The Wrong Woman

On the other side of the banquet hall, Elio's face wore an unusually grim expression, his demeanor impassive despite his friends'
congratulations. Even Josie approached him and murmured, "What's going on? Why didn't you tell me that we're getting
engaged next month?"
Elio simply raised his glass and downed it in one go.
Jasper walked over, smiling. "Uncle Elio, congratulations. Josie, congratulations to you too. Should I start calling you Aunt
Josie?"
Josie quickly interjected, "No, don't call me that, you're making me sound old."
"Uncle Elio is like a generation before us, it's unavoidable," Jasper laughed, then turned to Elio, noticing his somber expression.
"Why do you look so unhappy? Who upset you?" Elio's cold gaze met Jasper's, and he uttered a single word, "You."
Jasper was baffled. "How did I upset you?"
At that moment, Hector's angry voice boomed, "Elio!"
All eyes turned toward Hector, who was leading Candice toward Elio. Elio's gaze darkened slightly as he looked at the timid
Candice and the furious Hector.
Hector pulled Candice in front of Elio and demanded, "Why won't you let Candice be confirmed as a permanent employee?"
Candice, feeling nervous and guilty, kept her head down, unable to meet his eyes. She wished she could disappear and avoid
hearing Hector demand the so-called "justice" for her in front of Elio. Jasper was astonished. "What? Candice is going to be
dismissed?"
Hector glared at Elio. "What's going on? Explain yourself."
Jasper looked displeased as he turned to Elio. "Uncle Elio, our family's business is doing well. No matter what job Candice
wants, our family will fully support her.
"Since she's determined to work at ND Group, you shouldn't dismiss her, both publicly or personally."
Elio's gaze darkened slightly as he responded, "I've just taken over, and there are many matters still in transition. I haven't had
time to handle human resources issues."

Candice looked up at him in shock. It turned out Elio wasn't the one planning to dismiss her. If not him, then was it the director?
Elio gazed into Candice's clear and teary eyes, feeling a pang of sympathy. Was she crying over a job? How much did she love
her work?
Hector's anger subsided, and he said gently, "If that's the case, take care of Candice's confirmation after you go back."
Josie chimed in with a smile, "Could it be that Candice's job performance isn't up to par, so she didn't pass assessment and
couldn't be confirmed?"
Candice felt a tightening in her chest, wanting to explain but hesitating. Would boasting about her abilities be too arrogant?
Hector said, displeased, "With our family ties, what need is there for job performance? As long as Candice is happy working at
ND Group, pay her salary myself."
Hector's excessive indulgence was making Candice feel utterly embarrassed. Despite her capabilities, being confirmed through
connections was humiliating for her.
Elio gazed at Candice and said softly, "Continue your work as usual. I'll handle the confirmation."
Hector lowered his head, cupping Candice's face gently, "There, there, stop crying. Now, go ahead and thank your uncle."
Candice attempted to speak but found herself unable to. Elio's reluctance to be addressed as "uncle" weighed on her mind.
"Thank you, Mr. Hoffis." Candice nodded politely.
Jasper furrowed his brow. "It's awkward to call him Mr. Hoffis. What about "
Before he could finish, Elio interrupted, "Just Elio."
The rest were taken aback by Elio's words.
He added, "Just call me Elio like Hector does. Or Leo, if you prefer."
Josie's gaze darkened.
Candice looked at Hector and then at Jasper.
"Uncle Elio, isn't that inappropriate?" Jasper said helplessly.