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?"

nervous and guilty, kept her head down, unable to meet his eyes. She wished she could disappear and avoid hearing Hector demand

at Elio. "What's

looked displeased as he turned to Elio. "Uncle Elio, our family's business is doing well. No matter what job Candice wants, our

to work at ND Group, you shouldn't dismiss her, both publicly or

gaze darkened slightly as he responded, "I've just taken over, and there are many matters still in transition. I haven't had time

turned out Elio wasn't the one planning

a pang of sympathy. Was she crying over a job? How much did

anger subsided, and he said gently, "If that's the

it be that Candice's job performance isn't up to par, so she didn't pass assessment and couldn't be

tightening in her chest, wanting to explain but hesitating. Would

performance? As long as Candice is happy working at ND Group, pay

was making Candice feel utterly embarrassed. Despite her capabilities, being confirmed through connections was humiliating for

and said softly, "Continue your

thank your uncle." Candice attempted to speak but found herself unable to. Elio's reluctance