Ch. 891..900
Chapter 891
The moment Candice locked eyes with Elio, she quickly lowered her head. She twirled the hem of her clothing between her fingers, her cheeks coloring a deep red.
Elio watched her intently for a few seconds before reluctantly looking away. Shortly after, a maid entered the room to announce that dinner was served. Everyone gathered at the dining table and began to eat. Candice seemed preoccupied throughout the meal. She hurried upstairs as soon as she finished eating. Alone in her room, she pondered over Elio's visit.
Did he really come to clarify things because her family had begun preparing a lavish wedding gift for him? Were his words sincere? And if so, why had Josie misled her? Could it have all been an act? The more she pondered over those questions, the more her head hurt. Eventually, she decided to stop overthinking and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning, Candice awoke from a comforting dream in high spirits. Elio's words from the past suddenly echoed in her mind. "I want you, Candice." Bewildered, she gasped, covering her mouth, and she stared into space. It dawned on her that when Elio said he wanted her, he hadn't meant as a mistress. Candice jumped out of bed and freshened up. She slipped into a beautiful dress, grabbed her bag, and set off for work.
Jasper was giving her a lift again that day since it was on his way. He still needed to clock in despite being a senior executive in ND Group.
While Jasper drove, he said, "Candice, my mom told me to keep an eye on you."
Puzzled, Candice replied, "I'm doing fine. What's the concern?"
"I'm not sure of the reasons. It's just that I should watch out for you," Jasper said.
Candice simply smiled and chose not to comment further.
"Also, she warned me to be wary of Josie," Jasper added.
"Did Aunt Chubs really say that?" Candice looked up in surprise.
Jasper nodded and hummed in response.
Candice chuckled and asked, "So, what about Josie warrants caution?"
"I don't know the full story, but I've never liked Josie. She's such a pretentious bitch," Jasper remarked.
Candice couldn't help but laugh at his candidness.
Surprised by her reaction, Jasper added, "You shouldn't laugh, Candice. She's quite the actress, especially around Uncle Elio. It leaves me at a loss for words every time." Amused, Candice nodded and hummed in agreement.
"It's actually for the best that they're
not getting married," Jasper continued, raising an eyebrow and pursing his lips. "She's so young, and her rapid rise in her career is only due to her aunt and uncle's political connections. That's bound to cause problems eventually."
"What position does she hold now?" Candice asked.
"She's a deputy director at a state department."
Candice covered her mouth in surprise, blinking her eyes. No wonder Michaela was so taken with Josie. It seemed that with money often came an insatiable hunger for power.
As the car pulled into the
underground parking lot of the ND
building, Candice and Jasper exited the car, continuing their
conversation as they entered the elevator. The elevator doors started
closing slowly. Just as they were
about to shut completely, they
suddenly reopened. Contént belongs
Candice looked up to see two men standing before her. It was Elio and his assistant, Sean.
"Good morning, Uncle Elio," Jasper greeted Elio cheerfully.
Elio casually hummed in response, his gaze locking intensely with Candice's. Candice held his stare, and a warm spark passed between them.
As Elio stepped inside, Candice greeted him softly, "Good morning, Mr. Hoffis."
He moved to stand beside her and murmured, "Good morning."
After entering the elevator, Sean closed the doors and pressed the button for their floor. Candice felt an inexplicable nervousness. She stole glances at Elio, who stood close by her side.
Chapter 892
Chapter 892
The elevator stopped at the design department's floor. "Candice, you're up," Jasper said as the doors slid open.
After stepping out, Candice turned to face the elevator. She waved at Jasper with a smile, her gentle gaze naturally drifting toward Elio. Elio's gaze met hers-intense, deep, and unflinching. As the elevator doors began to close, their eye contact was broken.
Candice touched her chest, feeling her heart flutter with nervous excitement as she sighed. With no more need for secrecy, she could openly admire Elio without the guilt of desiring someone she thought was taken.
Still, she wasn't completely certain about his relationship status. Although he wasn't with Josie, could there be someone else?
Regardless, Candice felt optimistic about where things might lead. With a joyous smile, she covered her face, ducked her head, and briskly made her way into the design department office.
Candice found her work in the design department incredibly fulfilling. Passionate about fashion design, she poured her heart into her projects with unwavering dedication.
