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."

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

then took a different route. Half an hour later, they arrived at Hillside Villa. Candice had never been to this place. She looked around, feeling out of her element. "Jasper, where are we?" "This is where

stepped out of the car, she took in her surroundings. "Doesn't he live at

behind him. "He moved here recently to live by

walked alongside him. She asked in a surprised tone,

too controlling. She even tried to force him to marry Josie. Uncle Elio used to put up with her, likely because

than he could bear. They

that scary?"

zero privacy there. Grandma

nodded emphatically. When the door swung open, she looked up to find Elio in casual white loungewear, exuding an

a brief moment until Jasper called his name and snapped Elio out of the moment. "Come in." Elio opened the door

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