The Wrong Woman

Candice rose to her feet as well. Elio seemed slightly flustered. He quickly suggested, "Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner?"

Jasper hesitated, glancing at Elio, who gestured toward the dining table where a maid set out the dishes.

"It's already dark outside. You'll be hungry if you head back now. Why not eat here?" said Elio.

Jasper looked over at Candice. Unperturbed, she replied, "I'm fine with either option."

Feeling a twinge of sympathy for Elio's loneliness, Jasper headed over to the dining table with a faint smile. "Alright, let's stay and have dinner with Uncle Elio."

Candice pulled out her phone and sent a message to Florence. "Grandma, Jasper and I will have dinner out tonight. Don't wait up."

gentle gaze met his. Elio's emotions seemed

said, "I asked the chef to prepare some of

momentarily startled. It took her a

he know she liked these dishes? Wasn't this dinner invitation quite sudden? And how had he managed to prepare her favorite dishes so quickly?

moved aside, allowing her to walk past him toward the dining table, and followed

seat, she was struck by the sight of the table laden with her favorites-six dishes and a soup,

help but tease, "Uncle Elio, you've really laid it on thick with this meal.

handed her. She began to sip it quietly. Jasper sensed there was more to the situation but chose to remain silent with

marked by elegance and formality. He ate quietly, without speaking or making any

They admired his posture at

intensity of

and caught Jasper's and Candice's warm gazes. Embarrassed, they quickly lowered their heads and resumed eating awkwardly. The remainder of the dinner

8:00 pm. The maid brought some fruit, and the trio