Chapter 271


    “It’s the contract from Blue Artifact,” Ryan exined. “There are a couple uses that don’t make


    sense to me. I can’t tell what’s wrong, but it appears as if they’re trying to exploit loopholes.” He


    took out his phone, showing Candice the snapshot he took, and pointed out, “Look at the sections


    I’ve highlighted.”


    Candice considered for a moment, then suggested, “Let’s have a look at the actual contract.”


    Ryan smacked his head and realized his oversight. He eximed, “Oh, I forgot! I was nning to


    send it to you on WhatsApp because you hadn’t returned.” He promptly headed upstairs to retrieve


    the contract.


    Hanley asked gently, “How about breakfast first? Would you like milk or coffee? We should talk


    about work after breakfast.” Hanley said before Candice could start on the contract.


    Right after breakfast, Candice received a call from Sawyer. Her expression tensed when she saw


    the caller ID. Reluctantly, she answered.


    “Candice, it’s me.” Sawyer said courteously.


    “What’s the matter?” Candice responded, her tone strained, a reflection of her residual frustration


    from the previous day’s events.


    Sawyer seemed hesitant but then asked, “We need you toe to the office this morning. We


    have to discuss the project’s progress, the selection of materials, and site–rted issues.”


    As a major investor, Aether Corporation had the right to conduct such an audit.


    Candice responded with a cold acknowledgment and quickly ended the call. The mere thought of


    Aether Corporation brought back memories of Alex, darkening her mood.


    “Was that from Aether Corporation?” Hanley asked.


    Concealing her annoyance, Candice nodded. “They’ve scheduled a meeting to discuss issues with


    the materials.”


    Expressing his disdain, Ryanmented, “Typical of these pointless meetings.”


    , always eager to hold


    Candice remained silent, her thoughts turbulent. Resolutely, she dered. “I’ll take care of Aether


    Corporation. You handle your own tasks.”


    Despite her reluctance to revisit Aether Corporation and avoid any interactions rted to Alex.


    Candice knew it was part of her professional responsibilities. It was something she couldn’t


    simply refuse. She couldn’t abandon her work due to her personal feelings.


    +15 RONOS


    Before Hanley couldment, Ryan added, “That’s okay. We have to sort out some wiring and


    lighting issues today anyway.”


    Candice nodded and epted the documents from Ryan. “I’ll review these once I return.”


    Hanley watched Candice with a thoughtful expression. His deep gaze fixed on her, his long.


    eyshes casting shadows across his face, rendering his thoughts unreadable.


    Candice judged her arrival at Aether Corporation carefully and headed to the meeting room right on


    time.


    As she opened the door, she noticed Alex present in the room. His gaze was downcast, and he


    upied the seat in the middle of the meeting table.


    Candice had only returned to Noxvillest night, and she had no idea that Alex had also returned.


    She pursed her lips. Her emotions stirred, still raw from their recent confrontation. However, before


    she couldpose herself, Alex looked up.


    His dark eyes were chilly, and he looked at her with a scrutinizing and unpleasant gaze.


    “You’re a minutete. If thisck of punctuality continues, don’t bothering next time.” Alex


    stated matter–of–factly.


    Candice maintained a nk expression as she set the documents on the table and said, “Here are


    the invoices for the material we’ve acquired, as well as quality certifications. If you have any doubts,


    your firm can inspect them at any time.”


    She was businesslike, her tone firm, and she caught even Sawyer off guard with her detachment.


    In Sawyer’s memory, Candice had always shown the utmostpliance and consideration


    toward Alex. Her current behavior, however, where she treated Alex as if he were a stranger, was


    unprecedented.


    Alex was known for his stern demeanor. He showed little alteration in his expression, but a trace of


    arrogance emerged as he raised his eyes. “Quite defiant,” hemented in a deep, resonant tone.


    “I never expected such assertiveness from a small studio. Do you intend to exploit mypany?


    Denying even basic inquiries, just expecting financial support?” His words were softly spoken yet


    articte.


    Candice felt a sinking sensation. She looked up and replied coolly, “All the necessary documents


    are right here, Mr. Elysian. How else would you propose we proceed?” Her stance was defensive.


    +15 BONOS


    Candice’s gaze filled with caution and vignce as she confronted Alex.


    Alex’s eyes slightly narrowed as he surveyed the documents on the table. “Just ink on paper. Can


    they truly prove anything?”


    Battling to maintain herposure, Candice asked, “Then, what do you suggest we do?”


    Tension filled the meeting room.


    Witnessing the exchange, Sawyer sighed softly. “You seem to have forgotten that Mr. Elysian is


    particrly detail–oriented with construction projects.”


    Candice’s eyes flickered.


    Alex’s thoroughness in such matters was well known.


    Previously, a project Alex had invested in faced issues due to the negligence of the business


    partner, leading to construction worker injuries. This incident prompted Alex to personally


    supervise any construction–rted projects.


    Regaining herposure, Candice suggested, “If Mr. Elysian has concerns, he’s wee to


    inspect the site himself.”


    Alex’s expression remained impassive as he nced at Candice. His dark eyes revealed little


    emotion.


    After the meeting, Candice called Hanley to update him.


    Hanley responded without objection. “Let him visit if he wishes. Shaun and the team are already


    there.”


    “All right,” Candice concurred.


    Hanley further advised, “After finishing at Aether Corporation, head back to the vi for some rest.


    You looked quite tired this morning.”


    Having had almost no sleep the previous night, Candice indeed felt exhausted. She ended her call


    with Hanley and prepared to leave.


    Alex intended to visit the location, but Candice didn’t think it was her ce to apany him.


    However, her assumption was incorrect.


    Sawyer approached her before Alex could, saying, “Candice, you need to apany Mr. Elysian to


    the project site. We’re short on staff in the Secretary’s Office, and I have to meet with Ms.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Andrus.”


    +15 BONOS


    Candice frowned at his natural approach to handing off the duty. “I’ve done my part,” she objected.


    “The site is well–staffed. My presence there isn’t necessary.”


    Caught off guard by her refusal, Sawyer instinctively nced back.


    Sawyer was really overloaded with work. The Secretary’s Office personnel wished they could


    clone themselves; they were so busy. And, with Sonia out on leave today, he had reflexively


    sought Candice’s assistance.


    As he prepared to speak, footsteps echoed from behind.


    Alex’s t voice filled the empty hallway. “Is this how the head of Burning Star Studio manages


    responsibility? Asking their business partner to conduct the site tour alone?” He gave a


    disapproving click of his tongue. “If that’s the case, what’s the purpose of our partnership?*


    Candice’s chest heaved. With Alex mentioning Burning Star Studio, she reluctantly realized she


    couldn’t decline.