Candice studied Elio with a furrowed brow, perplexed by the bitterness in his tone.Had she misinterpreted something?Visibly disheartened, Elio met her gaze for a tense moment before abruptly exiting the car."Sean, please take her," he instructed icily before slamming the door and striding away.Candice was utterly bewildered.Following Elio's directive, Sean swiftly started the engine and executed a sharp U-turn.As the car continued along the road, Sean spoke up, "Ms. Candice, do you have an address in mind? I'll take you wherever you need to go."Candice hesitated, puzzled by Sean's question.Wasn't he supposed to take her back to the hotel to rest?Just as Candice was about to respond, her phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Mervyn calling.Upon picking up Mervyn's call, Candice was met with his inquiry about her work progress and dinner plans, followed by a request to meet up.After a brief exchange with Mervyn, Candice turned to Sean and politely re
With roadside parking off-limits, Sean skillfully maneuvered the car into the nearest parking lot.Equipped with a black umbrella, he splashed through the pooled water to join Elio, shielding him from the unrelenting rain.At that moment, Sean found himself at a loss for words.After all, he had been the one to bring Candice to this location.Upon returning to the banquet, Sean discovered that Elio was already outside, making his way directly to this very spot.Having stood by Elio's side for many years, Sean was intimately familiar with almost every aspect of his life.What he witnessed in Elio was a man devoid of joy, weighed down by the expectations of his parents.Every facet of Elio's existence—his career, his future, even his marriage—had been meticulously orchestrated by them.Since birth, Elio had never experienced true autonomy. He was merely a puppet shaped by the Hoffis family to inherit their fortune.For someone like Elio, who had always been drawn to Candice's ca
As Candice's mind continued to wander, her emotions weighed heavily on her.She found herself in a perpetual battle to understand Elio's intentions, her mind engulfed by thoughts of him as she attempted to unravel his innermost feelings.Unable to hold back, Candice released a deep sigh.Mervyn chuckled softly, remarking, "Look at that—our carefree Candice, sighing just like the rest of us."Snapping back to reality, Candice couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, it's strange. I don't know when it happened, but it seems I've picked up some worries too," she confessed."It sounds like a sign of growing up," Mervyn observed.With a playful pout, Candice muttered, "If growing up means having worries, I'd rather not grow up at all.""Tell me, is something at work bothering you?" Mervyn asked, keeping his eyes on the road.Candice shook her head, her mind preoccupied.Mervyn's expression darkened slightly, his tone growing more serious. "Is it about relationships, then?"At Mervyn's prob
Elio's deep voice softly pronounced her name. "Candice."Perplexed, Candice responded, "Yes?""Candice," he called out once more."I'm here, right beside you. What's wrong?" Candice replied patiently."Candice, Candice..." Elio's voice grew heavier, infused with a sense of desolation. As he continued, his eyes reddened further, his gaze gradually drifting away.Observing Elio's condition, Candice felt utterly bewildered.She had been by his side the whole time, so why was he repeatedly calling her name without providing any further explanation?Was he intoxicated?With a bitter twist to his lips, Elio struggled to speak, his words slow and labored. "Ca… Can… dice."Concern etched on her face, Candice leaned closer. Meeting his gaze, she reassured him. "I'm here." Elio stole a glance at her, offering a faint smile before reclining further back on the sofa. With his eyes closed, he murmured, "You've intruded into my dreams once more.""What?" Candice couldn't quite grasp his
Despite harboring a secret crush on Elio for many years, Candice knew deep down that a romantic relationship between them was utterly impossible.From a moral standpoint, her unrequited love was destined to remain hidden forever.Therefore, Candice never dared to entertain the hope of getting close to Elio, let alone indulge in her silly fantasies.Instead, she accepted the reality of keeping this clandestine affection buried deep within her heart for her whole life.After grappling with her emotions, Candice eventually retreated to her room. Closing the door behind her, she settled back into bed, hoping to find solace in the prospect of peaceful sleep.However, rest evaded Candice that night, her sleep was disturbed and she felt uneasy.The next morning, Elio remained trapped in the grip of his hangover, unaware of the world waking around him.Meanwhile, Candice had already gotten up and joined Sadie and Emerson, as they made their way to the event venue.The space had been me
