The Wrong Woman

The conversation dwindled into another round of silence. To bridge the emotional gap, Elio tried to change the subject.

"Are you facing any challenges at work?" he asked.

Suddenly reminded of the layoffs, Candice turned to face him, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Is the company planning to lay anyone off?"

A gentle smile finally crossed Elio's face the moment she met his gaze. "You don't have to worry. You're not on the list."

"What about my friend, Vanessa Yates? Can you make sure she's safe, too?"

"Vanessa Yates?" Elio echoed.

Candice nodded in response.

"Okay, I'll make a note of it."

said Candice. Overwhelmed by his intense gaze, she shifted her gaze to

happened

cut off by Jasper approaching them. Elio's words

Candice whispered, "Let's not talk about the past.

Elio. To him, she seemed like a woman merely curious about sex, impulsively exploring without any emotional attachment or

into the seat between them, placing a hand on Candice's shoulder. "Candice, let's finish this movie with Uncle Elio, then head home. It's getting late, and

Candice offered a faint

movie played on. His attention wasn't on

time to leave, he stood up to escort Jasper and Candice to the door. He watched silently as Candice climbed into the car and

and Elio remained rooted to the spot without a word. Expressionless, he watched until the car vanished from his sight. His

was never alone. They arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere, and she

to find any opportunity to get close to her. He entered his villa

The silence was so profound that he could hear his own stifling