The winter design drafts were under review for the upcoming collection, and Candice's submissions had been rejected. Yet she remained undaunted. Overwhelmed with anxiety, Vanessa sat at her desk, holding her head in distress. Candice wheeled her chair closer and asked gently, "What's wrong?"
Vanessa held her job dear, her voice tinged with sorrow as she said, "Candice, every single one of my drafts got rejected."
With a reassuring smile, Candice patted Vanessa's shoulder. "Mine, too. Don't worry."
"But how can I not worry? If I don't make a breakthrough soon, I'm definitely going to be laid off next."
Candice looked surprised. "There's another round of layoffs?"
Vanessa looked up, her face etched with sorrow and her eyes reflecting deep anxiety. She muttered, "Candice, have you heard about the new CEO? He's really intimidating-way more than the last one."
"Intimating?" Candice was puzzled. Elio was certainly reserved and perhaps distant, but she would hardly call that intimidating.
Vanessa leaned closer to Candice,
lowering her voice. "He's such an intimidating. guy. After taking charge, he dismissed all the worthless
employees left from the previous CEO's tenure. He even handed over those harming the company to the police with solid evidence,
"Besides, some of the long-standing employees were let go outright. Those who had contributed in the past but weren't useful anymore were offered severance packages and encouraged to take early retirement.
"And now, he's implementing massive layoffs alongside hiring a wave of fresh graduates."
"Isn't that expected if it benefits the company?" Candice asked.
Vanessa was puzzled. "But doesn't it seem wrong to just use people and cast them aside?"
"For a company to thrive in the long run, it can't afford to carry unnecessary weight," Candice explained indifferently.
Vanessa pursed her lips, her eyes welling up. "Candice, are you implying that I'm the unnecessary weight?"
Candice immediately hugged
Vanessa and reassured her. "Vanessa, don't be sad. I wasn't talking about you at all. Trust me, you're not going to be laid off. I promise you're safe."
"You might want to be concerned about your own position. You're the least experienced here, yet your salary isn't exactly low."
"Okay, alright, I'll be careful," Candice replied, smiling.
After work, Jasper offered Candice a ride home. During the drive, Candice broached the topic of company layoffs.
Jasper was transparent and explained the situation thoroughly to her. He even assured her she had nothing to worry about and wouldn't be laid off.
"Could you please ensure that my friend, Vanessa Yates, also stays off the layoff list?" Candice asked.
Chapter 893
Chapter 893
"That's out of my responsibility. You should speak with the HR director or consult Uncle Elio directly," Jasper said.
Candice paused, her thoughts swirling. It seemed like a flimsy excuse to approach Elio. He could easily resolve the issue with just a few words.
She wondered how she could keep their conversation going. Pursing her lips in thought, she absentmindedly fiddled with her bag's buckle.
Meanwhile, Jasper focused intently on the road, his concentration broken only when his phone rang. He grabbed his Bluetooth earpiece, fitted it into his ear, and pressed the answer button. "Hello, Uncle Elio," Jasper greeted. Candice's head shot up, her expression turning anxious.
From the other end came Elio's voice. "Come over. I have an important document for you."
"Uncle Elio, could Sean possibly deliver it instead? I'm driving Candice home right now, and it would be inconvenient to change direction," said Jasper.
"It's very important. I don't trust anyone else with it." Elio was adamant.
His words piqued Jasper's curiosity. At that moment, Candice whispered, "I don't mind getting home a bit late."
Jasper heard her. With a smile, he responded to Elio, "Okay, I'll come over right away."
He then took a different route. Half an hour later, they arrived at Hillside Villa. Candice had never been to this place. She looked around, feeling out of her element. "Jasper, where are we?" "This is where Uncle Elio lives," said Jasper.
As Candice stepped out of the car, she took in her surroundings. "Doesn't he live at Hoffis Manor?"
Jasper followed, shutting the car door behind him. "He moved here recently to live by himself."
Candice walked alongside him. She asked in a surprised tone, "Why?"
"Grandma is too controlling. She even tried to force him to marry Josie. Uncle Elio used to put up with her, likely because she hadn't overstepped his boundaries.
