The Wrong Woman

The elevator stopped at the design department's floor. "Candice, you're up," Jasper said as the doors slid open.

After stepping out, Candice turned to face the elevator. She waved at Jasper with a smile, her gentle gaze naturally drifting toward Elio. Elio's gaze met hers-intense, deep, and unflinching. As the elevator doors began to close, their eye contact was broken.

Candice touched her chest, feeling her heart flutter with nervous excitement as she sighed. With no more need for secrecy, she could openly admire Elio without the guilt of desiring someone she thought was taken.

Still, she wasn't completely certain about his relationship status. Although he wasn't with Josie, could there be someone else?

Regardless, Candice felt optimistic about where things might lead. With a joyous smile, she covered her face, ducked her head, and briskly made her way into the design department office.

Candice found her work in the design department incredibly fulfilling. Passionate about fashion design, she poured her heart into her projects with unwavering dedication.

The winter design drafts were under review for the upcoming collection, and Candice's submissions had been rejected. Yet she remained undaunted. Overwhelmed with anxiety, Vanessa sat at her desk, holding her head in distress. Candice wheeled her chair closer and asked gently, "What's wrong?"

Vanessa held her job dear, her voice tinged with sorrow as she said, "Candice, every single one of my drafts got rejected."

a reassuring smile, Candice patted Vanessa's shoulder. "Mine, too.

worry? If I don't make a breakthrough

surprised. "There's

her eyes reflecting deep anxiety. She muttered, "Candice, have you heard about the new CEO? He's really intimidating-way more than the

reserved and perhaps distant, but

closer to Candice, lowering her voice. "He's such an intimidating. guy. After taking

from the previous CEO's tenure. He even handed over those harming the company to the police with solid

let go outright. Those who had contributed in the past but weren't useful anymore were offered severance packages and encouraged

implementing massive layoffs alongside

that expected if it benefits the company?" Candice

was puzzled. "But doesn't it seem wrong to just use

the long run, it can't afford to carry unnecessary weight," Candice

lips, her eyes welling up. "Candice, are you implying