Candice's gasp echoed through the room, her hands flying to her mouth in disbelief as she struggled to comprehend the unfolding scene.Elio's chilling presence was so overpowering that it reduced the arrogant man to trembling silence. He bowed his head in submission, too terrified to speak.Every word Elio spoke carried an icy intensity, freezing the air around them. "If you're thirsty, get your own drink. Don't expect my team to cater to your needs."The words "my team" echoed through Candice like an explosion, stirring a blend of nervousness and anticipation that hastened her heartbeat.While she understood that Elio was referring to his subordinates from headquarters as "my team", she couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction.Terrified and flustered, the man swiftly bowed and offered an apology. "I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Hoffis, I've made a mistake."Elio's demeanor remained icy as he turned and walked away without acknowledging Candice, leaving her bewildered.Despite El
Michaela delivered a firm admonition, stating, "In this world, any woman is welcome, except for Candice Morrison."However, it wasn't that Michaela bore any animosity toward Candice.On the contrary, she held a deep affection for her, treating her with the same love and care as if she were her own granddaughter.Her apprehensions arose from a fear of Candice getting hurt, concerns about tarnishing her family's reputation, and anxieties regarding the potential strain it might place on the relationship between their two families.Despite these concerns, Michaela appeared indifferent to Elio's happiness.Throughout, she had vehemently opposed his relationship with Candice, resorting to extreme measures.Elio had spent half his life compromising, but he had reached his breaking point.He was determined to live life on his own terms.If Candice were willing to embrace him and stand by his side despite the world's opposition, he wouldn't hesitate for a moment."My personal affairs a
Used to the safety in Norvania, Candice never imagined that in broad daylight, criminals could boldly storm into a hotel and abduct someone.She was thrown into a car with her hands and feet bound, eyes blindfolded, and mouth gagged. She curled up in a corner of the car. She was terrified, shivering uncontrollably.The foreigners in the car laughed heartily, speaking in their native language filled with filthy words."This woman is really beautiful.""Not only did we get the money, we also got a pretty girl to play with. Guys, this is a great deal!""Look at that body, that face. She's a real prize, isn't she?""Let's have some fun with her later."Hearing these vile conversations, Candice was terrified and helpless.From their words, it was clear they were hired to kidnap and violate her.She felt very disgusted, making her want to vomit.Half an hour later, Candice felt herself being dragged out of the car.After being carried into a room, she was tossed onto a soft bed.
Jasper became concerned as Imogen placed her hand over her heart. He asked, "Are you experiencing any chest pains? Have you consulted a doctor? I can take you for a check-up."Imogen reassured him, gently holding his arm. "Jasper, I'm fine. I'm just trying to figure out how to balance my future family and career."Jasper smiled knowingly, gently patting her head before pulling her into an embrace. He recognized her uniqueness—her drive to pursue her career and showcase her skills and talents. The thought of being a stay-at-home mother or merely a trophy wife held no appeal for her whatsoever.Holding her close, Jasper murmured, "Imogen, have you forgotten about your husband's financial prowess?"Imogen couldn't suppress a chuckle.Jasper reassured her of his commitment, "As long as you're on board, I can arrange a driver to drive you to work, an assistant to handle all your tasks, and you won't have to worry about anything. When you return home, there will be maids and me to ens
After returning from her journey across the globe, Imogen headed straight to the hospital. During her travels, she started noticing subtle changes in her body—nausea, fatigue, and a stronger need for rest. Her hunch was confirmed when tests revealed she was pregnant.She felt a blend of anticipation and apprehension. The idea of being pregnant raised thoughts of focusing on family life and raising children. Yet, she valued her career and was steadily demonstrating her skills. She wasn't ready to give it up just yet.When Imogen arrived home and stepped through the front door, she found Gregory and Carol were there. They had just returned from their trip as well, bringing back gifts. "Hi, Mom, Dad," Imogen greeted them.Still excited about their travels, Gregory and Carol eagerly recounted their adventures to Jasper.When Jasper heard Imogen's voice, he quickly stood and walked over to her, taking her hand. "Imogen, I woke up early and didn't see you around. Where did you go?"