"But she crossed the line this time, and it was more than he could bear. They had a huge falling out, and he moved out to live on his own."
"Is she really that scary?" Candice asked.
As Jasper rang the doorbell, he glanced back at Candice. "Uncle Elio had zero privacy there. Grandma Michaela even openly read through his diary. Wouldn't you find that scary?"
Candice nodded emphatically. When the door swung open, she looked up to find Elio in casual white loungewear, exuding an air of relaxed elegance and undeniable charm.
Elio glanced at Jasper. His gaze then drifted to Candice. Their eyes met for a brief moment until Jasper called his name and snapped Elio out of the moment. "Come in." Elio opened the door wider.
Jasper stepped in first, followed slowly by Candice. "Hi, Elio," she whispered, almost inaudibly.
Catching her soft whisper, Elio looked up with a subtle change in his expression. A gentle smile crossed his face as he hummed in response. "Come in and have a seat."
Candice entered slowly, scanning
his house. Ello's home was a stark contrast to Hoffis Manor. Instead
lavish decorations and luxuriousne
furnishings, the interior was
minimalistic, spacious, and
ovel
comfortable.
It was outfitted with sleek, high-tech furniture and appliances. The modern aesthetic matched his personality, giving a sense of calm
detachment the moment Candice
stepped inside.
The duo settled onto the couch. Shortly after, Elio disappeared into his study and returned with a document. He handed it to Jasper.
Jasper skimmed through the pages, his brow furrowing. "This isn't that important. You could've just had Sean deliver it."
"It's very important." Elio remained firm.
With a wry smile, Jasper stood up and said, "Alright, I've got the document. It's time to take Candice home."
Chapter 894
Chapter 894
Candice rose to her feet as well. Elio seemed slightly flustered. He quickly suggested, "Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner?"
Jasper hesitated, glancing at Elio, who gestured toward the dining table where a maid set out the dishes.
"It's already dark outside. You'll be hungry if you head back now. Why not eat here?" said Elio.
Jasper looked over at Candice. Unperturbed, she replied, "I'm fine with either option."
Feeling a twinge of sympathy for Elio's loneliness, Jasper headed over to the dining table with a faint smile. "Alright, let's stay and have dinner with Uncle Elio."
Candice pulled out her phone and sent a message to Florence. "Grandma, Jasper and I will have dinner out tonight. Don't wait up."
After sending the message, she rose from the couch and nearly collided with Elio as she stepped out. Startled, she took a step back, and her gentle gaze met his. Elio's emotions seemed heightened, his typical cold and handsome face now revealing a hint of warmth.
In a gentle voice, he said, "I asked the chef to prepare some of your favorites-stuffed mushrooms, pork knuckle, and ravioli."
Candice was momentarily startled. It took her a second to gather her thoughts.
How did he know she liked these dishes? Wasn't this dinner invitation quite sudden? And how had he managed to prepare her favorite dishes so quickly? "Thank you," Candice murmured, her voice soft with surprise.
Elio quickly moved aside, allowing her to walk past him toward the dining table, and followed closely behind.
As Candice took her seat, she was struck by the sight of the table laden with her favorites-six dishes and a soup, precisely what she loved.
While serving the soup, Jasper couldn't help but tease, "Uncle Elio, you've really laid it on thick with this meal. Everything here is exactly what Candice loves."
Elio gave no reply but simply took his seat across from them. Feeling her cheeks flush, Candice shyly lowered her gaze and accepted the bowl of soup Jasper handed her. She began to sip it quietly. Jasper sensed there was more to the situation but chose to remain silent with a smile, focusing instead on his meal.
Elio's dining etiquette was marked by elegance and formality. He ate quietly, without speaking or making any noise.
Candice and Jasper exchanged a glance before turning to observe Elio. They admired his posture at the table; he really did look graceful.
Sensing the intensity of their stares,
Elio looked up and caught Jasper's and Candice's warm gazes. Embarrassed, they quickly lowered their heads and resumed eating awkwardly. The remainder of the dinner unfolded in a quiet and cozy ambiance.
There was no rush to leave as it was only 8:00 pm. The maid brought some fruit, and the trio settled into the living room to watch a movie. The atmosphere was harmonious.
