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.

a gentle voice, he said, "I asked the chef to prepare some

momentarily startled. It took her a second to

had he managed to prepare her favorite dishes so quickly? "Thank you," Candice murmured, her voice soft

allowing her to walk past him toward the

her seat, she was struck by the sight of the table laden with her favorites-six dishes and a

couldn't help but tease, "Uncle Elio, you've really laid it on thick with this meal. Everything here is

Feeling her cheeks flush, Candice shyly lowered her gaze and accepted the bowl of soup Jasper handed her. She began to sip it quietly. Jasper sensed there was more to the situation

by elegance and formality. He

Elio. They admired his posture at the table; he really did

the intensity of their

Candice's warm gazes. Embarrassed, they quickly lowered their heads

to leave as it was only 8:00 pm. The maid brought some fruit, and the trio settled into the living