Jasper thought the idea was brilliant and agreed, "Let's plan our route and leave next week."Imogen gently pushed him back, her hands on his chest. "Sure, but let me get up first. We'll map out our journey, set a schedule, and go on a trip for our wedding."Jasper took her wrists and lifted them above the pillow. "Let's discuss this tomorrow. I have some pressing matters to attend to at the moment."Imogen was about to respond when Jasper leaned in and kissed her deeply. Their lips intertwined with passion.…A week later, Imogen received another call from Yulia's lawyer, who conveyed Yulia's apologies and expressed her desire for Imogen's forgiveness. Yulia also requested Imogen to intervene with Nathan on her behalf.Imogen decided to ignore the request. She believed in the fairness of the law. It reminded her of Zoey, who had fraudulently claimed her degree and ended up in prison at Jasper's behest.As for Yulia, she had orchestrated attacks on Gregory, caused Carol to lose
Imogen's heart raced as she slowly hugged Jasper, her voice bashful yet resolute. "Jasper, you'll always have a place in my heart."Jasper tensed slightly, his senses on high alert. He met her eyes. A glint of anticipation sparked in his gaze as he eagerly murmured, "Say it one more time. Say it—""I love you, Jasper," Imogen said gently.Jasper's eyes immediately filled with tears as he held Imogen tightly, his body shaking. Overwhelmed by emotion, he could only whisper her name into her ear. "Imogen… Imogen…""Do you love me?" Imogen asked, her voice tinged with shyness.Jasper frowned. "I do love you. Haven't you always known?""I still want to hear it," Imogen said."I love you. I love you with all my heart," Jasper declared, gazing at her with intense passion and unwavering resolve.Feeling a bit stiff from his tight hug, Imogen gently pushed him away. "I love you, too, but I must get up and go to work.""Not today," Jasper responded, scooping and carrying her back to bed
"If it's a gift, why not accept it?" Mila whispered.Gregory quickly took the check, looking unsure of his next move.Once his money was accepted, Oakley assumed the issue was settled. He took Yulia's hand and began to leave the ward, saying, "Well, I'll leave with Yulia for now."Still feeling resentful, Yulia glanced back and shot Imogen a glare as they departed.The ward fell silent. Feeling uneasy, Gregory and Carol exchanged anxious glances."Nate, we can't go easy on them," Mila whispered.Nathan smiled knowingly. He took Mila's hand, gently caressed it, and said quietly, "Don't worry. I'll ensure our in-laws get the justice they deserve."Mila nodded, feeling reassured. Gregory and Carol, who were listening nearby, felt deeply moved and grateful.Since Gregory was injured and confined to bed, the meeting between Jasper's and Imogen's parents ended earlier than expected. After saying goodbye to their parents, Jasper and Imogen headed home. On their way home, Jasper felt
Yulia was renowned for her boldness and strong-willed nature. Aware of Oakley's wealth, influence, and dual reputation in legal and illicit circles, she feared no one and held a contemptuous attitude toward others, including senior military figures."You need to apologize to Ms. Imogen immediately," Oakley whispered urgently.Pointing at Imogen, Yulia muttered irritably, "Her? Oh, please! If anyone owes an apology, it's her to me."Oakley wiped his forehead nervously, trembling with anxiety. Everyone's expressions around them darkened visibly. Jasper suppressed his anger; his hands clenched into fists.Before he could speak, Yulia grumbled, "Jay, you blocked me before understanding everything, and then you terminated our contract. That's just too much."Mila couldn't shake her worry for Jasper. If he couldn't manage his relationship with Yulia appropriately, it could severely impact his marriage. Concerned that he might not handle it well, Mila intervened. "Ms. Gibson, please resp
Carol no longer believed the portrayal of wealthy women on television.Jasper took Imogen's hand, and they sat down on the couch together, feeling anxious. It was their parents' first meeting, and the hospital setting added to the tension. If things went wrong and their relationship soured, their future would look bleak.Imogen was particularly anxious. Her palms were growing clammy. Jasper pulled out a tissue and gently wiped her palms before reassuringly saying, "There's no need to be nervous. My parents are easygoing."Offering an awkward smile, Imogen teased him, whispering, "You seem more nervous than I am, don't you think?"Jasper chuckled but offered no reply. Dealing with Gregory and Carol was sure to be a bit daunting.Typically reserved around strangers, Nathan found it difficult to start a conversation at that moment. Meanwhile, Gregory and Carol felt apprehensive and cautious, worried that any misstep could upset the Morrisons and cause problems for Imogen.Sensing th
Mila approached them with a bouquet, smiling. "Yes, we're in the right place. We've come to visit you, our in-laws."The term "in-laws" caught Gregory off guard as he lay in the bed. Despite his injuries, he quickly propped himself up, struggling to sit upright. Carol, equally surprised, cautiously accepted the gift from Nathan's outstretched hands.Jasper and Imogen took the next elevator, so they hadn't reached the ward yet.Nathan quickly set his things down and hurried over, gently placing a reassuring hand on Gregory's shoulder. "You're injured. Don't get up. Just lie down and rest.""General Morrison, I…" Gregory's voice faltered in distress.Carol's hands trembled uncontrollably as she glanced nervously at Mila, worried that Mila and Nathan had overheard her argument with Gregory.Nathan spoke in a gentle tone, "Please, don't call me General Morrison. It sounds too formal. You both are older than me. Just call me Nathan, and I'll call you two by name in return."Mila came
In the hospital ward, Gregory had been asleep for over an hour when the nurse woke him to change his medication.After the change, Carol peeled an orange for him to eat. They shared the segments, chatting idly."Imogen really picked a good husband. Even these oranges he bought are unusually sweet," Carol said, marveling at the oranges. Gregory glanced at the orange and said, "They must be expensive.""Yes, they're sold by the piece in big supermarkets. Also, they're more expensive than beef and lamb," Carol said before eating another sweet segment.Gregory pondered for a moment. Then he curiously asked, "Someone ruined our house's floor. Do you think Jasper would help us repair it?"Carol shot him a look and replied, "Listen, don't burden Imogen with this. Don't even bring it up.""Why would it burden Imogen? With Jasper's wealth, this is nothing.""Enough," Carol snapped. "That's his business. No matter how poor we are, we shouldn't ask for what isn't ours." "You're too stu