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."

his intense

happened last

by Jasper approaching them. Elio's words hung unfinished

guilt and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's

cold and detached to Elio. To him, she seemed like a woman merely curious about sex, impulsively exploring without any

hand on Candice's shoulder. "Candice, let's finish this movie with Uncle Elio, then head home. It's getting late, and I don't want

Candice offered a faint

on. His attention wasn't on the screen but on

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

a word. Expressionless, he watched until the car vanished from his sight. His heart felt

arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere, and she was

get close to her. He entered his villa

and spacious home. The silence was so profound that he could hear his own stifling oppressive, dull breaths. His mind was a blank canvas. After