The Wrong Woman

Candice's lips formed a gentle smile as she nodded in acknowledgment.

Reaching for a piece of candy, Josie couldn't help but let out a sigh. "You know, Mrs. Hoffis actually prepared all these sweets for me. It seems like he's just trying to cut corners by re-gifting them to you." Candice's smile gradually faded at Josie's words.

As if realizing her mistake, Josie swiftly attempted to backtrack, offering a feigned apology, "I'm sorry, Candice. I was just speaking my mind. I hope I didn't upset you." Candice forced a polite smile and shook her head.

"I sincerely wish both of you a lifetime filled with love and happiness," Josie added.

"Thank you," Candice replied.

As Josie savored her coffee, she couldn't help but cast a cold glance at the scattered candies on the table, feeling a twinge of resentment stirring within her.

Placing her cup back on the table, she began, "I'm here today to talk about Elio."

"Sure, go ahead," Candice responded.

"Do you have any idea why Leo decided to marry you?" Josie asked pointedly.

"I'm not entirely sure," Candice admitted.

"He never discussed it with you?"

"I never thought to ask."

curious to find out?"

soft smile danced on Candice's lips as she replied, "Josie, could I ask

do you

refrain from ever revealing the

was left bewildered. She had dedicated the entire night to devising intricate plots to create conflict, only to be unexpectedly halted by Candice's plea. "Doesn't curiosity tempt you even

hear it directly from Elio than from

isn't completely honest

would he lie to me?" Candice

Josie hurried to speak.

raising her hand to stop Josie's

firsthand. Even if he isn't entirely truthful, I still choose to trust him." Josie let

with being in love. Love wouldn't be genuine if both parties were constantly governed by rationality and logic,"

her voice and asked, "Aren't you concerned that Leo might be lying

Candice drew closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Josie, do you think Elio is trying to deceive me

disbelief as she gazed into Candice's innocent, wide eyes, feeling a surge

truly naive, or was she pretending not to know? Why would the wealthiest man in Norvania seek to defraud her of her

"No, he isn't trying to swindle

to deceive me for... lustful reasons,"

this discussion with her seemed increasingly challenging. "Candice, can you try to look beyond the surface?

Candice reached out and placed her

Elio's wealth, it's clear he's not pursuing my money. He's likely interested in something physical," she