After a while, Jasper excused
himself to use the bathroom, leaving only Candice and Elio on the couch. Seated about three feet apart, they continged watching the movie, neither finding the words to break the silence.
Candice found the atmosphere particularly stiff and awkward, her heart pounding like a drum. She was torn, simultaneously wishing for Jasper's quick return and hoping he would stay in the bathroom a little longer. Her thoughts were scattered, making it impossible to focus on the movie.
Suddenly, Elio's deep, captivating voice broke through her anxious reverie. "Candice, you should come over for dinner more often," he suggested.
Her heart fluttered, skipping a beat. "Oh, okay, thank you!" she replied anxiously, her eyes glued to the TV screen.
Meanwhile, Elio watched her intently, his eyes lingering on her gorgeous face. "Did you enjoy tonight's meal?" he asked.
Candice nodded in response. "Yes, I did."
Chapter 895
Chapter 895
The conversation dwindled into another round of silence. To bridge the emotional gap, Elio tried to change the subject.
"Are you facing any challenges at work?" he asked.
Suddenly reminded of the layoffs, Candice turned to face him, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Is the company planning to lay anyone off?"
A gentle smile finally crossed Elio's face the moment she met his gaze. "You don't have to worry. You're not on the list."
"What about my friend, Vanessa Yates? Can you make sure she's safe, too?"
"Vanessa Yates?" Elio echoed.
Candice nodded in response.
"Okay, I'll make a note of it."
"Thank you," said Candice. Overwhelmed by his intense gaze, she shifted her gaze to the television.
"Candice, about what happened last time, we-"
He was cut off by Jasper approaching them. Elio's words hung unfinished in the air.
Feeling a mix of guilt and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's not talk about the past. It's all behind us now."
She was afraid that Jasper might overhear their conversation. Yet, her words came across as cold and detached to Elio. To him, she seemed like a woman merely curious about sex, impulsively exploring without any emotional attachment or thoughts of the future.
Jasper sank into the seat between them, placing a hand on Candice's shoulder. "Candice, let's finish this movie with Uncle Elio, then head home. It's getting late, and I don't want grandma and grandpa to worry about you."
"Okay." Candice offered a faint smile.
Elio's face fell as the movie played on. His attention wasn't on the screen but on the ticking clock.
When it was time to leave, he stood up to escort Jasper and Candice to the door. He watched silently as Candice climbed into the car and waved goodbye.
The vehicle slowly pulled away, and Elio remained rooted to the spot without a word. Expressionless, he watched until the car vanished from his sight. His heart felt empty, as hollow as his large house now seemed.
The Morrisons took great care to protect Candice, ensuring she was never alone. They arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere, and she was always picked up and dropped off at work by someone she trusted.
This made it incredibly difficult for Elio to find any opportunity to get close to her. He entered his villa with a heavy heart and closed the door behind him.
Standing under the light, he surveyed his bright and spacious home. The silence was so profound that he could hear his own stifling oppressive, dull breaths. His mind was a blank canvas. After a moment of stillness, he dragged himself toward the study.
Only work seemed to be able to mitigate his mounting frustration. Elio settled at his desk and spread out some documents. He was about to start writing when his phone beeped twice with a new message notification.
Elio picked up his phone languidly, opened the message, and glanced at it. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of the message.
He quickly sat up straight, gripping his phone with both hands as he reread the message. It was from Candice.
"Elio, I enjoyed dinner at your place today. Your house is beautiful but feels a bit sterile. Adding some flowers or plants would probably make it warmer."
Without hesitation, Elio texted back. "I don't know much about flowers or plants. Could you help me choose some?"
"Sure!"
Elio shut his documents and tossed them into a corner of the desk. He leaned back in his chair, the seriousness of his next message reflected in his furrowed brow. "How about tomorrow? Join me at the garden center to pick out some beautiful plants."
Chapter 896
Chapter 896
Candice's heart raced as she clutched her phone with both hands, her gaze locked on the message from Elio. She read it repeatedly, striving to grasp every word. Was Elio asking her out, just the two of them? Should she accept?
Feeling conflicted, she glanced at Jasper, who was behind the wheel. Hesitantly, she said, "Jasper, you don't have to pick me up from work tomorrow." "Why not?" Jasper asked.
