The moment Candice locked eyes with Elio, she quickly lowered her head. She twirled the hem of her clothing between her fingers, her cheeks coloring a deep red.Elio watched her intently for a few seconds before reluctantly looking away. Shortly after, a maid entered the room to announce that dinner was served. Everyone gathered at the dining table and began to eat.Candice seemed preoccupied throughout the meal. She hurried upstairs as soon as she finished eating. Alone in her room, she pondered over Elio's visit.Did he really come to clarify things because her family had begun preparing a lavish wedding gift for him? Were his words sincere? And if so, why had Josie misled her? Could it have all been an act?The more she pondered over those questions, the more her head hurt. Eventually, she decided to stop overthinking and drifted into a peaceful sleep.…The next morning, Candice awoke from a comforting dream in high spirits. Elio's words from the past suddenly echoed in her m
The elevator stopped at the design department's floor. "Candice, you're up," Jasper said as the doors slid open.After stepping out, Candice turned to face the elevator. She waved at Jasper with a smile, her gentle gaze naturally drifting toward Elio. Elio's gaze met hers—intense, deep, and unflinching.As the elevator doors began to close, their eye contact was broken. Candice touched her chest, feeling her heart flutter with nervous excitement as she sighed. With no more need for secrecy, she could openly admire Elio without the guilt of desiring someone she thought was taken.Still, she wasn't completely certain about his relationship status. Although he wasn't with Josie, could there be someone else?Regardless, Candice felt optimistic about where things might lead. With a joyous smile, she covered her face, ducked her head, and briskly made her way into the design department office.Candice found her work in the design department incredibly fulfilling. Passionate about fash
"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 a
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.
The conversation dwindled into another round of silence. To bridge the emotional gap, Elio tried to change the subject. "Are you facing any challenges at work?" he asked.Suddenly reminded of the layoffs, Candice turned to face him, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Is the company planning to lay anyone off?"A gentle smile finally crossed Elio's face the moment she met his gaze. "You don't have to worry. You're not on the list.""What about my friend, Vanessa Yates? Can you make sure she's safe, too?""Vanessa Yates?" Elio echoed.Candice nodded in response."Okay, I'll make a note of it.""Thank you," said Candice. Overwhelmed by his intense gaze, she shifted her gaze to the television."Candice, about what happened last time, we—" He was cut off by Jasper approaching them. Elio's words hung unfinished in the air.Feeling a mix of guilt and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's not talk about the past. It's all behind us now."She was afraid that Jasper might overhear their
Candice's heart raced as she clutched her phone with both hands, her gaze locked on the message from Elio. She read it repeatedly, striving to grasp every word. Was Elio asking her out, just the two of them? Should she accept?Feeling conflicted, she glanced at Jasper, who was behind the wheel. Hesitantly, she said, "Jasper, you don't have to pick me up from work tomorrow.""Why not?" Jasper asked."I…" Candice faltered, knowing that Jasper would soon discover her lie if she claimed to be working late. She made up an excuse. "I'm going shopping with a friend.""Which friend? Where are you headed?" Jasper questioned.Feeling a twinge of guilt, Candice responded, "Vanessa. We're just going around the office area."Jasper seemed unconcerned. "Alright, just be careful and make sure you come home early."A wave of relief washed over Candice, and she leaned closer to Jasper, offering him a sweet smile. "Thanks, Jasper."Bemused, Jasper chuckled and replied, "Why are you thanking me
"Is it just the two of us, Elio?" Candice asked.Elio nodded. "Yes.""Oh," said Candice. Excitement rushed through her as she climbed into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt. Elio shut her door, then walked around to the driver's side. He slid into the car, started the engine, and they pulled away just as the sunset bathed the sky in a palette of deep reds.Inside the car, a heavy silence hung in the air, deepening the awkwardness that enveloped them both. Candice felt the weight of the quiet bearing down on her. She desperately searched her thoughts for something to say, but nerves tied her tongue.Suddenly, Elio's voice cut through the tension. "Does Jasper know you're out buying flowers with me?""No, I told him I was going shopping with Vanessa," Candice replied.Elio felt upset, and his expression darkened. Going to a garden center to buy flowers wasn't anything to be ashamed of. Was he so unpresentable that she couldn't even be honest with it? Did she really
"Thank you," Rick said to Elio and Candice as they walked away. "I'll arrange for the delivery right away."Elio led Candice outside to the quiet street of the garden center. He turned to face her with frustration in his eyes. Candice's heart pounded as she sensed his irritation. She swallowed hard, staring at him.With his frustration barely contained, Elio lowered his voice. "Candice, let me make this clear one last time. I'm Jasper's uncle, not yours. I have no familial connection to your parents. Do you understand?"Confused by his upset tone, Candice quickly apologized, "I'm sorry. I understand now. It won't happen again."Elio sighed, his expression softening as he gazed at her, who stared back at him. For a moment, an unusual connection seemed to spark between them.Summoning her courage, Candice asked, "Elio, are you and Josie truly not together?""No," Elio replied.Candice's heart pounded as she continued, "Do you have a girlfriend?""No."A wave of joy surged thro
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