Chapter 172
Candice quietly spoke to herself, uncertain if she was addressing her grandfather or seeking self-
The story continued to escte online, attracting attention from influential inte celebrities who
began to share the story.
Her phone was flooded with messages ranging from inquiries andforting words to subtle probes
for further details.
She silenced her phone and carelessly ced it on the coffee table.
Her mind had been in disarray all night,pelling her to push herself to rx and strategize her next
steps.
The deeper she delved into her thoughts, the more chaotic they became.
The aching in her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten by mid–morning.
In the kitchen, she listlessly picked up a slice of bread, ignoring its chill from the fridge, and bit into it.
Despite her efforts, she could barely eat half, feeling nauseated at the thought of more.
While Candice was on the balcony, trying to distract herself with a book, Ka’s call came.
Her eyes flickered at the sight of Ka’s name before she answered.
“Candice,” Ka asked, her voice tinged with anxiety. “Are you okay?”
She hadn’t had any water in a long time and replied in a hoarse voice, “I’m fine
Ka hesitated upon hearing Candice’s frail voice before continuing. “Can youe to the office. this
afternoon? The public rtions department has hired a public rtions team. They stated
that they may require additional information from you to handle this matter.”
Candice’s brain was slow toprehend what Ka was saying.
After a brief pause, she said, “I’lle in the afternoon.”
The involvement of Aether Corporation seemed inevitable as the incident unfolded at their
doorstep.
Candice thought to herself that Yvonne had made a strategic choice of location.
+15 BONOS
Before heading to the corporation, Candice freshened up and applied makeup, trying to mask her
exhaustion.
She reached the office at the end of the day and walked against the departing crowd, heading straight
to the specified meeting room.
Inside, she found Alex, Sonia, Sawyer, Ka, and other familiar executives.
Candice, expressionless, took a seat beside Ka.
She ignored the rest, waiting for them to initiate the conversation.
“This is Manfred, the PR guy from the publicity department.” Sonia began, presenting the unfamiliar
man to Candice.
Manfred McCoy wore spectacles and appeared astute and calcted. He had thinning hair stered
across his forehead.
His gaze toward Candice held a subtle disdain, causing her difort.
Candice averted her eyes and asked, “What do you need to know from me?”
“Do you have any unresolved issues with your mother?” Manfred inquired, his voice sharp and his
words pointed. “We’ve reviewed the footage multiple times. You seemed indifferent when your mother
knelt before you, not attempting to intervene. This has contributed to the public bacsh against you.”
Feeling her body tense up, Candice struggled to stayposed and exined, “I was too shocked to
react when she knelt.”
An executive, familiar to Candice, abruptly hit the table and admonished, “Candice, we need you to be
With her eyes shut, Candice asked, “What exactly are you referring to? I was unaware of her n to
visit yesterday.”
Manfred seized the critical aspect of the situation, prodded further, “What prompted your mother to
unexpectedly visit thepany? Is there an underlying issue?”
Candice tightened her hands into fists, her teeth clenched. “It’s a personal family issue.”
Unswayed, he pointed out tly. “However, this personal issue of yours is now affecting thepany.
Ms. Renault, we need your cooperation.”
Candice’s lips moved subtly, sensing more coercion than concern from thepany in this
interrogation.
+15 BONOS
She pondered over what ‘truth‘ they were so eager to unearth.
Feeling numb inside, she slowly lifted her gaze toward Alex. She doubted these people would have
involved the PR without his consent, but was Alex truly oblivious to Yvonne’s affair?
“Candice.” Sonia said again.
Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.
Seated next to Alex, she had noticed Candice’s earlier fleeting nce at hir
With a look of concern, Sonia suggested, “I understand discussing these matters is difficult for
you, but they have impacted ourpany. We need a quick solution, don’t we? How about this?” she
suggested after a brief pause. “I’ll speak on your behalf. You can correct anything inurate.”
Candice remained silent. To agree would be to expose her private matters. The thought of being
viewed with pity was unbearable to her.
She vividly remembered the gossiping neighbors discussing her fate during her parents‘ divorce.
The condescending way people treated her when they brought food as if they were feeding a stray
was unforgettable.
Candice had always believed that being good andpliant would prevent abandonment by
ov her
parents, a belief she had extended to Alex.
Abandoned children often felt that they were never good enough.
Manfred interrupted her thoughts. He tapped the table and spoke methodically. “If you’re reluctant
to discuss, there’s a straightforward alternative.”
Candice looked up at him.
“Just publicly dere that you are not an Aether Corporation employee but rather a temporary
external worker,”
The room fell silent at his words.
Candice observed Manfred as he indicated a folder on the table. “This would be an effective way
to separate your issues from Aether Corporation.”
With a deep frown, Ka argued, “But Candice is known as the chief secretary of thepany.”
Manfred countered, “We could state she had resigned earlier.”
With a hesitant tone that seemed more probing than genuine, Sonia continued the discussion, “Is this
really the best course of action, especially since Candice is soon to leave thepany?” Turning to
Alex, she asked, “Mr. Elysian, what is your perspective on this?”
Alex had been quiet and now directed his unreadable, deep gaze at Candice. Observing her
dignified stance, hemented neutrally. “It’s her decision to make.” He added nkly, 1 don’t like to
lie, but we’re not a charitable organization here.” His gaze was devoid of emotion, then he
coldly shifted toward Candice as he called out her name, “Candice.”