"I..." Candice faltered, knowing that Jasper would soon discover her lie if she claimed to be working late. She made up an excuse. "I'm going shopping with a friend." "Which friend? Where are you headed?" Jasper questioned.
Feeling a twinge of guilt, Candice responded, "Vanessa. We're just going around the office area."
Jasper seemed unconcerned. "Alright, just be careful and make sure you come home early."
A wave of relief washed over Candice, and she leaned closer to Jasper, offering him a sweet smile. "Thanks, Jasper."
Bemused, Jasper chuckled and replied, "Why are you thanking me? Enjoy your time."
Then, he pulled a black card from his pocket and offered it to Candice. "Feel free to use this as you like."
"No, no. I have enough money."
Jasper smiled warmly as he pressed the card into her hand, saying affectionately, "Take it. Spend mine and save yours to become a rich lady."
With a bright smile, Candice said, "Thank you, Jasper."
She glanced at her phone and realized she had yet to respond to Elio's message. In the chat window, she could see Elio typing, pausing, then starting again. Yet, no message came through. Candice began to type her reply.
Meanwhile, in his study, Elio alternated between checking on his phone and tapping out responses he never sent. He anxiously waited for Candice's response.
Why wasn't she responding? Was she hesitant about going out with him but didn't know how to decline?
Suddenly, his phone buzzed. Elio snatched it up and opened the message eagerly.
"Sure! But I have work tomorrow, so I'll only be free afterward."
Elio's eyes crinkled with joy, and a smile crept across his lips as he quickly texted back. "Great, I'll wait for you. See you tomorrow." "See you tomorrow."
Elio's smile widened as he left the study with his phone in hand. He swiftly ascended the stairs and entered his bedroom.
He stepped into his walk-in closet
and meticulously selected an outfit for the next day. It needed to strike the perfect balance-neither too formal nor too casual, youthful yet fitting with Candice's charming style.
Seldom wearing cologne, Elio took his time that night to carefully sample each fragrance before choosing one that felt just right After getting aside his outfit, he pulled out his phone and dialed his butter, Matthew Aldrich.
When Matthey picked up, Elio instructed, "Tomorrow morning, I need a thorough cleaning of the house, inside and out. I want it spotless. Also, please have the chef prepare a dinner based on Candice's favorite dishes."
"Yes, sir," Matthew replied.
Elio set his phone down and browsed through Candice's messages once more. Each message brought a smile to his face. Then, he headed into the bathroom with his pajamas.
The following day, Candice clocked out of work at 5:30 pm and exited the office building. Standing outside the plaza, she was about to text Elio when a luxury car smoothly pulled up in front of her. Before she could react, Elio emerged from the driver's seat. He walked around to her side and opened the passenger door.
"Get in," he said softly.
Candice was taken aback. She stared at him, momentarily speechless. Normally, Elio was chauffeured by his assistant or his driver. Why had he chosen to drive himself today?
Chapter 897
Chapter 897
"Is it just the two of us, Elio?" Candice asked.
Elio nodded. "Yes."
"Oh," said Candice. Excitement rushed through her as she climbed into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt.
Elio shut her door, then walked around to the driver's side. He slid into the car, started the engine, and they pulled away just as the sunset bathed the sky in a palette of deep reds.
Inside the car, a heavy silence hung in the air, deepening the awkwardness that enveloped them both.
Candice felt the weight of the quiet bearing down on her. She desperately searched her thoughts for something to say, but nerves tied her tongue.
Suddenly, Elio's voice cut through the tension. "Does Jasper know you're out buying flowers with me?"
"No, I told him I was going shopping with Vanessa," Candice replied.
Elio felt upset, and his expression darkened. Going to a garden center to buy flowers wasn't anything to be ashamed of.
Was he so unpresentable that she couldn't even be honest with it? Did she really have to hide their outing from her family?
When they arrived at the serene garden center, Candice and Elio were surprised to find that it was nearly closing. It was their first visit, and they were unaware that the center started closing at 6:00 pm. After parking the car, they strolled through, noting that only a few vendors still had their plants on display.
"Hey there, looking to buy some plants?" Rick Barrios, one of the shop owners, called out. He paused his packing to greet them warmly.
