With a smile, Michaela suggested, "Why not follow Jasper's way of addressing us?"Candice pouted and playfully said, "No, I prefer keeping it casual with your first names—Michaela, Tristan." Her voice was as sugary-sweet as honey, her smile as innocent as a cherub's.Tristan felt a warm glow in him at her words. His grin stretched wider, and he blurted out, "Aw, you're so sweet."Michaela's smile faded, her demeanor turning serious. She quickly changed the subject. "Leo mentioned you'd be staying with us for a bit. We're thrilled and already set up a room for you. Let me show you there."Candice linked her arm with Michaela's, saying, "Thank you, Michaela."Michaela sighed, feeling somewhat defeated. Despite her displeasure, Candice's sweet tone and contagious smile made it hard to resist.Candice followed Michaela as they climbed the stairs to check out her room, only to find she wouldn't be sharing the room with Elio. Michaela had deliberately set up her room to be as far awa

Candice caught Elio's smile and struggled to hold back her own. Michaela, Tristan, and Josia paused their discussion on economics. They were surprised by the lighthearted moment between Candice and Elio over dinner.However, the most astonishing change for them was Elio. Known for his composed, dignified, and reserved demeanor, he seemed completely different tonight. The trio was dumbfounded to find Elio laughing more in one evening than they had seen him laugh in the past year.Elio chuckled and softly asked, "Is there more?"Candice took a sip of her soup, paused, and began a tale, "A tortoise wanted to race a hare. But the hare, with a condescending tone, said, 'Your kind won once by fluke. Quit dreaming.'"Undeterred, the tortoise tried every method to persuade the hare, who remained unmoved. Finally, the tortoise pulled out a wad of cash and said, 'Consider this your fee for turning up!'"A broad grin immediately spread across the hare's face as it responded, 'Mr. Tortoise,

Somebody was skeptical. "How's that possible? You—"Tristan interrupted with a serious tone. "We're somewhat related, yes. But didn't you notice she called us by our first name?"While the others continued to laugh and joke, Candice was quietly moved by Tristan's words. Tristan's recognition of her meant that her recent efforts hadn't been wasted. However, Michaela remained unconvinced. She was fond of Candice but disagreed with her marrying Elio.…After a long day, Candice returned home late at night. She bid farewell to Tristan and Michaela and returned to her room. Then, she indulged in a hot bath and massaged her sore shoulders and neck before settling into bed.Her phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw it was a message from Elio. "Open the door. I want to see you."Candice sat up in bed and typed a reply. "It's too late."Though she longed to spend more time with Elio, they were under his parents' roof, and Michaela had made her wishes clear—Elio and Candice were to sle

Candice was about to defend Elio when a sudden force gripped her arm, yanking her up from her chair. Before she fully understood what was happening, Elio had pulled her to his side.His face contorted in anger as he glared at Michaela. He exuded a strong and intimidating presence as he spoke sharply, "I know I'm not worthy of Candice, but I don't need your well-meaning advice."I'm not a tool you've crafted to take over the family business. I'm a person and your son. Don't I have the right to love? Don't I deserve happiness?"Michaela's expression turned steely as she fixed a stern glare on Elio and said, "You need to know your place."Upon hearing her harsh words, the pain Elio had suppressed for more than 20 years suddenly burst forth. His voice rose to an almost hysterical growl. "I want to embrace life, too, to be lively and engaging. But did you ever give me the chance?"Since childhood, even a simple soccer game was forbidden and dismissed as a distraction from my studies. I

Fenna stepped forward, her voice gentle. "Leo, Candice, this is on you. Your mother is getting older and as her son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law, shouldn't you be there for her? It's because you moved out and left her alone that this terrible incident happened."Elio's face clouded over, and he was ready to retort when Candice squeezed his hand, silently urging him to stay calm. She didn't want Elio confronting Fenna at the hospital.Candice had her emotions in check, but Jasper didn't. Anyone who dared to cross Candice would face his fury. He stormed up to Josie and gave her a severe reprimand. "Josie, what's gotten into you?"Josie was taken aback as Fenna watched, bewildered by his outburst.Jasper continued his tirade with his hands on his hips. "Even though Candice is engaged to Uncle Elio, she's just his partner. You, on the other hand, are Grandma's chosen future daughter-in-law. She only sees you in that role."As her daughter-in-law, shouldn't you be there to care for h