Chapter 177


    Candice’s address was unknown to many in thepany.


    This was vital because everyone knew Alex’s apartment in Vestry Residence was one Dorrington


    City’s most luxurious, and many working–ss people couldn’t even afford a bathroom.


    Sawyer had taken care of Candice’s apartment papers. He was aware that Alex had purchased the


    apartment for her, but he was unaware of the circumstances that followed.


    It was why Sawyer had always treated Candice with respect. He hadn’t seen Alex buy a house for


    any other woman but Candice.


    The willingness to spend money on a woman generally indicated a man’s sincerity toward her.


    Sonia’s expression darkened when she heard this.


    Alex had purchased Candice’s apartment in the coveted Vestry Residence. What about her? She


    was still living in a little apartment with her parents. Did Alex not know about her living situation?


    The darkness in Sonia’s eyes deepened. Her lips quivered as her face contorted with emotion.


    Candice went straight to the hospital after leaving the office.


    Hanley called her while she was driving.


    Hanley and Jackson had sent her countless texts since the incident, each attempting to console


    her.


    She had barely answered due to her bad mood.


    Now her mind was in turmoil due to Joe’s health, leaving her with no time to attend to other


    concerns.


    Candice’s phone continued to ring while she drove, so she linked it to the car’s Bluetooth and


    answered it.


    Hanley asked, “Where are you?”


    “In the car. I’m on my way to the hospital.”


    Jackson’s worried voice could be heard in the background, asking. “Are you sick? Don’t worry.


    Candy. First and foremost, take care of yourself. Everything else will be fine.” he promised.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    +15 BONOS


    Given the current online buzz in which inte users im to champion justice, resolving the matter


    was not easy. The more they tried to suppress the subject, the more people grew interested.


    Jackson had sought assistance from a number of people, but it just seemed to fuel their celto fight


    the corporate narrative, producing constant spikes of attention online.


    Candice simply hummed back. “I’m visiting my grandfather.”


    The doctor had just left Joe’s room when she arrived at the hospital.


    When the doctor saw Candice, he asked, “Are you a family member? Please drop by the office. His


    situation is worse than we anticipated.


    “The patient’s brain isn’t receiving enough blood and oxygen. The stroke he’s suffered is quite


    severe. We’re nning to conduct more detailed tests, but it’s important for the family to consider if


    they want to proceed with surgery.


    “He’s old and the surgery involves substantial risks. However, considering his current state, with


    both ischemia and hemorrhaging, we can’t guarantee anything unless we remove the clot.


    Naturally, we respect the decision of the patient and the family,” the doctor finished.


    As Candice made her way back to Joe’s room, the doctor’s words resonated in her mind.


    The caregiver was wiping Joe’s face. He was still sleeping.


    Candice sat beside the bed, took the cloth from the caretaker, and gently wiped his face.


    She felt lonely as she fought back tears while holding her grandfather’s frail hand. She couldn’t cry


    since she didn’t want to wake him.


    She exited the room after cleaning his face and hands and arranging his bedding.


    Her grandfather had frequently said that when people aged, they should die with dignity.


    But Candice realized she couldn’te to terms with that notion just yet. For once, she wished to


    be selfish, yearning to keep her grandfather alive, right by her side.


    She was uncertain about how to confront the world if she were to lose Joe, the sole remaining


    person who loved her.


    After lingering outside the hospital for an extended period, Candice finally sumbed to her


    +15 BONOS


    Her hands trembled as she attempted to light a cigarette, herck of experience evident in her


    struggle with the lighter.


    Awkwardly squatting near the stand, Candice persistently tried to light her cigarette. Each time she


    seeded, her tears would extinguish it.


    By the time she managed to keep it lit, the cigarette had already burned down to half its length.


    The following day, Candice got a call from Helen, who had rarely been in touch since Sonia and


    Alex became a couple.


    Candice picked up, only to hear Helen demand a meeting.


    Feeling burdened, Candice responded, “I’m not in a good mood right now. Let’s talk on the phone.”


    Helen responded with a cold sneer. “Given the trouble you’ve caused thepany, you’re right to


    feel bad about it. Let’s cut the chase. I’m not keen on meeting either, but we need to talk about the


    house Alex got for you. We’re not in the business of charity or taking in beggars.”


    Helen’s razor–sharp remarks made Candice’s headache worse.


    She had visions of Joe in surgery and was suffering from insomnia.


    “I’ll handle the matter with Alex directly,” Candice said.


    “What’s there to discuss? You’ve left thepany and have no ties to my son anymore. I used to


    see the house as a staff benefit, but what are you now?” Helen’s scorn was evident. “Are you


    looking forpensation? That’s bold. You’ve damaged thepany’s reputation, and yet we


    haven’t pursued damages from you. And now you wantpensation?”


    Candice, feeling overwhelmed, ced the phone down on the coffee table.


    As the call ended, Helen warned, “Move out quickly, or I’ll have to take matters into my own


    hands.


    Candice was puzzled by Helen’s triumphant demeanor, as if she had been wronged by Candice.


    The end of the call brought a sense of peace, but it took Candice some time to recover and step


    out.


    She didn’t have time to pay attention to the online chatter, depending instead on Ka to give her


    screenshots of colleagues speaking up for her.


    +15 BONOS


    The findings of Joe’s examination were out today, and they confirmed what the doctor said


    yesterday.


    The optimal treatment involved a risky procedure to remove blood clots and perform a bypass.


    Candice, trembling, asked, “What if the surgery isn’t done?”


    The doctor replied, “The patient’s condition will remain unstable and uncertain.”


    Candice’splexion paled.


    “All surgeries have risks,” the doctor sought to console her, adding, “but doctors will strive to


    minimize them. Furthermore, the famous neurosurgeon Dr. Sui will be in Dorrington City in a few


    days. You might wish to speak with him if you have any concerns.”


    Candice barely registered the doctor’s words.


    She stayed in the hospital until the evening before heading home, only to find a seal on her door.


    Her heart raced as she tried to open it, but the password was incorrect.