Chapter 277


    Candice maintained aposed facade, but her expression bore a hint of frostiness.


    The strained atmosphere between her and Alex was evident to all around them.


    Noticing the tension, Zane attempted to diffuse it. He remarked, “Come on, we’re all friends


    here. No need for such biting remarks, right?”


    Candice smiled and replied smoothly, “I’m actuallymending Mr. Elysian. Everyone in Dorrington’s


    finance circle knows about the meteoric rise of hispany in recent years. That’s a testament to Mr.


    Elysian’s achievement, isn’t it?”


    After subtly provoking Alex, she casually took a cocktail from a waiter and sipped it. Throughout.


    she maintained an air of sincerity.


    Zane then attempted to steer the conversation away. He chuckled and then noticed Alex’s bandaged


    hand, asking. “What’s the story behind Mr. Elysian’s hand?”


    Candice briefly softened her guarded expression and stole a nce at Alex’s hand. She had seen. the


    injury before and was aware of its severity.


    With a slight purse on her lips, she listened as Alex casually remarked, “It was just an ident at


    the construction site.”


    Davy interjected, “An injury at the construction site? That raises questions about safety. If basic


    precautions aren’t in ce, the project’s reliability is questionable.”


    Candice’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She then looked up and unexpectedly locked eyes with Alex.


    His dark eyes held a misty depth, and his lips were pressed together. As he gazed at Candice, he


    radiated an unmistakable aura of aristocracy.


    Candice felt an involuntary flutter in her heart under his gaze.


    The way Alex’s construction site injury was handled could either be exaggerated or downyed. If Alex


    chose not to make a big deal of it, things would be fine. However, if he did, Blue Artifact might be the


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    first to back out of their partnership.


    That’s why, on the day of the incident, Candice had instinctively bowed to Alex and assured him that


    she was open to any reasonablepensation he might request.


    After a brief pause, he gave a sardonicugh and conceded, “Well, it does seem rather unpromising.”


    +15 BONOS


    The abrupt ring of his phone cut off his speech.


    Alex took the call, his face a mask of stoicism, a hint of a frown creasing his forehead.


    Shortly, he spoke tly. “Ask Sieg to bring you here.


    He ended the call, and his expression remained calm, but Candice noticed a newfound iciness in his


    eyes.


    Fortunately, they didn’t circle back to the earlier topic. Alex briefly checked his phone.


    Zane redirected the conversation to a recentunch of new products.


    Candice contributed to the conversation now and then, ensuring a pleasant ambiance.


    Upon Sieg’s arrival with Sonia, Candice understood the reason behind Alex’s earlier distant demeanor.


    He was likely worried about Sonia seeing him with her, possibly upsetting his girlfriend.


    Being observant. Candice politely excused herself from Zane and wandered off to a different area.


    Sonia only saw Candice’s departure.


    Candice’s tall stature and adept manner gave her a distinct presence. She effortlessly wore the


    rich purple dress and lent it an air of refined coolness.


    Sonia whispered to Sieg, “What’s Candice doing here?”


    “She’s here with Hanley. Their studio is coborating with both Aether Corporation and Blue


    Artifact,” Sieg informed her.


    Despite not being directly involved in business, Sieg was well aware of corporate news.


    Sonia nodded, her bangs momentarily covering her eyes.


    Sieg escorted her to Alex. Casually, he tapped Alex’s arm, teasing. “Sonia traveled all the way


    from Northdale and you didn’t bother to pick her up? What gives?”


    Alex simply responded, “Caught up with work.”


    Sonia stayed quiet. She had only learned about Alex’s attendance at the dinner through a conversation


    she had identally overheard from Sawyer.


    Unsure of Alex’s reasons for attending, she hesitantly asked Sieg, who then extended an invitation


    to her.


    She felt awkward when she realized Alex hadn’t mentioned the dinner to her, which led her to


    attend on her own initiative.


    +15 BONOS


    Reflecting on Alex’s usual aloofness, she suppressed her difort.


    Sieg chuckled. He yfully nudged Alex’s arm, teasing. “You’re just beingzy, aren’t you? Indeed,


    you’re not obligated to bring a date, but you do have a girlfriend, remember?”


    Alex shot Sieg a mildly annoyed look, replying in a low tone, “It seems you recall my rtionship status


    better than I do.”


    Sonia interjected gently, “Lex, don’t be mad at Sieg. I chose toe here. If I’m intruding, I can


    leave.”


    Sieg made a tsk sound, trying to ease the situation. He teased, “Hey, Lex, don’t be like that. She


    made the effort toe here. It would be cruel to send her away now.”


    Unemotional. Alex stated inly, “I never asked her to leave, did 1?”


    Sonia hesitated before asking. “So, is it alright if I stay with you?*


    “Of course.”


    Sieg soon excused himself. His presence at such events was often for more than just socializing.


    Adapting to the situation, Sonia stayed near Alex. She exhibited a supportive and agreeable


    attitude.


    In a lighthearted manner, Zanemented, “Mr. Elysian’s girlfriend appears to be very


    understanding.”


    With a coy smile, Sonia lightly rified, “At the moment, I’m his secretary, not his girlfriend. Just


    Sonia is fine.”


    Her yful and slightly coquettish response was akin to a young girl yfully sulking as if waiting for


    someone to appease her.


    Zaneughed heartily and said, “Mr. Elysian, it looks like your secretary is feeling a bit neglected. Why


    didn’t you bring her along?”


    Pausing briefly, he nced at Sonia and then looked away.


    Alex deftly steered the conversation elsewhere, asking. “I’ve heard some rumors about your


    Zane was momentarily taken aback. He responded, “Mr. Elysian is always well–informed. However,


    that matter isn’t within my scope. You should ask Davy about that.”


    In his usual eloquent manner, he added, “As businessmen, it’s natural towork. You understand


    that, don’t you, Mr. Elysian?”


    Alex nodded slightly and concurred, “Indeed.”


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    Right after his response, Sonia suddenly looked concerned and interjected. “Is this about forming


    alliances or seeking new partnerships?”


    Sonia seemed harmless at first nce because she was young and fresh out of college.


    When she thought of Candice’s confident departure, so poised and independent. Sonia felt inspired. If


    Candice could do it, why couldn’t she?


    Sonia sought to imitate Candice’s calm demeanor, so she turned to Davy and asked, “Isn’t trust


    the most crucial element in a partnership? Approaching Oakridge Capital behind Aether


    Corporation’s back does bring up some concerns.”


    Surprisingly, Davy didn’t show any embarrassment but looked visibly annoyed.


    Sonia was about to continue when Davy cut her off with a frosty tone, “If Mr. Elysian is


    curious about our dealings with Oakridge Capital, why send a secretary to pry instead of asking


    directly?”


    He scoffed, “While ourpanies are coborating, there is now against searching out


    new business partners. I was skeptical earlier, but after hearing Mr. Elysian’s concerns, it appears that


    mypany should reconsider our alternatives following this partnership. After all, cooperation based


    on mistrust will lead nowhere.”