Chapter 269


    Things happened abruptly. Sonia was taken to the hospital for treatment after her clothes were torn and


    the thug left multiple scratches on her hand.


    Given the situation, Candice feltpelled to stay. She apanied them to the emergency room,


    where Alex apanied Sonia inside the examination room while Candice remained


    outside.


    Candice experienced difort at her shoulder where she was bumped.


    Just as she was about to head out, Greg asked, uncertainly, “Where are you heading?”


    Gently moving her arm, Candice replied, “I’m going to the orthopedic department.”


    Unaware of her injury. Greg questioned, “Are you injured too? Why didn’t you mention it earlier?”


    Candice’s gaze dropped as she contemted whether she could have spoken up. Who would she


    have told? Sonia was preupied with her tears, and Alex was busy consoling her. Would her


    speaking up have made any difference?


    Noting Candice’s silence, Greg sighed softly and said, “Lex and I were just leaving the hospital when


    we heard the sirens. Lex seemed very upset.”


    Candice finally responded, “So he suspects that I had a hand in this?”


    Greg appeared slightly embarrassed but countered, “Not necessarily.”


    However, Alex’s reaction was extremely clear.


    Candice internally scoffed at herself, recognizing that even Greg could perceive Alex’s suspicion


    of her.


    As the examination room door swung open, Candice’s train of thought was disrupted.


    Greg quickly stepped forward and asked, concerned, “Is everything all right? How are you feeling?”


    Wearing Alex’s jacket and appearing visibly shaken, Sonia shook her head in response. Then she


    turned to Candice, hesitant to meet her stare. The tension in the room escted, creating an


    uneasy atmosphere.


    Greg nced between Candice and Alex and began, “Now that everything seems fine, we cant rx.


    Candice, you should…” He was about to advise Candice to inspect her injuries when he was


    interrupted before he could finish.


    Alex stood protectively by Sonia’s side. He had a harsh, frigid countenance. Alex looked down and


    spoke with uncharacteristic coolness, “The cop will arrive shortly to investigate the issue. Those


    involved are not permitted to leave.”


    It was obvious hisment was aimed at Candice.


    Candice clenched her jaw and frowned, questioning, “Is that a warning?”


    Alex’s gaze swept toward her. His dark eyes radiated a cold, stern air as he retorted, “Are you


    feeling targeted?”


    Candice gritted her teeth, suppressing the growing frustration in her chest.


    The police arrived promptly, and after questioning both Candice and Sonia they dered, got a clear


    picture of the situation. We’ll proceed with our investigation and take appropriate


    action against those responsible.”


    Sonia asked in a soft voice, “What kind of action will be taken against them?”


    “We’ve


    “The response will depend on the severity of the situation, ranging from detention to possible


    sentencing.”


    Sonia was surprised at the answer. She then gave Candice a fleeting, hesitant nce before quickly


    averting her eyes. Her look was revealing enough.


    Candice confronted Sonia harshly after the cop had left, “What’s with your expression? What are


    you suggesting?”


    “I, I…” Sonia stammered and automatically turned to gaze at Alex. She said quietly, “I didn’t mean


    anything. I’m just feeling a bit anxious after hearing from the police.”


    Candiceughed. Though her eyes still held an unyielding chill, she probed further. “Anxious?


    About what, exactly?”


    Sonia’s reluctance only further implied that she had used Candice of something.


    From the moment Candice left the hospital after her encounter with the thugs, she had been seething


    with anger inside. Sonia’s unwarranted interference only intensified Candice’s anger.


    Reaching her limit, Candice’s voice became icy and stern as she addressed Sonia, “You’re fully aware


    of what just transpired. You’re free to y the victim, and I won’t contest that. However, if you’re


    attempting to use your act to falsely use me, know that I won’t stand for it.”


    Sonia had been wronged. Candice didn’t want to argue with her at first, but Sonia had standered her


    with untrue charges, and if she didn’t speak up, others would see her as an easy target to


    bully.


    Having stated her piece, Candice’s growing frustration led her to confront Alex directly. Her eyes.


    typically calm, now unmistakably conveyed her anger. With a firm and clear tone, she told Alex. Mr.


    Elysian, before you defend your girlfriend, make sure you’re fully aware of the situation. Don’t just use


    this as a chance to unt your authority.”


    Throughout her time as the Chief Secretary, Candice had mastered the art of emotional control, and it


    had been a considerable time since shest lost herposure. Her face reddened slightly due to her


    wrath, and her chest heaved gently with heavy breaths.


    Alex’s intense and prating gaze eventually settled on Candice. Known for his reserved demeanor,


    he rarely expressed his emotions, with only a tinge of pride showing on his face. His towering presence


    exerted significant pressure on Candice, particrly as he peered down at her with hismanding


    presence.


    “Grasp the entire situation?” he retorted. A scornfulugh escaped him. His eyes held a dark, furious


    glint. “You’ve beenfortable for far too long.” Alex admonished. “Have you forgotten about the perks


    you got from mypany? The rewards you’ve gained are far beyond anything you could earn


    elsewhere.


    “And what about your parasitic parents? The damage they inflicted on thepany? And now you


    dare lecture me on understanding the situation?” His voice grew stern and cutting as he


    continued. “I should have grasped the situation back then before bringing you into mypany.”


    Candice quivered as she stood tall before Alex. Because of her height, she had to lift her chin up to


    look into his eyes.


    Her eyes reddened and welled up, confusion in her face as she questioned, “Have I ever wronged you?


    In what ways have I failed you? Whether in professional matters or dealing with your family. haven’t I


    alwaysplied with your requests without anyint?” As she spoke these words, something that


    had been lodged in her heart for years was instantly


    freed.


    Alex’s sudden change had always perplexed Candice. The years of suppressed hurt and confusion


    came flooding out, nearly overwhelming her. Fighting back tears, Candice struggled to see Alex’s face


    clearly, her heart heavy with the weight of long–standing grievances.


    “Do you really believe that I should be forever indebted and work tirelessly for you because of your


    charity?” she asked. Candice’s voice faded to a whisper,den with fatigue and a sense of numbness.


    “Can’t you be a bit kinder to me? I’m suffering as well.”


    The day before, Noxville had been drenched in rain, but today it greeted the citizens with clear


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    skles and bright sunshine.


    Sitting numbly in a taxi, Candice watched as billboards passed by in a blur.


    The unexpected outpouring of her long–buried emotions sapped her strength, leaving herpletely


    vulnerable.


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    She raised her hand to her forehead, shielding her eyes with it.


    How absurd, she thought. All these years, she had been merely a joke. A thorough andplete


    joke.