The Wrong Woman

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.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.
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?"