Chapter 215


    Siegmented casually, “The Zink family’s influence is on the rise. It makes sense to forge a


    rtionship with them.”


    Thisid–back approach was why Sieg, known for his carefree lifestyle as a wealthy heir, maintained a


    widework of friends.


    The Frowlers ran a business in the industry sector, which attracted many people who wished to interact


    with them. Inadvertently, it broadened Sieg’s circle to include various contacts from business and non–


    business alike.


    Alex acknowledged this with a hum.


    Their circle’sworking wasplicated, and a connection with the Zink family, known for their


    restaurant business, was indeed advantageous.


    Sensing Alex’s interest, Sieg teased, “It’s surprising to see you so invested, even nning for


    Sonia’s birthday.”


    Sonia had subtly mentioned her uing birthday in their group chat, showing a mix of


    excitement and reservation.


    Alex didn’t contradict him, but the look in his eyes was cold. He changed the topic and said. “My


    approach.”


    “You mean Quinton Holding?” Sieg queried, eyebrow raised. “I’ve heard about some internal issues


    with the Quintons, possibly a power struggle.”


    “Errol Quinton, their current frontman, is as useless as me,” Sieg said with self–mockery.


    Alex shot a nce at him, slightly mocking. “At least you’re self–aware.”


    Unperturbed, Sieg went on, “So, you’re looking to take advantage of Errol… interesting.”


    He stopped abruptly, noticing Jackson approaching. His demeanor naturally shifted to a more


    friendly tone. “Hey, Jackson. It’s been a while.”


    Jackson had a good rapport with Sieg. He nodded politely and said, “Indeed, what a coincidence


    to see you here.”


    Yet, when his gaze shifted to Alex, it was discernibly colder.


    Knowing about Jackson and Candice’s friendship, Sieg suggested with a smile, “Maybe we should


    all have dinner together sometime?”


    Jackson agreed nonchntly, his attention briefly caught by a call on his phone.


    Sieg then guided Alex inside to meet Jonathan. After that, the pair headed to their reserved table.


    In the meantime. Jackson took his call, and his earlier displeasure at seeing Alex was reced


    with warmth.


    “I’m just outside waiting for you guys.”


    Shortly after, Candice and Hanley arrived separately.


    “Why didn’t you bothe together?” Jackson asked.


    “I just had some things to handle,” Candice responded briefly, and Jackson didn’t push further.


    The dinner was intended to be an informal gathering. Jackson introduced the ce. “This restaurant is


    owned by a friend, known for its mild vors.”


    Candice remained silent, while Hanley, growing impatient, ribbed, “Have you gotten used to being a


    nanny at Fesa? Why are you rambling non–stop?”


    Jackson’s face tightened, and he gave Hanley a warning re.


    Candice was absorbed in her phone and barely noticed their interaction. The talks between Dream


    Search and Hanley’s side were still going on. Both parties had advantages and werepeting


    for the upper hand.


    Noticing her preupation, Jackson tapped the table andined, “Is dining with me so dull that


    you’re glued to your phone?”


    Candice was brought back to the moment and exined, “I’ve recently caught up on family matters and


    fallen behind at work. I’m trying to catch up whenever possible.”


    Jackson was always the one with a slight smile in his eyes. He turned to Hanley and was about to


    say something.


    She interjected, “Hanley’s been really helpfultely. Let me treat you to dinner today.”


    Hanley was about to take a sip but paused when he heard this. He gave Candice a meaningful look


    before hastily looking away.


    Jackson was familiar with Candice’s character. He didn’t object. Instead, he shared some stories from


    Fesa, making for a pleasant mealtime conversation among the three.


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


    As they were wrapping up, Candice excused herself to the restroom.


    244


    The restaurant, adorned with Mexican–style decor, featured an abundance of greenery and wooden


    elements,


    She carried her bag and walked past a giant hanging house nt, only to run into an unexpected


    Individual.


    Sieg had gone out to answer a call, and the scolding from his father on the other end soured his


    mood.


    Shortly after ending the call with little care, he noticed Candice standing nearby in the corridor. The


    narrow corridor was lined with diverse nts, leaving little room for passage.


    Candice pointed out in a steady voice, “You’re in the way.”


    As he red at Candice, Sieg’s eyes shed with annoyance. He grumbled, “Why do I keep running


    into you?”


    “Do you own this ce?” she asked.


    Sieg scoffed and stared at her with a mix of defiance and aggression.


    “Wahaha!” Sieg scoffed, staring at her with a mocking gesture as he clicked his tongue in disdain. His


    demeanor was menacing as he provocatively looked at Candice.


    He ridiculed, “ying the ice queen, Candice? Do you think you’re still the Chief Secretary of Aether


    Corporation, putting on airs and acting all high and mighty?”


    He was obviously trying to bait her into an argument.


    Candice didn’t want to dispute while her friends were waiting for her. After all, rabid dogs would bite


    anything they saw, but humans wouldn’t do that.


    She looked at Sieg dispassionately and began to walk away, but Sieg unexpectedly grabbed her wrist,


    demanding. “Who said you could leave?”


    Reacting swiftly, Candice pped Sieg hard.


    Her eyes shed with revulsion as she coldly demanded, “Let go.”


    Sieg increased his grip on her instead of releasing her. He turned to face her, and his eyes became red


    with a malevolent re.


    “How dare you hit me?” he seethed.


    From a nearby private room, a harsh, chilly voice spoke up. “What’s happening here?”


    Alex appeared through the doorway. His eyes focused on Sieg’s hand on Candice’s arm, his face


    betraying no emotion.


    Despite the pain in Sieg’s grasp, Candice maintained herposure, exining. “Your friend appears


    to have had too much to drink. He’s not in his right mind.”


    Suspicion flickered in Alex’s gaze as he watched her.


    Sieg barked furiously. “Candice! This isn’t over. You’ll have to pay for this.”


    “No one’s ever dared to hit me, not even my own father.” Sieg muttered through clenched teeth as


    he turned to Alex, the redness in his eyes still visible.


    The imprint of Candice’s hand was visibly etched on his face, evidence of her forceful response.


    As he gazed at Candice, Alex’s brows knitted together, and he questioned coldly, “What chaos are you


    stirring up now?”


    Following his words, Sieg abruptly let go of Candice’s arm, shoving her slightly and causing her to


    stumble backward.


    Alex’s eyes hardened as he watched her nkly. He reprimanded, “Apart from causing trouble.


    what else can you do?”