The Wrong Woman

Candice's lips formed a gentle smile as she nodded in acknowledgment.

Reaching for a piece of candy, Josie couldn't help but let out a sigh. "You know, Mrs. Hoffis actually prepared all these sweets for me. It seems like he's just trying to cut corners by re-gifting them to you." Candice's smile gradually faded at Josie's words.

As if realizing her mistake, Josie swiftly attempted to backtrack, offering a feigned apology, "I'm sorry, Candice. I was just speaking my mind. I hope I didn't upset you." Candice forced a polite smile and shook her head.

"I sincerely wish both of you a lifetime filled with love and happiness," Josie added.

"Thank you," Candice replied.

As Josie savored her coffee, she couldn't help but cast a cold glance at the scattered candies on the table, feeling a twinge of resentment stirring within her.

Placing her cup back on the table, she began, "I'm here today to talk about Elio."

"Sure, go ahead," Candice responded.

"Do you have any idea why Leo decided to marry you?" Josie asked pointedly.

"I'm not entirely sure," Candice admitted.

"He never discussed it with you?"

"I never thought to ask."

"Are you curious to find out?" Josie pressed.

A soft smile danced on Candice's lips as she replied, "Josie, could I ask you for a favor?"

"Absolutely! What do you need?"

refrain from ever revealing the reason

night to devising intricate plots to create conflict, only

it directly from Elio than from someone else,"

what if he isn't completely

he lie to me?" Candice

Josie hurried to speak.

Candice interrupted, raising her hand to stop Josie's

perspective firsthand. Even if he isn't entirely truthful, I still choose to trust him." Josie let out a

be genuine if both parties were constantly governed by rationality and

lowered her voice and asked, "Aren't you concerned that

closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Josie, do you think Elio is trying to deceive me for

she gazed into Candice's innocent,

pretending not to know? Why would the wealthiest man in Norvania seek to defraud her of

before replying, "No, he

understand. He's probably trying to deceive me for... lustful reasons,"

frustrated by Candice's apparent obliviousness. Continuing this discussion with her seemed increasingly challenging. "Candice, can you try to look beyond the surface? Consider the situation more

the blue, Candice reached out and placed her hand

pursuing my money. He's likely interested

massage her temples, feeling a headache coming

Candice murmured to herself,

and his prowess in bed

he's the one at

novel

disadvantage."

words as