Chapter 0347


    "Why?" wondered Candice.


    "The Sris summit is happening ahead of schedule this year. Actually, it''s precisely next week.


    There are plenty of learning opportunities avable if you attend," Hanley responded.


    Hanley''s visage clouded as he added, "Since Shaun departed from thepany, there hasn''t been


    a suitable recement for him at the studio. We cannot spare anyone. You''ll need to go to the


    summit."


    Candice had shown an interest in attending the summit, which they had discussed several times


    previously, but she''d been hesitant due to her mother''s incident.


    When Hanley brought it up again, she paused briefly before agreeing, "Alright, I''ll go."


    After all, the situation seemed unlikely to be settled very soon.


    Hanley noticed her solemn expression and considered for a moment before responding, "Don''t


    overthink the situation. It''s just a normalworking gathering. Your present professional skills are


    more than enough to deal with it."


    "Yeah, Candy, take it easy," Yana lounged on the sofa, ying games with a bored expression.


    "Why work so hard? Wouldn''t it be better to be a couch potato like me?"


    Nadia added gently, "If she hadn''t worked her ass off, you wouldn''t have met her."


    That was actually the truth. Candice''s family background was average inparison to Yana and


    her fellow trust fund kids, even considered low-ss by Helen.


    If not for her own abilities and determination, she wouldn''t have been able to mingle with people like


    Yana.


    That was just how society operated—an undeniable reality.


    Nadia''s remark didn''t bother Candice. All she did was simply point out the truth.


    ncing at a message from Jessica, Candice remembered she had scheduled a contract signing


    discussion with her today. She promptly informed Hanley before leaving.


    It had taken nearly a month of negotiation to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.


    Watching Jessica put down her pen, Candice finally felt a sense of relief.


    "It''s been a pleasure working with you," Jessica said with a smile.


    Candice returned the smile faintly.


    "You''ve been in good spiritstely. It seems like you''re really enjoying this job," Jessica observed,


    ncing at Candice.


    Candice replied, "You seem to be doing well too."


    Jessica smiled without saying anything. Her gaze casually swept over Candice''s stomach, and she


    casually inquired, "Are you still feeling sicktely?"


    She hesitated before responding, "Just a little bit."


    "If the father of the child knew how difficult it is for you during pregnancy, he would probably be very


    concerned," Jessica sighed.


    Candice couldn''t quite discern Jessica''s intentions. She made a quick excuse and left with the


    contract.


    Instinctively, she didn''t want to divulge too much to Jessica.


    Despite her gentle demeanor, Jessica seemed incredibly inscrutable to Candice. Just like a dagger


    coated in honey, this woman could coax anything out of you effortlessly.


    When Candice returned to the vi, Hanley was still there, engrossed in a book, meticulously


    annotating it as he read.


    Candice approached to see that it was the professional theory book she had left on the table. Next


    to each of her annotations, Hanley had earnestly written his own interpretations.


    His handwriting was elegant, much like himself. His writing paired well with Candice''s delicate script


    when ced side by side, creating a pleasing visual harmony.


    Finishing thest word, Hanley looked up and noticed Candice. His eyes seemed to sparkle with


    delight as he said, "Hey, you''re back."


    Closing the book, he exined, "I saw the notes you made in your book and added my own


    interpretations. I''ll be busy for the next few days, so I might not have time to exin."


    With that, he handed her the book.


    Candice murmured softly, "Thank you."


    "Will it be alright for you to go to Sris alone this time?" Hanley responded with a question.


    With the book in her hands, Candice replied, "I''ll give it my best shot."


    Hanley smiled, reaching out to adjust Candice''s wind-disheveled hair. He reassured her gently,


    "Rx; you''re incredibly talented."


    As his hand drew near, Candice caught a whiff of lemon scent emanating from Hanley, reminiscent


    of the candy he had given her.


    Blinking, she hesitated, unsure of what to say. She simply turned her head slightly to the side,


    avoiding the scent.


    However, having consumed one of the candies in the car on her way back, her mouth was filled with


    the lemon vor, causing her to clear her throat involuntarily.


    The Sris summit was ted for the following week. Candice needed to fly in early to prepare


    materials, so she booked her flight for Sunday afternoon.


    Yana drove her to the airport, grumbling all the while, "Hanley said you''d be gone for at least a


    week. What am I supposed to do? I had ns for us on Wednesday."


    "Where to?"


    "For a blind date," Yana sighed. "I can''t take it anymore. My dad has lined up another prospect for


    me. Guess who? Sieg. I''m disgusted. Does he think just any man will suffice?"


    Yana spent most of the journey venting her frustration about Sieg, genuinely irritated.


    Candice considered mentioning Mason and Barox but refrained.


    Upon arrival at the airport, Yana dropped her off and left.


    Candice dragged her luggage inside, only to bump into someone familiar immediately.


    Sawyer was carrying a briefcase and seemed to be on a business trip as well. He caught sight of


    Candice too.


    Candice was ready to nod in greeting when she noticed Alex standing near him. She quickly


    averted her sight.


    Suddenly, Sawyer raised his voice and said, "Candice, what a coincidence."


    Now she felt obligated to greet him.


    "Well, Dorrington Airport is the only option, after all," she replied gently and gave him a nod.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Her demeanor was cold and perfunctory. She didn''t spare a nce at Alex and proceeded with her


    luggage, having nothing to say to him.


    Hanley had booked the ticket, citing the studio policy with all expenses covered. Nheless,


    Candice did not anticipate him arranging a first-ss ticket for her.


    To her surprise, there were only five upants in the first-ss cabin. Three were a family sitting


    together a few seats away. The other passenger across the aisle was Alex.


    Encountering Alex wasn''t unexpected. This man was fairly distinguished and refused to settle for


    less. Candice had previously bought tickets for him, and he always insisted on flying first ss.


    Still, she was surprised they were on the same flight.


    Candice''s tranquil face revealed a faint expression of discontent.


    "Not feeling well?"


    Candice had barely suppressed her emotions when she heard Alex''s nonchnt voice above her.


    Meeting his indifferent gaze, she was met with his question, "Where''s the father of your child? Why


    isn''t he with you?"


    His tone held a touch of mockery as it trailed off.