Chapter 279
Candice regarded her brief interaction with Xavier as nothing more than a passing incident. With her
recent new responsibility to manage the business affairs of Burning Star Studio, her schedule was
packed.
The studio had already enjoyed some international recognition and had be more prominent in
Dorrington due to its partnerships with both the government and Blue Artifact.
This prominence led to an influx of potential coborators, keeping Candice busy with proposal
evaluations.
In the meantime, Alex’s position on the situation remained unclear.
Following Shaun’s recement by Hanley, Ryan took over the on–site responsibilities.
Candice needed to take a series of photographs on the first day of work. She escorted Ryan to the
spot.
En route, Ryan reflected on the situation, specting, “Based on what the boss said, I believe
N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.
Shaun might be let go. Safety idents are serious.”
The building site was being monitored to avoid material theft. The footage inly demonstrated that
Alex’s injury was Shaun’s responsibility.
Candice did not have a strong view of this.
As a design firm, the Burning Star Studio was required to maintain basic safety requirements. If
they didn’t, no one would want to work with them.
Furthermore, she vividly recalled the danger she had encountered that day. If it hadn’t been for
Alex, she would have been crushed by the falling materials, presumably suffering worse injuries
than Alex had.
Responding promptly, Hanley ensured that by the time Candice returned from the photo shoot,
Shaun had already collected his belongings and left thepany.
Frowning, Candice expressed her concern cautiously, “Has the dismissal been finalized? Shaun
surely has a plethora of designs from Burning Star Studio. Is that okay?
In the world of design, the risk of leaking creative concepts had always been a pressing worry.
Candice knew little about Shaun or his personality, having only heard from Ryan that he was a loner
who favored working on sites over socializing.
Hanley rified the situation, “Our original agreement included uses for handling safety
incidents. It was his mistake that led to this oue.”
Feeling reassured by Hanley’s exnation, Candice nodded, emphasizing. “As long as everything.
is managed correctly, we need to avoid any furtherplications.”
Hanley’s attitude softened when he observed Candice’s stern demeanor. Hanley’s tone was light.
as he teased, “Sometimes, I think someone of your caliber is underutilized here.”
Looking up sincerely, Candice expressed, “I’m truly grateful to you all for taking a chance on
someone as green as me and offering so much guidance.”
Her sincerity briefly caught Hanley off guard, but then a subtle smile appeared in his eyes. He softly
chuckled, “Well then, I’ll ensure we fully utilize the potential of our most promising new member. We
will work hard to grow and fortify the studio so that no one else can lure you away.
Candice’s initialment about Shaun had been a simple reminder, and she hadn’t anticipated
such an encouraging response from Hanley, which would ironically turn out to be true in the
future.
On Wednesday morning, soon after Ryan’s departure, he contacted Hanley.
His voice wasden with concern as he reported, “Boss, representatives from Aether Corporation
have arrived. They’re alleging that we don’t meet construction standards and are pushing to
terminate our contract while also seekingpensation.”
Candice was in the middle of a business conversation with Hanley.
When she heard Ryan’s report, her expression turned to one of concern. She asked, “Why is Aether
Corporation raising these issues at this point?”
Hanley’s face grew serious, and he resolved, “Let’s go there and handle this matter directly.”
If Aether Corporation demanded the end of their coboration at this time, it would reflect poorly on
Burning Star Studio. It could even cause otherpanies that were interested in working to
withdraw.
Throughout the journey, Candice was quiet. Her thoughts centered on strategizing a discussion
with Alex.
Typically reserved, Shaun seemed particrly reserved next to Sonia.
Noticing Hanley’s approach, he instinctively diverted his gaze, avoiding interaction.
Ryan approached and spoke in a hushed tone, “She refuses to let us work, iming the safety
issue at the site remains unresolved and is demanding a clear exnation.”
Candice’s eyes met Sonia’s. She noticed Sonia eyeing her back, and thetter wore a smug, self-
satisfied smile on her face.
After a moment of reflection, Candice addressed Shaun, “Did you ask her toe here?”
Shaun’s face was pale as he responded, “I went to Mr. Elysian’s office, hoping to apologize and ask
for his forgiveness. I didn’t want to leave Burning Star Studio.”
Speaking with a bit of arrogance, Sonia countered, “You’re focusing on the wrong thing. Lex’s injury
at your site is a fact. It’s not something that can be ignored just because it hasn’t been openly
discussed.”
Her voice sounded triumphant. She even elevated her chin to mimic Alex’s dominant demeanor.
Sonia seemed pleased with herself, believing that Candice would have to surrender to her for the
sake of maintaining the coboration..
Sonia’s eyes flickered with mockery as she remembered Xavier’s ims regarding Candice. She
was convinced of Candice’s hypocrisy as she rationalized Alex’s breakup with her.
With a smirk, Sonia confronted Candice, “Back at Aether Corporation, you used to say that anyone
who can’t own up to their errors doesn’t deserve to be part of the team.”
She confronted Candice with a triumphant attitude and asked, “Do you recall saying that?”
Candice quickly discerned the true motive behind Sonia’s actions, recognizing that she was the real
target, not Burning Star Studio.
Unperturbed by this, she answered, “We’re prepared to take full responsibility for the incident
involving Mr. Elysian and willply with any reasonable demands.”
Sonia scolded with disdain. “And what do you consider reasonable? In my opinion, ending our
partnership seems the most reasonable. If safety can’t be guaranteed, what else can you possibly
manage?”
Candice and Hanley exchanged a nce.
Hanley replied with a calm demeanor, “While contract termination is an option, I doubt it’s within Ms.
Summers‘ jurisdiction to make that call. Perhaps I should discuss this directly with Mr.
Elysian?”
Sonia’s face betrayed a hint of surprise. She had shown up at the site without Alex’s knowledge,
going on her own initiative after conversing with Sawyer.
Hanley scoffed in mockery as he read her expression. His tone was calm and disdainful as he
replied, “Although Burning Star Studio is only a studio, we’re not used to allowing a secretary who
lacks the authority to terminate contracts deal with us. The way Aether Corporation handles
situations is genuinely eye–opening.”
“You!”
Caught off guard, Sonia hadn’t expected Hanley to step in, her initial aim being to embarrass
Candice.
Watching Sonia leave. Candice turned to Hanley andmented in awe. “I didn’t realize you had
such a sharp tongue.”
“It’s merely the truth.” Hanley responded casually.
Then he addressed Shaun, who still stood on the side. Hanley asked coldly. “Do you resent us for
what happened?”
Shaun’splexion was pale as he replied, “No. I only wanted to apologize to Mr. Elysian, hoping
for forgiveness. I didn’t think I’d encounter her.”
Ryan pointed out coldly. “You revealed everything to her, knowing well about Sonia’s animosity
toward Candice. Didn’t you just want to get back at her?”
Candice’s pupils flickered briefly when she heard Ryan’sments.
It was obvious to Ryan that Sonia was going after her. Why would Sonia pass up this opportunity
so easily?
Resolute, Candice looked up at Hanley and dered, “I need to visit Aether Corporation.”