably asked Elio to take care of her.

That must have been it.

Candice turned her face to Elio. Just as she was about to speak, she froze because she saw Elio staring at her intensely.

His sexy and seducing gaze made her heart pound uncontrollably.

After a few seconds of eye contact Candice felt like she was going crazy, so she quickly looked away. She stammered, "Should we sleep? C-Can I t-turn off the light?

"Yes, you can." Elio's voice was husky and magnetic. The way he pronounced his words was intoxicating.

Candice took the remote and turned off the lights.

In the darkness, she felt less nervous, so she dared to look toward the sofa. As her eyes

vel

adapted to the darkness, she could see Elio's silhouette.

He was still in the same position and remained unmoved. Did he have trouble sleeping on the sofa?

After a while, Candice couldn't help but ask, "Why aren't you sleeping?"

Elio didn't answer.

Candice gulped nervously. She asked again, "If you're uncomfortable on the sofa, you can go back to your room. I don't mind."

Elio remained silent. His silence unnerved Candice.

She had no idea why he wasn't answering her.