Chapter 134


    Candice refrained from further exnation and returned to her office.


    She ryed the news of the uing Friday deadline for document submissions, causing a wave


    of dismay among her colleagues.


    Ka was disheartened and asked, “Is there a problem between Mr. Elysian and our office? We


    used to get a


    whole week, but now it’s been cut down to four days.”


    “Thepany is engaged in multiple partnership talks right now, so our workload has increased,”


    Candice


    rified.


    This was true, and Ka couldn’t argue with it.


    Understanding the situation, Ka resignedly said, “Given the bonuses Mr. Elysian offers, I’m


    willing to work


    the extra time needed.”


    Candice emailed the requested documents to Alex and sent him a reminder on WhatsApp.


    Tamia showed up around noon for their agreed lunch.


    Candice multitasked efficiently, reviewing resumes while they ate. Aether Corporation’s reputation


    for good


    employee perks had attracted numerous recent graduates.


    Her phone buzzed with messages. She noticed they were from Sieg and others, sharing photos


    from Marc’s


    recent birthday celebration.


    Sieg’s amateur photography skills had turned the pictures into a source of amusement, sparking


    yful


    While going through the photos, Candice heard Tamia call out to her.


    She looked up. “What’s up?”


    Tamia, with a sly wink, handed Candice her phone. “I was right, wasn’t I? Sonia is being made


    permanent.


    Julie herself came to retrieve her file.”


    Candice briefly nced at the message from Julie on Tamia’s phone, indicating the need for Sonia’s


    file. She knew Julie would only concern herself with Sonia at Alex’s instruction. Candice, on the


    other hand, believed


    that this was not her concern.


    She arranged the conference room after lunch, making sure everything was in order.


    Alex came to the conference by himself.


    With ten minutes to go before the meeting, Candice organized the necessary documents for Alex,


    briefing him. “Here are the notes from ourst meeting, including the issues raised and the solutions


    discussed. You might


    +15 BONOS


    Alex casually perused the documents, then, in a matter–of–fact tone, instructed, “Expedite the mid–


    year analysis.”


    “Will do,” Candice acknowledged.


    She habitually positioned additional documents within Alex’s easy reach, a reflex borne from


    familiarity with his work style.


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Alex had grown used to Candice’s methodical support.


    The meeting attendees were made up of a group of five or six people, including Marc.


    Marc sought out Candice, and she greeted him cordially with a nod and a polite smile.


    He spoke to her with a hushed tone. “Was everything okay getting homest weekend? I felt bad


    that day. I should have driven you home, but I’d been drinking. Sorry about that.”


    Candice responded gently. “No worries, it was fine.”


    Marc seemed to want to continue, but hesitated, mindful of their professional setting.


    As everyone gathered, Candice seamlessly took her ce next to Alex.


    Aether Corporation’s long–nned Riverstone Project.


    Candice remained deeply involved in this even after her transfer, with Alex sending her copious


    documentation


    and data. Her familiarity meant she was able to easily keep up with the meeting’s discourse and


    provide Alex with the necessary data on cue.


    At the meeting’s conclusion, Alex offered her a rarepliment. “Well done, your response time is


    “Mr. Gill and his team are waiting to see you,” Candice said, rying the message.


    Alex briefly disyed irritation, adjusted his tie, and clicked his tongue without furtherment.


    Candice noted, “Mr. Gill is the key client for this project, but seems undecided still.”


    After a contemtive look at Candice, Alex scowled and exited the meeting room.


    As Candice followed Alex out, she noticed Marc approaching the meeting room.


    Marc paused upon seeing Alex and said, “Lex.”


    “What do you need?” Alex inquired.


    Marc’s attention shifted to Candice, and he walked past Alex. He smiled at her, and asked directly,


    “Are you


    free tonight? I’d like to treat you to dinner.”


    Candice reflexively started to decline Marc’s invitation, surprised, frowning slightly.


    “I owe you an apology forst weekend. I should’ve been more attentive,” Marc added quickly,


    embarrassed.


    +15 BONOS


    He had been thinking about this excuse for a while. Aware of the circting gossip about Alex and


    Candice’s


    split and Alex’s new rtionship, Marc didn’t even look at Alex while speaking.


    Before Candice could reply, Alex Intervened with a chilly remark, “Are you here to talk about love


    during


    working hours, Marc?”


    Embarrassed, Marc responded softly, “I was just passing by and thought to ask Candice.”


    Alex switched his attention to Candice. She maintained a calm expression.


    Candice looked at Marc. “Sorry, I have to work overtime tonight.”


    Marc realized she had declined him politely. He grinned awkwardly and said, “Maybe another time.”


    After the departure of Mr. Gill and his team, Candice apanied Alex back to the office.


    Entering the elevator, her phone rang with a message from Ka about ordering milk tea. After


    responding, Candice met Alex’s probing stare.


    Hemented casually, “Ms. Renault, you’re quite sociable. How did you get so close to Marc?”


    Candice pressed the elevator button then met his gaze. “Is my personal life under thepany’s


    scrutiny?”


    she rebuked.


    “Personal?” Alex asked, his gaze narrowing.


    “Am I wrong?” Candice shot back.


    Alex did not answer right away but averted his gaze. “You’re full of surprises,” he said. His voice


    was neutral,


    but there was an underlying tone.


    In the elevator’s confined space and with Alex’s towering stature, the tension was palpable as he


    looked at her


    expressionlessly.


    “Next time, keep your personal matters separate from work,” he warned.


    Candice remained silent, her fingers twitching slightly. She hadn’t brought it up.


    る。


    She headed back to the office with Alex, needing to finalize the meeting notes. However, as they


    approached, Candice noticed Sonia standing at the door, beaming.


    Sonia flushed when she saw Candice with Alex, but she immediately recovered.


    Candice followed Alex into the office. She ignored Sonia’s resentful expression and proceeded to


    diligently recap the meeting’s details.


    She was about to leave when she heard Alex’s authoritative voice instructing, “Process Sonia’s


    paperwork for her permanent position.”