Chapter 275
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Sensing Jackson’s hesitation to discuss the matter further, Candice wisely chose not to pursue the
topic.
They proceeded to the motel where Yvonne had been staying.
Upon their arrival and request for surveince footage, the front desk staff promptly rebuffed them.
“Surveince? We don’t have anything like that here!”
The motel was a converted residential building near a hospital. It was far from luxurious. The
absence of a valid business license was something Candice observed as well.
With a shake of his head, Jackson concluded, “No luck here. We need to look elsewhere.”
Hiding her disappointment, Candice agreed with a nod. She wasn’t ready to give up yet.
Yvonne had mentioned a few other locations, and her insistence on speaking well of Sonia only
addedyers to the puzzle.
A brief expression of frustration flickered across Candice’s face, her eyes darkening for a moment.
Jackson picked up on her mood and reassured her gently. “Don’t worry, I’m with you in this.”
After spending a night at home to rest, Candice returned to the vi the next day. She was still
contemting how to approach the issue of Alex’s injury.
En route, she unexpectedly encountered Jessica.
Candice’s memories of Jessica were faint, mostly recalling a birthday party for Jessica’s husband
that Alex had brought her to a few years ago. Their interactions had been minimal.
save for a recent meeting involving her and Helen.
Jessica was dressed in a gorgeous designer gown with wless makeup. She acknowledged
Candice with a smile and a nod.
Candice responded with a slight nod.
Jessica suddenly spoke up as they were about to walk past each other, “Candice, right?”
Candice paused and said, “Ms. Kane.”
“Don’t let Helen’s words bother you,” Jessica advised. “That’s just her way.
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Candice was astonished that Jessica had brought it up. “I’m well aware of Mrs. Elysian’s
temperament. There’s no need for me to take it to heart. Keeping up with her would be a challenge
in itself.”
Jessica’s eyes flickered with astonishment as Candice’s statements hinted at Helen’s difficult
nature.
“If there’s nothing else, I must go,” Candice said, maintaining herposure.
They weren’t particrly close. Given their distant rtionship and Jessica’s ties to the Elysians,
Candice saw little reason to prolong the conversation.
As Candice walked away. Jessica’s expression shifted to a slight frown.
Helen had mentioned in passing that her son had ended things with Candice, a im Jessica
had doubted. Now, it appeared to be true.
Candice swiftly forgot the minor encounter.
Arriving at the vi, she found it unusually quiet. Nadia and Ryan were seated on the sofa, both
silent.
Recalling the previous day’s events, Candice asked, “Where’s Hanley?”
“He’s in the study, on a call,” Nadia informed, lifting her head.
“Is the mood about yesterday?” Candice asked.
Nadia shook her head. “No, Aether Corporation is still deciding how to handle the incident. We’ve
been told to await their decision. The boss is preupied with something else.”
“What is it?”
Nadia offered no further details. “You might want to ask him directly. I don’t fully understand it
myself.”
Candice felt a pang of anxiety. As Hanley finally emerged from the study, she immediately asked, ”
How did your conversation with Alex go yesterday? What was his reaction?”
Hanley appeared visibly exhausted. The dark circles under his eyes were more pronounced than
usual, indicating he hadn’t rested well.
“It’splicated,” he admitted. “Alex rejected the idea ofpensation when I brought it up.”
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Candice lowered her gaze. She was aware of Alex’s temperament and knew that he wasn’t the sort
of person to let money influence him.
After a moment of reflection, she broached another subject. “Nadia mentioned you’re dealing with
something else?”
Hanley confirmed with a slight nod and sat down across from Candice, his bright, almond–shaped
eyes betraying his tiredness. In a deep voice, he revealed, “I wanted to discuss a matter with you
today.”
Candice listened intently as Hanley exined.
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“Burning Star Studio is expanding our business in Dorrington. We’re not just working with Aether
Corporation and Blue Artifact. We’ve actually received several new business offers.” Hanley’s
work ethic was evident in his serious demeanor and focused gaze. “We’re considering
establishing a dedicated business department for these ventures. Are you
interested?”
“Yes, Candice, this is something we need from you,” Ryan added. He seemed disturbed as he
continued. “Each to their own expertise. I’m not cut out for this kind of work. Those contracts are
tooplex for me.”
“It’s fine if you’re not up to it,” Hanley said.
“I’m willing.” Candice agreed immediately, without a second thought.
She was aware that Hanley was offering her a good chance, and she had no reason to turn it down.
Hanley’s assistance had also helped hernd her first break at Burning Star Studio.
Without it, as a neer, she likely wouldn’t have had the chance to join such a prestigious
studio.
Candice understood her situation very well. “I’ve had sess in handling business liaisons
previously,” she said confidently.
Noticing her assurance, Hanley slightly raised his eyebrows. “Very well. You have a lot of
confidence.”
Candice embraced Hanley’s offer and rapidly epted her new responsibilities.
The ambiguous position of Aether Corporation caused Shaun to grow restless. He frequently sought
updates from Candice.
Candice shared his concerns. If Alex decided to take action against them, they would be in a
precarious position. She resolved that if there was no response from Aether Corporation by Friday,
she would personally visit the office to check on the issue to keep everyone at ease and the project
moving forward.
That afternoon, Hanley briefed her about an uing dinner on Friday evening.
“Blue Artifact’s anniversary?” Candice pondered, checking her phone for an unread message from
Zane on WhatsApp.
Zane had extended an invitation, which she had overlooked due to her busy schedule.
“Blue Artifact is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It’s a significant event with many attendees. As
their new partner, we should definitely be there,” Hanley exined.
He hesitated for a moment before nonchntly adding, “Aether Corporation will most likely send
someone too.”
Candice understood what he left unsaid. Given the alliance between Aether Corporation and Blue
Artifact, Alex would most likely be the one in attendance to demonstrate respect for the importance
of the rtionship.
Her attitude remained steady as she stated. “The invitation has already been given to me. therefore,
I must go. And, as you mentioned, there will be a lot of people there, it’ll be an excellent opportunity
for businessworking.”
Candice had swiftly adapted to her role as Commerce Director.
The afternoon of the event, Candice joined Hanley, Ryan, and Nadia in the car to the venue.
Blue Artifact had invested extensively in the event and held it at Morinaga Estate.
Due to her injury, Candice chose a strapless purple mermaid gown. Her hair was elegantly styled,
entuating her graceful neck.
Stepping out into the cool mountain breeze at Morinaga Estate, she briefly frowned.
The estate was situated on a mountain, and the night breeze was cold.
Almost immediately, Hanley offered his warm coat, draping it over her shoulders. His usual
demeanor softened as he gently advised, “Don’t let yourself get cold.”
Candice lowered her gaze to escape his. She pressed her lips together gently.