Walking side by side, Candice and Elio entered his shop. As they looked around, Elio leaned in and whispered, "Which ones do you like?"
Candice noticed that the greenery and flowers around her were exceptionally beautiful. She pointed at a plant with leaves that resembled leaping dolphins and commented, "This one looks nice." Elio turned to Rick. "Wrap up everything she likes for me."
Rick grinned. "Sure thing."
As they explored further, Candice marveled at the array of unusual and exotic plants, each more striking than the last.
"This one is also beautiful. What kind of flower is this? It looks exquisite. Can it be grown indoors?" she asked.
"It needs a bit of sunlight. You can grow it on a balcony," Rick explained.
"We'll take it," said Elio.
Candice spotted an unusual plant tucked away in a corner. With
excitement, she grabbed Elio'set
and pulled him toward it. "Elio, look
at this one. It's stunning."
Elio's attention, however, wasn't on the plant. He was captivated more by the feel of her hand on his arm, his heart racing. All he could see was her.
"What do you think?" Candice asked, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Staring at her face, Elio responded softly, "Beautiful."
"Would you like this one, too?" asked Rick.
"Yes," said Elio.
Candice then led him to another section overflowing with vibrant flowers. She asked, "What kind of flower is this? It's so pretty."
Rick took her question seriously and
began explaining the flowers in
detail. Candice appeared enchanting as she listened intently. Elio's gaze was fixed on her whenever she was distracted by the flowers. It was clear to everyone around.
After choosing their plants and providing the delivery address, Elio went to handle the payment while Candice was delightedly playing with Rick's kitten.
"Are you two picking out all these plants to decorate your new home together?" Rick asked, smiling.
Elio hesitated for a moment as he was about to make the payment.
Candice quickly stood up and explained, "No, Mr. Barrios. We don't have a home together."
Elio's expression darkened as he quietly completed his payment.
With a grin, Rick remarked, "Your boyfriend here is really generous, buying everything you fancy without a second thought."
Candice's cheeks flushed with
embarrassment. She cast a shy
glance at Elio before turning back to
Rick. "Mr. Barrios, it's not what you're
thinking," she explained hastily. "He's actually my uncle."
Rick felt awkward. He had never encountered an uncle and niece who appeared to be around the same age. "I'm sorry," he apologized.
"The payment is complete," Elio stated in an icy tone. He then grasped Candice's wrist and quickly led her out of the store.
Chapter 898
Chapter 898
"Thank you," Rick said to Elio and Candice as they walked away. "I'll arrange for the delivery right away."
Elio led Candice outside to the quiet street of the garden center. He turned to face her with frustration in his eyes.
Candice's heart pounded as she sensed his irritation. She swallowed hard, staring at him.
With his frustration barely contained, Elio lowered his voice. "Candice, let me make this clear one last time. I'm Jasper's uncle, not yours. I have no familial connection to your parents. Do you understand?" Confused by his upset tone, Candice quickly apologized, "I'm sorry. I understand now. It won't happen again."
Elio sighed, his expression softening as he gazed at her, who stared back at him. For a moment, an unusual connection seemed to spark between them.
Summoning her courage, Candice asked, "Elio, are you and Josie truly not together?"
"No," Elio replied.
Candice's heart pounded as she continued, "Do you have a girlfriend?"
"No."
A wave of joy surged through Candice, and she bit her lip to hold back a smile. Striving to appear calm, she simply said, "Oh!"
Elio's tone softened as he suggested, "Let's head back. You could help me figure out where to place the plants when they arrive so they look nice."
Feeling anxious, Candice asked, "I'll be going to your house?"
Elio sensed the hesitation and promptly explained, "We'll simply figure out where to place them. After that, I'll drive you straight home."
"Oh," Candice murmured, lowering her head to hide a shy smile.
They returned to the car and drove off. During the journey, Candice wrestled with the urge to ask about Elio's thoughts when they slept together. However, she decided against it, finding the topic too awkward. She thought men and women were different, after all. Sometimes, loneliness and desire might lead a man to seek physical comfort from a woman with no deeper feelings involved.
Night had fallen by the time they reached Hillside Villa. The truck delivering the plants arrived just as they did.
Workers began unloading and carrying the plants inside under Candice's direction. Once everything was in place, the workers departed.
