Chapter 281


    Candice spoke in a low voice. Because it was working hours, the surroundings were quiet, making


    her statements inly audible.


    Alex looked down at her. His prating gaze gently searched the surroundings before returning to


    her in silence.


    His expression turned sour as he spoke with an air of contempt. “You’re too busy worrying about.


    other people’s problems to deal with your own mess. Are you truly foolish or simply clueless?”


    Candice briefly closed her eyes before replying, “It’s part of my responsibilities.”


    Alex let out a derisive chuckle and ridiculed, “Responsibilities that lead to embarrassment?”


    She remained silent, her lips pressed firmly together. Alex was obviously in a bad mood today.


    Whatever she said seemed to irritate him.


    Candice turned to face Sawyer, who stood behind Alex. He signaled her with a barely


    imperceptible gesture.


    Taking a moment, Candice suggested, “Perhaps today isn’t the right time for this discussion. I-.-”


    Before she could finish, she heard high heels clicking behind her.


    She turned around to see a stern–looking Helen and a pale Sonia approaching.


    ‘seves brie


    met Sonia’s, and thetter appeared perpetually pale.


    Helen’s outraged voice interrupted her thoughts. She roared, “Do I really need to personallye


    here to fetch you home?”


    Her words were obviously aimed at Alex.


    Alex’s expression was dark and unyielding, devoid of any unnecessary emotion. He met Helen’s


    eyes with a chilly expression and said, “Thepany is busy.”


    Alex had inherited his features from Helen–sharp and distinct. He had angr brows, deep–set


    eyes, thin lips, a high nose bridge, and a pronounced jawline.


    Both their appearances were striking, yet their mutual air of detachment and pride softened these


    sharp features, creating an aura of distance.


    Faced with Alex’s unyielding attitude, Helen couldn’t help but heave her chest in annoyance.


    She directed her focus to Sonia, who stood meekly behind her. She scrutinized Sonia with clear


    distaste, scornfully questioning. “Is she the reason for your actions?”


    Alex’s reply was unemotional, “Is that why you’re here?”


    “I am your mother!” Helen raised her voice, her eyes shing with irritation as she red at Sonia.


    She continued. “No matter what you’re up to, I’m warning you–if you dare to bring such an unworthy


    woman home, don’t bother thinking abouting back homel


    Helen was clearly enraged, and she did not mince words. Her dislike for Sonia was nearly


    apparent.


    Candice stood on the sidelines with her gaze averted and expressionless.


    Helen typically maintained herposure in public, making Candice wonder what Sonia hom


    done to provoke such a reaction.


    People on the street soon noticed themotion Helen’s loud voice had caused.


    Candice thought better of leaving immediately, wary that it might draw more attention and


    potentially Helen’s ire toward herself.


    Meanwhile, Sonia seemed to take Candice’s silence as a provocation.


    Helen continued her tirade, “She’s just a secretary, yet she dares to be an hourte. What? Has this


    woman taken over this business without my knowledge?”


    Sonia’s habitualteness and early departures were known but not usually discussed. She couldn’t


    hide her embarrassment when Helen loudly scolded her in front of Alex.


    Gripping her palm tightly, Sonia looked up at Helen with evident pain in her eyes, admitting. “Mrs.


    Elysian, I waste today, but I notified Sawyer. It was rted to Mr. Elysian’s injury.”


    Helen’s expression remained stern. She curbed her anger and turned to Alex, asking. “How were


    you injured?”


    Candice’s expression darkened. She knew that if Helen discovered the details of the Burning Star


    Studio incident, it might only worsen the situation.


    Helen’s intense stare was fixed on Alex.


    After a brief pause, Alex responded, “It was just an ident.”


    Sonia noticed Alex discreetly concealing his injured hand behind him, her eyes showing a hint of


    bitterness.


    She spoke in a low voice, “Mr. Elysian got hurt at a construction site. Aether Corporation has a


    +15 BONOS


    recent partnership with Burning Star Studio. He was there for an inspection when there was a safety


    oversight. A piece of ster fell and hit him, requiring stitches. Burning Star Studio hasn’t given any


    exnation yet, which is why I visited them this morning.”


    Sonia chose her words tactically, casting a pointed look at Candice. She insinuated, “People from


    Burning Star Studio shouldn’t pretend nothing’s wrong just because they know Mr. Elysian. What if


    simr safety issues recur?”


    “Burning Star Studio?”


    Sonia added pointedly. “Candice is working there now.”


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    Helen’s gaze turned sharply toward Candice, her eyes icy.


    Candice prepared to respond, standing confidently.


    Alex cut in with an indifferent tone, “Since when do I have to justify my business decisions to you?”


    His eyes grew more intense, shedding their previous casualness for a more serious depth.


    He proimed, “I should have the authority to make decisions about mypany, shouldn’t I? You


    might have authority at home, but does that mean you n to extend it to Aether Corporation


    as well?”


    Candice recalled the tense history between Alex and his family, particrly in the early days. His


    attitude back then was much colder, almost bordering on mutual disdain.


    There had been a time when Alex’s rtionship with his family seemed to improve. It had been


    quite a while since Candice had witnessed him respond to Helen with such impatience.


    As expected, Helen appeared rattled by Alex’s sharp retort. She momentarily struggled to find


    words.


    After a short silence, Helen responded with a bitterugh, “Alright. I won’t meddle in your business.


    affairs. But just so you know, your father wants you home. If you think you’re so capable, go and


    confront him yourself. I’m done dealing with you both. You and your father are alike! Since both of


    you have a preference for lowly things, I’m curious to see if you end up like him.”


    Alex cut her off firmly and said, “Mrs. Elysian, this isn’t your home. If you wish to you should speak


    with your husband.”


    His remarks were harsh, leaving Helen with an indignant frown.


    bring up the


    the past,


    When Sonia saw this scene, she was surprised by Alex’s evident rage. She felt uneasy, regretting


    her haste inining directly to Helen.


    She thought Helen cared deeply for Alex and would defend him without question. The fact that


    Helen had embarrassed her while Candice seemed unconcerned seemed unjust to her.


    All of these thoughts came to an abrupt halt when she encountered Alex’s dark, brooding eyes, An


    overwhelming sense of terror surged through Sonia’s heart.