Chapter 139


    Candice maintained eye contact with Alex, waiting for his verdict.


    Alex’s gaze momentarily darkened before he looked at Candice with a frosty gaze, saying, “Proceed as


    you


    deem fit.”


    His voice was nonchnt and devoid of emotion.


    Yet Candice grasped his underlying message. If she chose to exclude Sonia based on her performance


    and other metrics, Alex was likely toplicate matters for her.


    Lowering her eyes to mask her thoughts, she acknowledged, “Understood, I’ll handle it.”


    With that, she exited the office.


    Outside, Sonia observed Candice’sposed demeanor, realizing her imminent promotion to a full–


    time position and dropped her earlier cautious attitude.


    As Candice walked past, she briefly halted and gently reminded Sonia, “Ensure your application for


    permanent status is submitted on time, or it’ll be toote.”


    Sonia’s expression stiffened momentarily. Julie had informed her that her application had to go through


    the Secretary’s Office.


    She nodded promptly. “Yes, I’ll turn it in tomorrow.”


    Without furtherment, Candice left to get her things and go to the hospital.


    The workload at Aether Corporation was enormous. When Candice got back to the Secretary’s Office,


    most employees were still there, engrossed in overtime work.


    Aware of Candice’s hospital visit, Ka reassured her, “Don’t worry, we’re aware of your situation. Go


    ahead.”


    Candice hummed in acknowledgement. As she prepared to leave, she remembered something and


    turned to Ka. “Don’t overwork. Everyone can order coffee, it’s on me.”


    co


    Ka responded with a hint of yfulness despite herining tone, “Why so formal, Candice?”


    Her face,


    however, bore a smile.


    Exiting thepanyte, Candice headed straight to the hospital.


    Upon arrival, she found Joe having his dinner, looking noticeably healthier.


    Spotting Candice, he queried, “Why are youte? Haven’t you had dinner?”


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    J


    “I’ll eat at home. How are you feeling oday?” Candice conversed as she ced her bag down and


    reached for


    Joe’s medical observation chart to c


    -k his progress.


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    The caregiver, a woman in her forties, was tidying up and shared with Candice, ‘The doctor’s quite


    pleased with your grandpa’s recovery. He mentioned that, if he liked, discharge could be possible in the


    next few days.”


    In visibly better spirits, Joe said, “I’d like to leave the hospital as soon as possible. I feel trapped here.”


    After reviewing Joe’s recent medical records and seeing no cause for concern, Candice decided, “I’ll


    consult


    with the doctor. If all is well, we’ll arrange for your discharge.”


    Stunned, Joe broached a sensitive topic hesitantly, “Your mother called this afternoon. She mentioned


    Ivor’s


    release.”


    At the mention of their names, Candice involuntarily tensed.


    “She also said she wouldn’t need your help with Peach’s medical expenses anymore. Apparently, a


    charity has


    offered to cover them, considering Peach’s situation.”


    “That’s good to hear,” Candice responded after a brief pause, her tone carrying a hint of detachment.


    Her recent visit to Noxville had left her emotionally drained.


    Switching topics, she casually asked, “Are you keeping up with your medication?”


    Understanding Candice’s reluctance to dwell on Yvonne’s issues, Joe refrained from pressing the


    matter


    further.


    Candice lingered at the hospital for some time, then checked with Joe’s doctor about the possibility of


    his


    discharge before departing.


    As she was about to leave, she advised Joe. “Take care of yourself. If you have any issues with


    Yvonne, direct


    her to me.” Her words were delivered with a neutral tone.


    Momentarily stunned, Joe gave a slight nod in response.


    Candice made her way home, quickly ate dinner, and proceeded to her study with the documents she


    had


    brought along.


    Around 10:30 p.m., as Candice was about to get some water, her phone rang: It was Hanley.


    “Hello?”


    There was background noise from Hanley’s side. After a brief pause, he inquired, “Are you


    tied up at the moment?”


    As Candice walked to fetch water, she asked, “What’s happening? Do you need anything?”


    “I was wondering if you’re avable this weekend. I’m returning to Dorrington City,” Hanley said calmly.


    “We’re


    discussing a project, and it would be beneficial for you to be involved. If you’re free, why not join us for


    the


    discussion?”


    Candice readily agreed, she wouldn’t turn down such an opportunity. “Is there a particr coboration


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    She was aware of Hanley’s standing in their field. He led a group of young professionals on various


    projects


    all over the ce, rather than operating a traditional studio.


    His team of eight, including two of Hanley’s ssmates and several friends, impressed Candice with


    their free- spirited approach to work,


    “Yeah, we’re celebrating Jackson’s mother’s birthday, and there’s also an interesting private exhibition


    in town. I thought it would be a good idea to check it out,” Hanley’s voice, deep and clear, often instilled


    a sense offort in those he spoke with.


    Unlike Jackson’s gentle and erudite manner, Hanley exuded a sense of reliability.


    The next day at the office, Candice noticed her colleagues appeared weary and fatigued.


    She frowned slightly. “Howte did everyone workst night?”


    Ka hadn’t even put on makeup today. She replied wearily, “Till past two in the morning. I managed to


    The five Interns, equally tired but still energetic enough, updated Candice on their work progress.


    Impressed by their speed, Candice was about toment when Ka pulled at her sleeve, reminding


    her, “It’s time for the Quarterly Outstanding Employee nominations.”


    Thepany recognized outstanding employees monthly, quarterly, and annually, offering progressive


    bonuses.


    Candice nodded in acknowledgment, not borating further.


    The Interns remained around her and prompted, “Is there anything else we can help with?”


    Queenie, always taking the lead, asked enthusiastically, “Can we assist you with anything else?”


    Candice observed them, tapping on the desk thoughtfully. “Stay calm. Thepany values your daily


    contributions. Concentrate on your responsibilities. There’s no need to worry unnecessarily..”


    Ka, who was close in age to the interns and shared a good rapport with them, yfully reassured


    them.”


    Candice has given her word, don’t worry. Everything’s fine.”


    Suddenly, a gentle voice interjected, “Candice, I’vee to submit my report.”


    The room fell quiet as everyone turned their attention to Sonia, who had just arrived.


    Maintaining a steady demeanor, Candice instructed, “ce it on the desk.”


    Soniaplied, her lips pursed, then looked around the office with a mix of hesitation and concern.


    In a carefully measured tone, shemented, “The atmosphere here seems a bit down. Could this


    affect thepany’s image, especially if seen by others?”


    Herment resembled that of a supervisor evaluating the workce environment.