The Wrong Woman

Candice rose to her feet as well. Elio seemed slightly flustered. He quickly suggested, "Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner?"

Jasper hesitated, glancing at Elio, who gestured toward the dining table where a maid set out the dishes.

"It's already dark outside. You'll be hungry if you head back now. Why not eat here?" said Elio.

Jasper looked over at Candice. Unperturbed, she replied, "I'm fine with either option."

Feeling a twinge of sympathy for Elio's loneliness, Jasper headed over to the dining table with a faint smile. "Alright, let's stay and have dinner with Uncle Elio."

Candice pulled out her phone and sent a message to Florence. "Grandma, Jasper and I will have dinner out tonight. Don't wait up."

After sending the message, she rose from the couch and nearly collided with Elio as she stepped out. Startled, she took a step back, and her gentle gaze met his. Elio's emotions seemed heightened, his typical cold and handsome face now revealing a hint of warmth.

voice, he said, "I asked the chef to prepare some of your favorites-stuffed mushrooms, pork knuckle,

momentarily startled. It took her a second to

liked these dishes? Wasn't this dinner invitation quite sudden? And how had he managed to prepare her favorite dishes so quickly? "Thank you," Candice

to walk past him toward

was struck by the sight of the

tease, "Uncle Elio, you've really laid it on

cheeks flush, Candice shyly lowered her gaze and accepted the bowl of soup Jasper handed her. She began to sip it quietly.

etiquette was marked by elegance and formality. He ate quietly, without

a glance before turning to observe Elio. They admired his posture at the table; he

the intensity of their

their heads and resumed eating awkwardly. The remainder

maid brought some fruit, and the trio settled into the living room to