Chapter 287


    When Candice descended the stairs, Hanley and Ryan were still there.


    Hanley inquired, “Is everything sorted out?”


    “Yes.” Candice nodded. “Also, Alex mentioned that if wepare the parameters they provided and


    come up with a more reasonable n, that should be enough.”


    Ryan’s eyebrows twitched. “Oh, so he’spromising?”


    “Not exactlypromising, but it’s at least an opportunity. Just prepare a good n, and I’ll bring it


    over when it’s ready,” she stated.


    Compared to handing over the n for someone else to execute, Ryan was more epting of


    modifying it himself. His mood brightened, and he turned to Hanley, “Shall we go to the construction


    materials market now?”


    Hanley made a sound of agreement, then turned to Candice.


    Candice said, “I’ll go back and prepare the documents for you. I’m not very familiar with construction


    materials.”


    A hint of hesitation shed across Hanley’s face. “Is your matter really settled?”


    She wasn’t high–spirited at all and didn’t seem like someone who had everything resolved. Hanley’s


    gaze revealed some concern, his voice low and gentle, “If there’s anything you need help with, just


    tell me directly.”


    “I know,” Candice replied.


    After Candice left, Alex and Sonia were left alone in the office.


    Looking at Alex, there was an inexplicable emotion in Sonia’s eyes. She increasingly felt that her


    rtionship with Alex didn’t seem like a romantic one.


    He seemedpletely indifferent now. Not only did he toss her into the secretary’s office


    downstairs, but he also recruited new interns.


    In her mind, it meant he was neglecting her.


    She sighed softly, “Alex…”


    Alex nced through the report in his hand. “What’s the matter?”


    “I…” she was about to speak, but his phone suddenly rang.


    +15 RONOS


    ncing at the phone. Alex’s expression gradually cooled. He gave her a nce before answering


    the call.


    As Sonia left the office, she still felt somewhat unwilling.


    By the time Alex returned to the Elysian family house, it was almost ten o’clock.


    As soon as he entered, he heard Daniel’s dissatisfied inquiry. “Why are you onlying back


    now?


    “I was working overtime at thepany.” Alex replied indifferently.


    Daniel snorted, “I thought you, with such backbone, had no intention of returning to the Elysian


    family.”


    Alex was ustomed to Daniel’s tone. Sitting on the sofa, he spoke coldly. “What’s the matter


    that you would ask me toe home?”


    Daniel’s stern face showed no trace of tenderness. Seating himself across from Alex, he said, ”


    Your arranged marriage with the Burgess family has been decided by your mother and me. Nina


    is suitable for you in various aspects.”


    A hint of hostility flickered in Alex’s eyes, but it quickly disappeared. He spoke in a low voice.”


    You’re quite good at arranging things. No wonder you managed to persuade the Sui family to


    marry their daughter to you.”


    “Alex! I’m your father!”


    Alex coldly sneered, “No one is denying this biological rtionship of ours.”


    Daniel’s face turned iron–gray. “Do you think you have the right to refuse? Don’t forget what you


    promised me before!”


    Alex’s brow furrowed slightly.


    He stood up to leave, but just as he took a step, he heard Daniel’s voice, “Your grandfather is


    Alex paused for a moment. His grandfather had watched him grow up, but due to health reasons,


    he had been on a small ind abroad for a long time and hadn’t returned to the country.


    After a brief moment of hesitation, he continued to walk away.


    Shawn was nearly 80 years old, but he seemed to be in good health.


    When he saw Alex, he furrowed his brows. “Why didn’t Candicee with you? I brought her a


    gift.


    +15 BONOS


    Alex took the luggage from the caretaker next to him. “I’ll take you home first.”


    Shawn immediately widened his eyes, looking at him. “It seems the rumors I heard might be true.”


    “What rumors?” Alex asked.


    Shawn coldly snorted, “I heard that not only did you fire Candice from thepany, but you also


    got a new girlfriend?”


    He looked displeased, “You’re being foolish!”


    Alex didn’t want to argue with the elderly. He could only let him speak, “She’s my prospective


    granddaughter–inw, and let me tell you, don’t follow in your father’s footsteps. That’s the most


    shortsighted approach!”


    At that moment. Candice, unaware of the recent criticism from Shawn, was still at the vi


    discussing n A with Hanley and others.


    Although her main responsibility was logistics, there was a sense of aplishment when the n


    was finalized.


    After the final draft, Candice took the n to Aether Corporation. This time, she didn’t see Alex.


    Sawyer said he was on a business trip out of town and hadn’t returned yet.


    Fortunately, the modified n was quickly reviewed without any issues.


    However, when Candice received it, she was still a bit uneasy. She confirmed again, “Did you


    really not ask?”


    If there were sudden issues during construction, it could be troublesome.


    “Sawyer reassured her, “It’s reviewed based on the regtions set by Mr. Elysian, and I will also


    send it to himter. If there are any problems, he’ll contact you immediately.”


    Only then did Candice rx. She told Sawyer that she was ready to leave, and at that moment, saw


    Sonia standing in the office, looking at her.


    Candice didn’t avoid eye contact and stared back.


    Due to the modified n, the progress of Burning Star Studio had been dyed for a few more


    days, creating a time crunch.


    When it was time to resume work, everyone tirelessly went to the construction site to help, leaving


    Candice alone at the vi handling business matters.


    Two days after receiving a call from Sawyer, he got straight to the point. “Aether Corporation with


    still need toe over to inspect the Burning Star Studio site.


    “Alright when? Candice replied straightforwardly.


    “Around three o’clock this afternoon.


    Checking the time, she said. “Will youe directly, or should I go to Aether Corporation?”


    “We’lle pick you up.”


    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    She initially thought that the personing to inspect the site would be Sawyer or someone else,


    but she didn’t expect to see Alex.


    His understated yet luxurious Maybach was parked at the entrance of the vi area. Candice initially


    thought he was looking for Jessica.


    However, as the car window rolled down, Alex’s stern profile was revealed. He leaned casually on


    the steering wheel a hint of indifference between his eyebrows. “Do I need to beg you to get in?”


    She furrowed her brow but decided to open the car door.


    The scent inside his car remained unchanged from before. It smelled cold and clear.


    Silence prevailed throughout the journey until they reached the construction site.


    As Candice was about to get out of the car, Alex spoke in a toneless voice, “Grandfather is back.”


    Candice paused. During the years she was with Alex, not many people in the Elysian family liked


    her except for his grandfather.


    However, it wasn’t long before Shawn went abroad due to health reasons. Apart from sending him.


    a festive greeting on special asions, they hadn’t stayed in touch much.


    She asked. “Is he in good health?”


    “Not bad.” Alex’s voice was low and slightly cool, with subtle emotional fluctuations. “He brought you


    a gift and said you should visit him when you have time.”


    Candice hesitated, instinctively wanting to decline.