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."

his. Elio's emotions seemed heightened, his typical cold and handsome face now revealing a hint of warmth. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Findɴovel.ɴet website on

he said, "I asked the chef to prepare

was momentarily startled. It took her a second

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

to walk past him toward

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

tease, "Uncle Elio, you've really laid it

lowered her gaze and accepted the bowl of soup Jasper handed her. She began to sip it quietly. Jasper sensed there was more to the situation but chose to remain silent with a smile, focusing instead on

formality. He ate quietly, without

Elio. They admired his posture at the table; he really did

intensity

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

only 8:00 pm. The maid brought some fruit, and the trio settled into the living room to watch a movie.