Candice was shocked. She couldn't grasp what Elio meant by his words.
Was it possible that his desire for beauty and pleasure could drive him to such reckless extremes, even at the risk of his own
life?
Elio declared his desire for her. Wasn't he afraid that her family would kill him for trying to make her his mistress? Didn't he have
any moral boundaries? Candice was livid.
"Let go of me," she demanded.
Elio loosened his grip on her wrist and took a step back.
Candice massaged her aching hand. "Elio, just give up. Marry Josie and live a good life with her. Be good to her, and stop
chasing after me."
With those words, Candice stormed off. She angrily unlocked and pushed through a large iron gate. As she walked, she cursed
inwardly at Elio.
He was despicable. If he weren't already committed to someone else, she would've considered being with him, even as his
secret lover.
But Josie had been by his side for many years, and their wedding was just a month away. Yet, here Elio was, pursuing Candice.
He was a fucking scumbag.
Exhausted, Elio trudged into the living room of Hoffis Manor.
"Good evening, Mr. Elio," the maid greeted him.
He flung his suit jacket toward her and loosened his tie while continuing to walk, looking despondent. Mila's voice came to his
ears as he walked past the living room. "Elio, you're back?" she called out.
Elio glanced at the couch and saw Michaela and Mila seated there. "Mom, Wanda," he said indifferently, without stopping as he
continued toward the stairs. "Where have you been? You look worn out," Mila asked.
Michaela's expression turned sour with frustration. "He wouldn't look this upset even if he lost billions. It has to be her influence,"
she muttered darkly. "Do you mean Josie?" Mila asked.
"I'd be less worried if it were Josie. His marriage is deeply troubling me," Michaela grumbled.
Mila gave her a wry smile and patted her back reassuringly. "Mom, don't worry so much. Young people manage their own love
lives. Let him choose for himself. Don't meddle or try to arrange anything. He can handle it on his own."
Michaela frowned. She leaned closer to Mila and lowered her voice. "I'm trying not to meddle, but he shouldn't have fallen for
your niece."
Mila was taken aback. "Who?"
Concerned about being overheard, Michaela whispered into Mila's ear, "Candice Morrison, Daniel's daughter."
Mila smiled faintly while looking in disbelief. "That can't be. Elio doesn't even like Candice."
Michaela stayed quiet.
"He always avoids Candice whenever he visits Morrison Residence to see Jasper. He doesn't talk to her, ignores her completely,
and even hides when he sees her. How could he possibly be interested in her?" Mila questioned.
Pointing to the room on the second floor, Michaela grumbled, "Go check his room, and you'll see his obsession with Candice.
He's completely lost his mind. His thoughts are twisted, and he needs professional help."
"Mom, how can you speak about your son like that?" Mila responded with displeasure.