Chapter 185


    Alex’s words wereden with an icy chill.


    Candice confronted him, her emotions held tightly in check as she retorted, “My personal life is


    not your business.”


    She spoke in a neutral tone, showing no emotion.


    Alex scoffed, his face expressionless. His voice was deep and cold, asking, “It’s not my concern?


    Didn’t youe here for Joe?”


    At this, Candice tensed. Her gaze locked on him as she demanded rification. “What are you


    implying?”


    His eyes were prating. Because of his height, he had to lower his eyes when gazing at


    Candice. It gave him an air of aloofness and detachedness.


    In a matter–of–fact tone, he reminded her, “Remember, he’s only in Dorrington for a short two–day


    visit.”


    He was clearly talking about Chad.


    Candice gradually regained herposure. She realized that Chad was Alex’s uncle.


    She rapidly processed this new information.


    Her knowledge of Chad was limited. She recalled Helen’s strained ties with her family, whereas


    Alex maintained good rtions with them.


    While Chad might be reluctant to meet her, Alex could potentially take her to meet him.


    Candice’s visage darkened briefly. She quickly regained herposure and asked, “What do you


    want in exchange?”


    She was well aware of his character. He wouldn’t engage in meaningless talk.


    A trace of sarcasm briefly crossed Alex’s eyes. He nced down, Candice’s reflection caught in


    his deep gaze.


    After a pause, he replied coolly. “You’re overthinking it. What does your business have to do with


    me?”


    With that, he looked away and made his way inside the venue.


    Candice hesitated for a moment, preparing to follow him, when a petite woman suddenly blocked


    +15 BONOS


    Sonia’s smile had disappeared, and her gaze was unweing as she advised, “You heard him.


    He doesn’t want you here. Maybe it’s best If you leave now?”


    Sonia’s irritation stemmed from Helen’s mockery and Alex’s disregard for her upon his arrival,


    which she now directed at Candice.


    “I need to apany the directors,” she replied with a strained smile, “so I won’t escort you out.”


    Observing Sonia’s arrogant attitude, Candice looked down and responded in a calm voice, “Ms.


    Summers, remember, you’re employed as a secretary at Aether Corporation, not as a receptionist


    at the Southern Gin Hotel.”


    She nced at Sonia from head to toe. Her gaze eventually settled on the V–neck top hidden


    beneath Sonia’s jacket.


    Candice reminded her in a mocking tone, “Even hotel receptionists are expected to adhere to a


    dress code.”


    Sonia’s expression stiffened. She was ready to retort, but Candice had already departed.


    Candice walked out of the ballroom, but she was not in a hurry to leave.


    Chad was only going to stay in Dorrington City for two days. The clock was ticking.


    Her brow wrinkled, her thoughtsplicated as she stood at the hotel entryway.


    At that moment, Hanley called.


    Candice answered the phone, but the voice she heard was Yana’s.


    She asked, “When are youing back? We’re nning to go for roasted duck.”


    ncing at the time, which showed half past eight, Candice responded, “Go ahead without me.


    I’ve got matters to attend to.”


    “Still busy?” Hanley’s voice came through, likely after taking the phone from Yana.


    Yana’s murmurs were faintly audible in the background.


    “It’s impossible to clean up the old house in one day,” stated Hanley. “Go slowly.”


    Candice responded, gazing at the neon lights across the street with a sigh of resignation, “I know.


    I’m waiting for someone.”


    Truthfully, she felt overwhelmed. The idea of Joe’s issue being connected to Alex was something


    she hadn’t anticipated.


    *15 BONOS


    Detecting something amiss in her voice, Hanley moved away from the group and asked, “Is


    something wrong?”


    After a moment of hesitation, Candice exined. “I’m at the Southern Gin Hotel, hoping to meet Dr.


    Sul. Dr. Brooks has referred to him as a renowned neurologist, but it turns out he’s Alex’s uncle,


    Hearing this, Hanley’s brows subtly furrowed.


    At that moment. Yana approached, noticing Hanley’s solemn look, and questioned, “What’s going


    “Nothing to worry about,” he answered before heading back inside.


    Candice lingered outside the hotel briefly, gathering her thoughts before finally deciding to leave.


    Everyone was still up when she arrived at the vi. They gathered around the coffee table and


    talked to one another.


    Yana enjoyed thepany. She had met Nadia the night before and decided to stay overnight.


    She was ying games by herself at the time.


    Candice brought the fish soup with her and offered, “Does anyone want fish soup? I picked it up


    from Northdale. It just needs reheating.”


    Curious, Yana set her phone aside and stood up to assist Candice, asking, “Why did you go back


    to Northdale?”


    “To sort out a property there.”


    “You own a ce in Northdale?” Yana inquired.


    “It’s an old family house, Candice rified, cing the fish soup in the microwave.


    As the scent of the soup began to waft through the air, Nadia appeared at the kitchen doorway. her


    nose twitching as she remarked, “That smells delicious.”


    Candice asked, “Could you find out who else wants some lish soup?”


    Nadia nodded and headed toward the living room.


    Meanwhile, Yana’s phone rang. She nced at the caller ID, her previously cheerful expression


    dimming slightly. She murmured something to Candice before stepping out with her phone.


    Candice was alone in the kitchen, staring at the microwave’s lights and lost in her thoughts.


    “Don’t worry.” A deep,pelling voiceforted Candice and brought her back to the present.


    +15 BONOS


    She turned around to see Hanley standing at the door. His expression was as calm as it had always


    been.


    “Chad will be in Dorrington for two days. I might be able to help you connect with him,” he offered.


    Surprised, Candice asked, “You’re acquainted with him?”


    Hanley answered vaguely, “My family is.”


    Although Candice had known Hanley for a long time, he seldom spoke of his family. Still, she was


    aware that his connections, particrly with Jackson, implied significant influence.


    With a grateful smile, she said, “Thank you.”


    His gaze briefly paused on her, then shifted away as he nonchntly added, “If you need anything.


    just tell me. After all, Jackson entrusted me to take care of you.”


    The mention of Jackson reminded Candice that she hadn’t seen him recently, but she understood


    that his family obligations often required him to travel.


    Just then, the microwave beeped, indicating the fish soup was ready.


    As Candice was about to ask Hanley if he’d like some, Yana burst in, holding Candice’s phone.


    “There’s a call for you.”


    Candice looked down to see Helen’s name on the screen.


    Unsure of Helen’s reason for calling, she simply stared at the blinking screen, motionless. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.