The once cold, empty home now looked like a cozy little botanical garden.
Elio watched from the corner, gentle warmth filling his heart as he admired Candice's handiwork, His emotions were plain to see, reflected in the unending smile on his face.
Candice surveyed her work with a frown of concern. She turned to Elo and said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Elio. I might have gone overboard with the plants. It feels a bit overwhelming." en.swhovels
"No, I love it. It looks great," Elio responded with a gentle smile.
Candice's face lit up with a smile at his praise. "Really? You truly love it?"
Elio nodded with a hum of acknowledgment. Then, gesturing toward the dining table, he added, "Dinner's ready. How about we eat together before you head home?"
Candice glanced at the time and hesitated. She was mostly concerned about the potential awkwardness of dining alone with Elio.
Noticing her reluctance, Elio quickly added, "Returning too early might raise Jasper's suspicions."
Candice thought he had a point. She usually only headed home after 10:00 pm when shopping with Vanessa.
"Alright," Candice said with a smile as she walked toward the dining table. Elio followed her with a smile spreading across his face.
It was their first dinner alone, and the atmosphere was quiet yet cozy.
Candice noticed Elio's silence
throughout the meal. Although he
didn't say much, he continually attended to her needs, serving her food, peeling shrimp, deboning fish, and ladling soup into her bowl.
She could see he was in a good mood.
After dinner, Elio sliced some fruit and brought it to the coffee table in the living room for her to enjoy.
Chapter 899
Chapter 899
It was already past 8:00 pm after dinner, and Candice had enjoyed some fruit. She felt somewhat uneasy being alone in the vast house with only Elio.
After checking the time, she stood up and said, "It's getting late. I should head back."
Seeming flustered, Elio quickly rose and grabbed her wrist. His voice sounded urgent as he called her name. "Candice."
She turned to face him. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he added, "Just stay a little longer. It's not even 9:00 pm yet. There's no rush."
Candice couldn't bring herself to reject him. She felt a tug at her heartstrings as the man she had feelings for persuaded her to stay. With no resistance, she settled back into her seat and meekly agreed, "Okay."
Concerned she might get bored, Elio suggested, "Would you like to watch some TV or maybe a movie?"
After a brief hesitation, Candice asked, "How about an animated movie?"
Elio paused for a moment before responding eagerly, "Sure, which one do you want to watch?"
He didn't think Candice was childish. Instead, he found her endearing and possessing a genuine innocence reminiscent of a child.
He didn't mind watching an animated film if it made her happy. He wouldn't feel bored no matter what they did as long as they were together.
After some thought, Candice replied, "Anything's fine. Just pick a romantic animated movie."
Elio was unfamiliar with movies. He seldom watched TV or films and never watched any animated movies. He grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.
Concerned his choice might not hold her interest, he quickly pulled out his phone and texted Sean. "I need the best romantic animated movie right now. It has to be the best."
Sean replied promptly with a movie link and a cautionary note. "Mr. Hoffis, make sure to use headphones."
Without further thought, Elio
dimmed the living room lights and
streamed the movie from his phone to the TV. He settled in with Candice. They were close enough to feel connected yet maintaining a slight distance between them.
Candice quickly became captivated as the movie started. The film was visually appealing, but the female lead's curvy figure and scant attire were a bit much.
Initially, the story seemed promising, focusing on the unspoken attraction between the male and female leads. However, ten minutes in, the plot unexpectedly shifted. The scenes turned explicit and wild, pleasing to the eye yet heavily erotic.
As Candice watched, her cheeks grew red, and her heart beat wildly. Meanwhile, Elio was panicking He frantically searched for his phone and the remote, but his clumsiness made it even harder to find them.
The woman's moans became more unrestrained, and the scenes of their bodies entwining grew increasingly graphic.
Elio finally located his phone and quickly stopped the stream, plunging the living room into silence.
Slightly panting and with his heart racing, he anxiously glanced at Candice. At that moment, his only thought was how much he wanted to strangle Sean.
Candice blushed bright red. She grabbed her bag, hung her head low in embarrassment, and murmured, "I'm heading home now."
Elio jumped to his feet. He caught up with her and gripped her hand. "Candice, I'm sorry. I had no idea it would turn out like this. I-I'm so sorry."
