Chapter 172


    Candice quietly spoke to herself, uncertain if she was addressing her grandfather or seeking self-


    comfort.


    The story continued to escte online, attracting attention from influential inte celebrities who


    began to share the story.


    Her phone was flooded with messages ranging from inquiries andforting words to subtle


    probes for further details.


    She silenced her phone and carelessly ced it on the coffee table.


    Her mind had been in disarray all night,pelling her to push herself to rx and strategize her


    next steps.


    The deeper she delved into her thoughts, the more chaotic they became.


    The aching in her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten by mid–morning.


    In the kitchen, she listlessly picked up a slice of bread, ignoring its chill from the fridge, and bit into


    it. Despite her efforts, she could barely eat half, feeling nauseated at the thought of more.


    While Candice was on the balcony, trying to distract herself with a book, Ka’s call came.


    Her eyes flickered at the sight of Ka’s name before she answered.


    “Candice,” Ka asked, her voice tinged with anxiety. “Are you okay?”


    She hadn’t had any water in a long time and replied in a hoarse voice, “I’m fine


    Ka hesitated upon hearing Candice’s frail voice before continuing. “Can youe to the office.


    this afternoon? The public rtions department has hired a public rtions team. They stated


    that they may require additional information from you to handle this matter.”


    Candice’s brain was slow toprehend what Ka was saying.


    After a brief pause, she said, “I’lle in the afternoon.”


    The involvement of Aether Corporation seemed inevitable as the incident unfolded at their


    doorstep.


    Candice thought to herself that Yvonne had made a strategic choice of location.


    +15 BONOS


    Before heading to the corporation, Candice freshened up and applied makeup, trying to mask her


    exhaustion.


    She reached the office at the end of the day and walked against the departing crowd, heading


    straight to the specified meeting room.


    Inside, she found Alex, Sonia, Sawyer, Ka, and other familiar executives.


    Candice, expressionless, took a seat beside Ka.


    She ignored the rest, waiting for them to initiate the conversation.


    “This is Manfred, the PR guy from the publicity department.” Sonia began, presenting the unfamiliar


    man to Candice.


    Manfred McCoy wore spectacles and appeared astute and calcted. He had thinning hair


    stered across his forehead.


    His gaze toward Candice held a subtle disdain, causing her difort.


    Candice averted her eyes and asked, “What do you need to know from me?”


    “Do you have any unresolved issues with your mother?” Manfred inquired, his voice sharp and his


    words pointed. “We’ve reviewed the footage multiple times. You seemed indifferent when your


    mother knelt before you, not attempting to intervene. This has contributed to the public bacsh


    against you.”


    Feeling her body tense up, Candice struggled to stayposed and exined, “I was too shocked


    to react when she knelt.”


    An executive, familiar to Candice, abruptly hit the table and admonished, “Candice, we need you to


    bepletely honest with us. This situation is affecting both you and ourpany.”


    With her eyes shut, Candice asked, “What exactly are you referring to? I was unaware of her n to


    visit yesterday.”


    Manfred seized the critical aspect of the situation, prodded further, “What prompted your mother to


    unexpectedly visit thepany? Is there an underlying issue?”


    Candice tightened her hands into fists, her teeth clenched. “It’s a personal family issue.”


    Unswayed, he pointed out tly. “However, this personal issue of yours is now affecting the


    company. Ms. Renault, we need your cooperation.”


    Candice’s lips moved subtly, sensing more coercion than concern from thepany in this


    interrogation.


    +15 BONOS


    She pondered over what ‘truth‘ they were so eager to unearth.


    Feeling numb inside, she slowly lifted her gaze toward Alex. She doubted these people would have


    involved the PR without his consent, but was Alex truly oblivious to Yvonne’s affair?


    “Candice.” Sonia said again.


    Seated next to Alex, she had noticed Candice’s earlier fleeting nce at hir


    With a look of concern, Sonia suggested, “I understand discussing these matters is difficult for


    you, but they have impacted ourpany. We need a quick solution, don’t we? How about this?”


    she suggested after a brief pause. “I’ll speak on your behalf. You can correct anything inurate.”


    Candice remained silent. To agree would be to expose her private matters. The thought of being


    viewed with pity was unbearable to her.


    She vividly remembered the gossiping neighbors discussing her fate during her parents‘ divorce.


    The condescending way people treated her when they brought food as if they were feeding a stray


    was unforgettable.


    Candice had always believed that being good andpliant would prevent abandonment by


    ov her


    parents, a belief she had extended to Alex.


    Abandoned children often felt that they were never good enough.


    Manfred interrupted her thoughts. He tapped the table and spoke methodically. “If you’re reluctant


    to discuss, there’s a straightforward alternative.”


    Candice looked up at him.


    “Just publicly dere that you are not an Aether Corporation employee but rather a temporary


    external worker,”


    The room fell silent at his words.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Candice observed Manfred as he indicated a folder on the table. “This would be an effective way


    to separate your issues from Aether Corporation.”


    With a deep frown, Ka argued, “But Candice is known as the chief secretary of thepany.”


    Manfred countered, “We could state she had resigned earlier.”


    With a hesitant tone that seemed more probing than genuine, Sonia continued the discussion, “Is


    this really the best course of action, especially since Candice is soon to leave thepany?”


    Turning to Alex, she asked, “Mr. Elysian, what is your perspective on this?”


    Alex had been quiet and now directed his unreadable, deep gaze at Candice. Observing her


    dignified stance, hemented neutrally. “It’s her decision to make.” He added nkly, 1 don’t like


    to lie, but we’re not a charitable organization here.” His gaze was devoid of emotion, then he


    coldly shifted toward Candice as he called out her name, “Candice.”