Chapter 0307
The dispute between Alex and Sonia regarding Candice soon became a topic of widespread
discussion.
When Sonia returned to the Secretary''s Office with a look of discontent, it had attracted attention.
The majority of people enjoyed the drama as it yed out, taking pleasure in it and giving Sonia
looks that made her feel angry and embarrassed.
Alex''s vehement defense of Candice seemed to confirm Xavier''s suspicions, leaving Sonia
convinced that there was something more between them. Her thoughts ran wild with spections,
and her distress and irritation grew by the minute.
She was on the edge of tears when her phone chimed.
The message was from Xavier. "Sonia, would you like to join me for lunch? A friend has opened a
new restaurant that''s said to be excellent. I''d like us to go check it out."
-
With Ka around, Candice didn''t have to pay close attention to Aether Corporation to keep herself
informed about what was happening with Alex and Sonia.
The pair were clearly avoiding each other. Alex had taken a business trip to Sris, while Sonia''s
mood worsened by the day, reflected in her ckness, arrivingte and departing early at work.
Ka remarked, "She acts as if she''s the boss. Though, I did hear from someone that Sonia was
spotted at the movies with a man. Quite the story there."
After scanning through Ka''s messages and replying swiftly, Candice shifted her focus back to her
spreadsheets.
Old Mr. Elysian had called earlier, urging her to not bete for the party tonight.
-
The party took ce at Morningdale Resort, which was nestled within a garden that exemplified
ssical Clesia architecture, with stunning views at every turn. It was the time of year when the
coolness of approaching autumn set in.
Candice had imagined the birthday bash to be an extravagant affair, but he had chosen a more
modest party, inviting only a few close family friends. She arrived alongside Jackson since the
Shyans and Elysians had always gotten along.
Old Mr. Elysian and Bruno were waiting at the entryway.
When Shawn noticed Candice and Jackson came together, he frowned. "Candy, why are you just
arriving? Others have practically finished all the good stuff I saved for you."
As he made his way forward, Shawn deftly squeezed past Jackson with a smooth motion.
He then directed his attention to Candice, speaking softly and sincerely. "I''ve been anxiously waiting
for your arrival. I was worried you might not show up."
Candice smiled as she noted old Mr. Elysian’s childish behavior. She gave Jackson a knowing
nce, and he could only shake his head in amusement.
Jackson then offered his gift. "Mr. Elysian, with my parents unexpectedly called to a meeting, I''m
here in their stead. Happy birthday, and may your day be filled with joy,ughter, and everything that
brings happiness."
Shawn''s response was one of genuine pleasure. "It''s been a while since we''ve met. You''ve really
come into your own."
Seizing the moment, Candice also presented her gift. "May you enjoy good health and happiness."
Old Mr. Elysian was visibly in high spirits. He brushed off the need for gifts. "Just having you here is
more than enough. Why go to the trouble to give me a gift?" He was in a terrific mood when he
dragged Candice inside. "I told Lex that we were going to take a family photo tonight. It''ll truly make
my day."
Candice was taken aback by the old man’s suggestion but hesitated to voice her concerns
immediately, hoping to find a suitable excuseter. She felt her inclusion in a family photo with the
Elysians was inappropriate.
Shawn guided her into a hall teeming with guests. Helen, Daniel, and Jessica were all present.
Helen sneered as she saw the old man and Candice show up together. "Shawn is clueless," she
muttered.
Jessica smacked her lightly and reminded her, "It''s Mr. Elysian’s birthday. Show some respect."
Helen responded with an eye roll but chose to remain silent.
Candice saw Helen''s reaction but remained unfazed, as Helen''s disapproval of her was nothing
new.
She continued to apany old Mr. Elysian, greeting the guests. Candice was acquainted with
many of them, who looked at her with curiosity.
Many people thought Candice would be the Elysians'' future daughter-inw because of how the old
man constantly included Candice on family asions.
Candice eventually spoke up. "Grandpa, I noticed Mr. Daniel is looking for you. He could have
something to say."
Shawn''s expression turned into a frown, annoyed at the interruption.
Candice then offered a solution, "Why don''t I ask Bruno to fetch Mr. Daniel? I can return once you
two have concluded your discussion."
The look in Shawn''s eyes dimmed. He understood that Candice had tactfully declined to follow him
around.
After a brief pause, he gently proposed, "Okay, could you please call Lex? The dinner is nearly
starting, and he hasn''t arrived."
It was clear Shawn had made this request deliberately.
Candice was on the verge of protesting when the old man gave her a wave of his hand, turned, and
left with Bruno.
With no alternatives, she waspelled to reach out to Alex.
The call was promptly answered. His low and chilly voice rang forth. "What''s up?"
Candice was standing in the hallway and gazing out into the illuminated pond. "Your grandfather
wanted to know when you''d be arriving," she said coldly.
Alex took a moment before replying."Sounds like you''ve taken on the role of hostess, haven''t you?"
he said mockingly.
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Looking down, Candice responded, "I''m merely conveying a message from Shawn."
"You seem to be on familiar terms with him," Alex said with a chuckle.
Candice maintained a neutral tone. "I''ve delivered the message. I''m going to hang up now."
After she hung up, she remained outside the hall.
Hearing theughter and chatter inside, she knew old Mr. Elysian was still interacting with guests,
and she''d be dragged into the chaos if she entered. Today, Candice intended nothing more than to
partake in celebrating Shawn''s birthday.
She stayed put, her attention fixed on the pond''s withered water lilies.
The sound of footsteps broke the silence, prompting Candice to nce upwards and notice Alex
advancing toward her, his face devoid of emotion.
He appeared to walk through a swath of light that the corridor''s lighting had illuminated, his perfectly
tailored suit emphasizing his tall and alluring form. A brooch shaped like an iris adorned hispel,
lending him an air of refinement.
Coincidentally, the brooch detail harmoniously matched Candice''s attire. After learning the party
was at Morningdale Resort, Candice had chosen a cream gown that reinterpreted traditional styles
with elegance for the asion. The gown was embroidered with tiny flowers inplementary
colors, giving it the appearance of sophistication and grace.
At first nce, the floral embroidery resembled irises. Yana had advised this, pointing out that iris
elements were trending this year.
Alex''s attention briefly lingered on her dress, then he arched an eyebrow. The expression in his dark
eyes was unfathomable when he said, "Was this intentional?"
"You''re reading too much into it," Candice said quietly.
Alex continued to observe her, soon breaking into augh that seemed to convey a range of
undertones. "The lengths you go to please Grandfather are truly remarkable," he observed. He
raised his head up, teasingly ncing at her and taunted, "You even remembered Grandfather
adores irises. I bet he was moved. Who knows? Perhaps he''ll spontaneously give you another set
of emeralds that are worth millions."