Candice was too shy to meet his gaze as she replied, "It's fine. You don't have to apologize. The movie was great. It's just not something I usually watch."
Sounding desperate, Elio explained, "I don't watch those either. Sean sent it to me. Please don't misunderstand. I'm not someone driven by lust."
Candice paused for a few seconds, then shyly lifted her eyes to meet his anxious gaze, asking, "If you're not driven by lust, how do you explain our night together during your business trip?" "I..." Elio stammered. He was left speechless by her question.
Chapter 900
Chapter 900
Chapter 900
Lust was a common feeling that transcended gender boundaries. It would be hard to believe anyone who claimed they'd never experienced it.
"I'm not immune to lust either. Last time, it was because - Elio began to explain, but Candice's phone rang.
She quickly fumbled for her phone, clearly flustered. The ringing drowned out Elio's voice. "I... have feelings for you."
"Hello, Grandma!" Candice greeted, her voice tinged with guilt as she held the phone to her ear. "Don't wony. I'm just with a friend, and I'll be home soon.
"No, there's no need for Jasper to pick me up. I'll get a cab. And please, stop treating me like a child. I'm an adult, almost 23. Alright, fine. Bye."
After ending the call, Candice stowed her phone in her bag and looked up at Elio. "What were you saying?"
Elio's expression tightened, his words seemingly caught in his throat. After a few moments of silence, he reached for his car keys. "I'll drive you home." "No, I'll take a cab." Candice rejected.
With his car keys in hand, Elio slipped on his shoes. As he walked past Candice, he took her hand and led her outside. Her back stiffened as she followed him, step by step, her gaze locked on their clasped hands.
The warmth from Elio's palm electrified Candice, sending tingles through her skin and pulsing through her veins. Her heartbeat picked up with the intimate contact. Her body grew rigid, and her breathing became erratic.
Elio was holding her hand, not just her wrist. It was the first time they had held hands so intimately. Candice's heart pounded louder and faster, a secret thrill blooming within her.
He led her to the car and opened the passenger door for her. When he turned to face her, he noticed her cheeks had flushed a deep red, and her eyes were shyly lowered. She looked utterly charming and captivating in her shyness.
Elio paused, feeling a jolt as he realized he was holding Candice's hand. He didn't let go, and she didn't pull away.
It brought back the memory of their business trip when he had slipped into her bed, undressed her, and kissed her body.
She hadn't resisted at the time, just as she wasn't resisting now. But then, she had been even shyer than she was now.
The realization struck him-Candice wasn't the type to let anyone get close. If she was fine with his touch, it likely meant she had feelings for him.
Elio asked tentatively, "Candice, would you like to grab lunch together tomorrow?"
Candice seemned taken aback at first. After some thought, she replied, "Can I get back to you tomorrow?"
She was worried about any unexpected commitments that might arise, as she didn't want to cancel at the last minute and potentially leave him with a bad impression. "Of course," Elio responded with a gentle smile.
Candice settled into the car and fastened her seatbelt. After Elio closed the door for her, he walked around to the driver's side, got in, and drove her home.
As Elio and Candice journeyed on, their conversation blossomed gradually. They delved into Candice's work schedule, usual tasks, and latest projects. Although they only discussed work, their conversation was valuable because it gave them a shared interest to bond over.
Upon retuming to Morrison Residence, Candice walked in with a lively bounce while softly humming a tune. She seemed radiant and spirited, akin to a carefree bird returning to its nest after a fruitful search for food.
With a beaming smile, she warmly greeted everyone she met. Her bright, contagious smile worked wonders for her family. Regardless of their concerns, her smile effortlessly lifted everyone's mood, infusing them with inexplicable joy.
Jasper often called her the family's "joy-bringer due to her cheerful demeanor and smile.
The next morning, when Sean arrived at Elio's villa to pick him up for work, he immediately noticed that Elio was furious. A stormy expression clouded his face, and a menacing air radiated from him as he marched toward Sean.
Taken aback, Sean instinctively stepped back and swallowed hard.
Elio quickly closed the gap between them and grabbed Sean by the collar before slamming him against the car. His piercing gaze held a murderous intent that sent a wave of fear through Sean.