The Wrong Woman

"That's out of my responsibility. You should speak with the HR director or consult Uncle Elio directly," Jasper said.

Candice paused, her thoughts swirling. It seemed like a flimsy excuse to approach Elio. He could easily resolve the issue with just a few words.

She wondered how she could keep their conversation going. Pursing her lips in thought, she absentmindedly fiddled with her bag's buckle.

Meanwhile, Jasper focused intently on the road, his concentration broken only when his phone rang. He grabbed his Bluetooth earpiece, fitted it into his ear, and pressed the answer button. "Hello, Uncle Elio," Jasper greeted. Candice's head shot up, her expression turning anxious.

From the other end came Elio's voice. "Come over. I have an important document for you."

"Uncle Elio, could Sean possibly deliver it instead? I'm driving Candice home right now, and it would be inconvenient to change direction," said Jasper.

"It's very important. I don't trust anyone else with it." Elio was adamant.

His words piqued Jasper's curiosity. At that moment, Candice whispered, "I don't mind getting home a bit late."

a smile, he responded to Elio, "Okay, I'll come

Villa. Candice had never been to this place. She looked around, feeling out of her element. "Jasper, where are we?" "This is where Uncle Elio lives," said

stepped out of the car, she took

followed, shutting the car door behind him. "He moved

asked in a surprised tone,

tried to force him to marry Josie. Uncle Elio used to put up with her, likely because she hadn't

could bear. They had a huge falling out, and he moved out to live

that scary?" Candice

had zero privacy there. Grandma Michaela even openly

looked up to find Elio in casual white loungewear, exuding an air of relaxed

eyes met for a brief moment until Jasper called his name and snapped Elio out

first, followed slowly by Candice. "Hi, Elio," she whispered,