The Wrong Woman

"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.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

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."