Chapter 227


    Jackson frowned, wanting to say something but hesitating. Yana, on the other hand, had no


    reservations.


    She handed a randomly bought gift to Sonia and continued to speak with a smile. “I didn’t expect you to


    be so caring. But I advise you not to say too much today.” Yana intentionally lowered her voice. “I heard


    that busybodies don’t live long. It’s your birthday today, don’t ruin your own mood.”


    Sonia’s eyes widened with shock.


    Yana reached out to grab Candice’s hand. “All right, Candy, let’s go inside. Miss Summers already


    knew you wereing and came out to greet you. Let’s show some respect.‘”


    The words were straightforward and deliberate. Candice remainedposed on the surface and


    agreed. “Fine, even though it’s quite meaningless.”


    Alex remained indifferent, showing little emotion where he stood nearby. His dark eyes watched


    Candice leave, however.


    “Lex, long time no see.” Jackson’s gentle voice sounded, and Alex looked at him.


    Jackson smiled, but there was a hint of helplessness in his eyes. “She worked at Aether for so many


    years, there’s no need for you to be so hostile. Can’t you two part on good terms?”


    A mysterious light shed in Alex’s eyes. “Are you trying to defend her again?” He sneered. “One


    after another, it’s amusing.”


    Jackson’s expression became uneasy. He could hear the sarcasm in Alex’s voice. He’d had no


    choice but toe today.


    In any social asion entangled with social conventions, it was never solely about personal feelings,


    especially in their circle where various connections were inevitable. Furthermore, today’s


    main focus was not on Sonia.


    Once inside the venue, Yana pulled Candice to a secluded corner and took a seat on a sofa.


    Jackson left on his own, saying that he needed to see someone.


    Their seats were strategically ced with a clear view of the entrance. Candice recognized most of the


    people entering. They were mostly wealthy youngsters from influential families in Dorrington.


    Sonia’s birthday party was certainly grand.


    +15 BUMUS


    When Alex and his group entered, there was a young man apanying them. He had a carefree


    smile and his hair was dyed a grayish–blue color.


    Candice unintentionally nced at him and quickly lowered her gaze.


    “That’s Solomon Quimby from the Quimby family in Sris,” Yana said. “My old man said whether


    Aether can expand to Sris depends on whether we can build connections with the Quimbys.”


    Of course, Yana’s father had also mentioned that it would be even better if she could connect with the


    Quimbys. However, Yana did not share this with Candice.


    Yana’s father was the branch manager of Dorr Bank, so many people came to socialize with her where


    they sat. The exchanges were filled with empty politeness and toasts.


    After dealing with two more people, Yana stood up and told Candice that she was going to the


    restroom.


    Shortly after she left, Sonia approached with a wine ss in hand.


    “Candice, where’s Yana? I just saw her here,” Sonia said, smiling faintly.


    “She went to the restroom.”


    “I see.” Sonia showed no intention of leaving. “Lex said I’m the star of this party and I must entertain


    the guests well.”


    “Candice, although I’m surprised you came, I’m still happy. Let me toast to you,” she smiled. holding


    out the wine ss.


    She was being careful, but their rtionship wasplicated.


    were


    Many people in the vicinity were aware of the situation, and watching, waiting for Candice’s


    response.


    Candice remainedposed, not epting the toast. She said, “Happy birthday. No need for al toast.


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    I haven’t been drinkingtely.”


    Sonia did not withdraw, however. She knew that people were watching, and losing to Candice


    would be fresh gossip.


    “Candice, I’m being sincere. After all, you’ve helped me a lot. It’s only right for me to toast to you.” She


    gritted her teeth, then whispered so only they could hear, “Without you, I wouldn’t be where I


    am now.”


    It was a provocation.


    Sonia still held the wine ss out, maintaining a humble attitude.


    After a moment of contemtion, Candice, sensing the situation, found herself unable to decline.


    With the increasing numbers of curious nces around, Candice reluctantly reached out to take


    the ss from Sonia.


    As her fingertips touched the ss, Sonia released the ss. The red wine spilled out, and Sonia


    pulled back quickly. The ss tipped towards Candice, spilling the wine all over her.


    Candice was only wearing a thin chiffon shirt, and the red wine stained arge patch, making the


    fabric embarrassingly see–through.


    “Candice, are you okay?” Sonia cried, her voice panicky. “You were definitely holding the ss


    when I let go!”


    The sensation of wine–soaked fabric sticking to the skin was unpleasant. Candice looked at Sonia with


    a cold expression. “Did you do this on purpose?”


    Sonia’s face stiffened slightly. “You’ve misunderstood, I really didn’t do it on purpose. I thought


    you had already taken it.”


    Amidst the surroundingmotion, Yana returned and saw the state of Candice’s clothes. She


    frowned. “What happened?”


    With her head lowered, Sonia spoke wretchedly, “I’m sorry, Candice, I really didn’t mean to. Please


    don’t be angry.”


    Yana raised her eyebrows, understanding what had happened. She clicked her tongue and


    immediately pulled Candice away, leading her to the lounge to deal with the situation.


    Walking through the hall, the fabric on Candice’s chest had be nearly transparent. Yana said. find


    a “I just passed by here, and there was no one in the lounge. Go there artd wait for.me. I’ll go


    clean set of clothes and bring them over.”


    Candice could only agree.


    She pushed open the door to the nearby lounge, which was quite spacious and had a separate


    section.


    It was quiet inside, and after taking a quick look and confirming that there was no one, Candice took


    out tissues from her bag to wipe her clothes.


    There was too much wine for the tissues to do much. Even after wiping, it was still ufortable.


    After ten minutes, Yana still hadn’t returned. Candice’s clothes were sticky, and clinging to her


    skin in an annoying way.


    She decided to unbutton her cor, letting the clothes spread out a bit to feel morefortable.


    She sat by the sofa, facing away from the door. There was argendscape screen blocking the view


    between the lounge and the outside, and Candice had no idea that there was someone inside.


    With her shirt buttons undone, her shirt hung loosely on her body. From behind, her beautiful snowy


    neck and shoulder des were visible.


    It was quite alluring.


    Alex had just finished a call with Daniel. His face was stern as he emerged from behind the


    screen, only to be greeted by this scene.


    The woman had a slender figure, and because she was sitting sideways, he could also catch a glimpse


    of her delicate profile and graceful curves.


    Alex’s expression darkened.