The Wrong Woman

Candice's gasp echoed through the room, her hands flying to her mouth in disbelief as she struggled to comprehend the unfolding scene.

Elio's chilling presence was so overpowering that it reduced the arrogant man to trembling silence. He bowed his head in submission, too terrified to speak. Every word Elio spoke carried an icy intensity, freezing the air around them. "If you're thirsty, get your own drink. Don't expect my team to cater to your needs."

The words "my team" echoed through Candice like an explosion, stirring a blend of nervousness and anticipation that hastened her heartbeat.

While she understood that Elio was referring to his subordinates from headquarters as "my team", she couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction.

Terrified and flustered, the man swiftly bowed and offered an apology. "I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Hoffis, I've made a mistake."

Elio's demeanor remained icy as he turned and walked away without acknowledging Candice, leaving her bewildered.

Despite Elio's intervention in reprimanding his subordinate, Candice couldn't shake the sense that his attitude toward her remained distant and unpredictable, alternating between cold and warm. Once Elio had left, Candice knelt down to help the man gather the scattered dollar bills.

Visibly shaken, the man's apologies tumbled out in a frantic rush. "I-I'm truly sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I can handle it myself..."

His demeanor toward Candice now bore an added layer of fear and apprehension.

Standing up, Candice turned her gaze back toward Elio, feeling a rush of concern wash over her.

Had he recovered from last night's heavy drinking? Was he feeling unwell today?

closely as he carried

was characterized by an unparalleled level of

upon him, Elio briefly turned,

survey of his

you have a call." Sean suddenly appeared, his demeanor solemn as he handed

the incoming

finally accepted the phone. With his Bluetooth earpiece in place, he answered the

someone to retrieve Candice. Regardless of your intentions, she needs to return," Michaela's voice asserted firmly

your associates to back off,"

remained composed as she continued, "If you choose not to

trailed off as she switched the camera to the rear-facing view, focusing on a large painting

stepped outside, gripping

escape stairwe and admonished, "Get out of room this instant! What do you think

refuse to send Candice back, I'll destroy it,"

the back of his hands standing

painting on the wall held profound significance-it was a labor of love, painstakingly created over a month during his high school years,

fixture in

Elio had treasured numerous small gifts from Candice, only for Michaela to