The Wrong Woman

Michaela delivered a firm admonition, stating, "In this world, any woman is welcome, except for Candice Morrison."

However, it wasn't that Michaela bore any animosity toward Candice.

On the contrary, she held a deep affection for her, treating her with the same love and care as if she were her own granddaughter.

Her apprehensions arose from a fear of Candice getting hurt, concerns about tarnishing her family's reputation, and anxieties regarding the potential strain it might place on the relationship between their two families.

Despite these concerns, Michaela appeared indifferent to Elio's happiness.

Throughout, she had vehemently opposed his relationship with Candice, resorting to extreme measures.

Elio had spent half his life compromising, but he had reached his breaking point.

He was determined to live life on his own terms.

If Candice were willing to embrace him and stand by his side despite the world's opposition, he wouldn't hesitate for a moment.

"My personal affairs are none of your concern," Elio responded sharply to Michaela's probing.

Michaela's anger flared as she persisted, "But what about Josie? After all these years together, are you going to abandon her for Candice?"

Elio's frustration erupted as he fired back, "Josie and I were never a couple. If it weren't for your insistence, I wouldn't have begged her to pretend to be my first love."

Michaela's astonishment was evident. "Pretend? Your relationship with Josie was fake?"

rueful smile tugged at Elio's

when his hidden affection for Candice was exposed, he found himself confronted

had no option but to resort

Michaela

Unless it's urgent,

he ended the call and slipped his

head, lost

could stop him from

care less about

the ensuing days, Candice found herself

fashion industry, attracting

had the privilege of meeting

this fashion spectacle proved to be

Candice found herself

for their connection, which afforded her certain

successfully, the celebratory banquet swiftly

his duties as the CEO of ND Group, Elio found little time

Meanwhile, Candice held an

aversion to attending banquets.

like her mother, she

corner where she could quietly relish

would briefly mingle before discreetly

world, heightening her social unease. Despite her discomfort, her sweet appearance seemed to attract a series of peculiar men who were