The Wrong Woman

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 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.
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.