The Wrong Woman

"That's out of my responsibility. You should speak with the HR director or consult Uncle Elio directly," Jasper said.

Candice paused, her thoughts swirling. It seemed like a flimsy excuse to approach Elio. He could easily resolve the issue with just a few words.

She wondered how she could keep their conversation going. Pursing her lips in thought, she absentmindedly fiddled with her bag's buckle.

Meanwhile, Jasper focused intently on the road, his concentration broken only when his phone rang. He grabbed his Bluetooth earpiece, fitted it into his ear, and pressed the answer button. "Hello, Uncle Elio," Jasper greeted. Candice's head shot up, her expression turning anxious.

From the other end came Elio's voice. "Come over. I have an important document for you."

"Uncle Elio, could Sean possibly deliver it instead? I'm driving Candice home right now, and it would be inconvenient to change direction," said Jasper.

"It's very important. I don't trust anyone else with it." Elio was adamant.

His words piqued Jasper's curiosity. At that moment, Candice whispered, "I don't mind getting home a bit late."

Jasper heard her. With a smile, he responded to Elio, "Okay, I'll come over right away."

had never been to this place. She looked around, feeling out of her element. "Jasper, where are we?" "This is where Uncle

Candice stepped out of the car, she took in her surroundings. "Doesn't he live at Hoffis

behind him. "He

She asked in a surprised tone,

him to marry Josie. Uncle Elio used to put

was more than he could bear. They had

that scary?" Candice

he glanced back at Candice. "Uncle Elio had zero privacy there. Grandma Michaela

the door swung open, she looked up to find Elio in casual white loungewear, exuding an air

drifted to Candice. Their eyes met for a brief moment until Jasper called his name and snapped Elio out of the moment. "Come

followed slowly by Candice.

up with a subtle change in his expression. A gentle smile crossed his face as he hummed in response.

Candice entered slowly, scanning

home was a stark contrast

lavish decorations and luxuriousne

furnishings, the interior was