The Wrong Woman

Candice's gasp echoed through the room, her hands flying to her mouth in disbelief as she struggled to comprehend the unfolding scene.

Elio's chilling presence was so overpowering that it reduced the arrogant man to trembling silence. He bowed his head in submission, too terrified to speak. Every word Elio spoke carried an icy intensity, freezing the air around them. "If you're thirsty, get your own drink. Don't expect my team to cater to your needs."

The words "my team" echoed through Candice like an explosion, stirring a blend of nervousness and anticipation that hastened her heartbeat.

While she understood that Elio was referring to his subordinates from headquarters as "my team", she couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction.

Terrified and flustered, the man swiftly bowed and offered an apology. "I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Hoffis, I've made a mistake."

Elio's demeanor remained icy as he turned and walked away without acknowledging Candice, leaving her bewildered.

Despite Elio's intervention in reprimanding his subordinate, Candice couldn't shake the sense that his attitude toward her remained distant and unpredictable, alternating between cold and warm. Once Elio had left, Candice knelt down to help the man gather the scattered dollar bills.

Visibly shaken, the man's apologies tumbled out in a frantic rush. "I-I'm truly sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I can handle it myself..."

His demeanor toward Candice now bore an added layer of fear and apprehension.

Standing up, Candice turned her gaze back toward Elio, feeling a rush of concern wash over her.

Had he recovered from last night's heavy drinking? Was he feeling unwell today?

observed him closely as he carried out his tasks,

by an unparalleled level of seriousness and gravitas, radiating

someone's gaze upon him, Elio briefly turned, only to find no

swift survey of his surroundings, his

suddenly appeared,

glanced at the screen, noting the incoming video call from

moment of hesitation, he finally accepted the phone. With his

arranged for someone to retrieve Candice. Regardless of your intentions, she needs to return,"

to back off," Elio replied

she continued, "If you choose not to heed my advice,

sentence trailed off as she switched the camera to the rear-facing view, focusing on a large painting hanging on

composure faltered as he stepped

stairwe and admonished, "Get out of room this instant! What do

to send Candice back, I'll destroy

the veins on the back of his hands standing

painting on

during his high school years, portraying Candice's

fixture in his

had treasured numerous small gifts from Candice,

remained as the final tangible connection he had to