Chapter 270


    The hospital corridor was a hive of activity.


    A wave of fear washed over Sonia when she saw Alex’s stoic face, and she held back the words on


    the verge of her lips. It was the first time she had witnessed such fury in Alex, his intimidating


    presence keeping others at bay.


    Her heart tightened when she remembered Candice’s words. She summoned the courage and said,


    “Lex…”


    Alex turned toward her, his stare plercing.


    Sonia was unable to continue under such an unsettling nce. Soon after, she managed to add


    dryly, “Please calm down.”


    Alex’s gaze remained stern as he nodded solemnly, instructing in a deep voice, “The doctor has


    advised a CT scan. Go ahead.”


    Feeling the weight of his scrutiny. Sonia felt her heart was about to pop out of her chest. She left


    for the scan, not daring to say more.


    In her absence, Greg approached Alex.


    Alex’s steely gaze met his and prompted, “What is it?”


    Greg cautiously said. “The way you spoke to Candice earlier, wasn’t it too harsh?”


    Alex had been blunt, and his words had made Candice’s eyes fill with pain.


    Greg hesitated before continuing, “Candice is also injured. I saw her grasping her arm. I s she’s in


    pain. You speak so harshly, and she is a girl after all.”


    Before Greg could finish, Alex interrupted with a frosty tone, “Sympathizing with her?”


    Greg hastily rified, “No, just stating what’s fair.”


    “No one needs you to be fair,” Alex sharply dismissed. His expression was icy, the darkness in his


    eyes and the tightly pressed lips betrayed his foul mood. His attitude was unmistakably callous.


    As the evening arrived, so did the results of the police investigation.


    The thugs were street criminals from Noxville with strong connections to Ivor. One of them had


    won several thousand dors from Ivor in a card game, but Ivor never settled the debt.


    When the man demanded payment, Ivor had boasted about his daughter in Dorrington, iming


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    she was wealthy. He even mentioned her boyfriend, who owned a business, implying they could


    extract the money from her.


    The men had a history ofmitting minor offenses. They viewed this as a valid chance to make


    some money. So they had begun hanging around the Aether Corporation branch office.


    Upon identifying Candice, they had seen an opportunity to exploit her.


    As the truth surfaced, Greg’s face showed a mixture of emotions.


    He confronted Alex and said, “Lex, this time you were too harsh. Candice was another victim in this


    situation. You’vepletely misjudged her, and it’s no surprise she ended up in tears.”


    Greg refrained from mentioning Sonia, but herplexion had grown pallid.


    In response, Alex maintained silence and lowered his gaze. His lips were tightly pressed together.


    and his indifferent attitude was pronounced.


    Candice was unaware of these revtions. After getting back, she immediately booked the first


    avable flight to Dorrington. She was now on her way back.


    She arrived at Dorrington Airport past 10 PM, where Yana awaited her in the arrivals hall.


    Having been informed of Candice’s return, Yana volunteered to pick her up. She motioned to


    Candice and said, “Over here.”


    Candice walked over with the suitcase in hand, still in a sour mood. Her makeup skillfully hid her


    true feelings.


    “You’ve returned at a perfect time,” Yanamented. “Today is Nadia’s birthday. She was


    regretting your absence this morning. You’re just in time for the end of her celebration.”


    Though Candice initially intended to head straight home for rest, she changed her ns and joined


    Yana for Nadia’s birthday celebration at the vi.


    The vi was still lively, with everyone awake and a cake waiting on the table.


    Upon seeing Candice. Nadia’s face brightened and she urged, “Hurry! I’ve been waiting to cut the


    cake until you all got here. I’ve also called the boss, he should be returning shortly.”


    Candice recalled Yana mentioning over the phone about Hanley’s grandfather being in the hospital,


    necessitating Hanley’s presence there.


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    Just after Nadia finished, the sound of the door announced Hanley’s arrival.


    Vana eximed with everyone gathered. “Let’s cut the cake now!” She switched off the lights.


    The sudden darkness sumised Candice, who briefly panicked. Soon, she detected a subtle.


    scent nearby and heard Hanley’s low volce say, “When did you return?”


    Feeling somewhat calmer, Candice answered, “I just got back. Is your grandfather really ill?”


    “Yes, he’s currently in the ICU, Hanley confirmed..


    The birthday song soon overpowered their quiet conversation, forcing them to stop talking.


    Candice’s attention briefly settled on the flickering candle mes. Her thoughts drifted


    momentarily before she refocused.


    She found herself unsure about what was on her mind.


    The adults at the party showed little interest in the cake. Once the cake–cutting ceremony was over,


    they casually dispersed into smaller groups and went about their own business.


    Stepping outside the vi, Hanley presented Candice with a slice of cake. He chuckled and said, ” It


    looks like they’ve cleaned out all the food inside. This will have to suffice.”


    Candice looked at him attentively.


    “You flew back this afternoon. You probably missed dinner, didn’t you?” Hanley remarked. “You


    seem a bit off. Is something troubling you?” Hanley’s perceptiveness was evident.


    Candice asked with a hint of distress, “Is it obvious?”


    “It’s in the eyes,” Hanley said. “You can’t hide things in your eyes.”


    Candice had cried earlier in her emotional turmoil and was still feeling unsettled.


    Although her makeup masked it somewhat, Yana hadn’t picked up on it, but Hanley had.


    Quietly holding the cake, Candice gently bit her lower lip and said nothing.


    As it grewte, Candice and Yana decided to stay overnight at the vi. However, Candice found.


    herself restless and unable to sleep throughout the night.


    In the morning. Yana noticed the dark circles under Candice’s eyes. “You didn’t sleep well?” she


    asked in surprise.


    Hanley was engrossed on his tablet downstairs. He nced up as they came down.


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    His concern showed as he queried. “Rough night?”


    “My shoulder’s been aching.” Candice exined. “I couldn’t find afortable sleeping position.”


    This was indeed true. The spot where she had been Injured hadn’t been checked at the hospital


    and was painful.


    “If it hurts, you should get it checked out,” Hanley advised after a quick check of her shoulder.


    At that moment, Ryan came from the kitchen with a worried look on his face. “Is your shoulder


    still bothering you?” he asked.


    “What’s the matter?” Candice asked.


    Scratching his head, Ryan exined, “There’s a contract I was hoping you could handle today.


    Since you’re not feeling well, I’ll take care of it.”


    “Which contract is it?” Candice asked, curious.