Chapter 0127
+15 BONOS
Sonia was a vivacious person. With Sieg by her side, she was able to blend in with ease.
Meanwhile, Candice lingered on the outskirts for a short while, feeling idle. Eventually, she made her way to the grill stations, took several skewers nonchalantly, and set them on a grill.
Not being a regular at barbecuing or cooking, Candice struggled to manage the temperature.
It wasn’t until a charred scent filled the air that she realized she had overdone the food.
As Candice hurried to fix things, Sieg approached to retrieve something and was immediately hit by the burnt smell. He frowned. “What’s that smell?”
Candice, keeping her cool, was about to dispose of the charred food when Sieg caught her in the act.
He exclaimed dramatically, “Candice, can you even cook?”
Still holding the plate, Candice froze.
She glanced at Sieg but chose to remain silent.
Sieg sneered contemptuously. After being verbally bested by Candice earlier without a chance for rebuttal, this was his moment.
He scrutinized the burnt food on the plate and clicked his tongue. “Is this ‘perfect wife and mother‘ act for Lex or Jake’s benefit?” Sieg taunted mockingly.
He blocked Candice’s path before she could move and scoffed, seeming to enjoy the drama.
Candice maintained a neutral expression and confronted him in a low voice, “Ever been told how annoying you are?”
Her tone was icy. Her expression was unflinching.
Sieg’s face hardened as he retorted louder, “Am I being too lenient with you?”
His sudden spike in volume captured the crowd’s attention, all eyes pivoting to their confrontation,
Marc was engaged in a discussion with Alex about an Aether Corporation project, and turned at the noise.
He muttered, “Why must Sieg always target Candice?”
13 Marc
Aware of the close bond between Alex and Sieg, Marc hesitated but Alex was already stepping forward. Marc quickly followed.
Sieg was clearly drunk. He glared at Candice, and when he spoke his tone was accusing. “Annoying? Look at yourself, flirting with different men. Do you think you’re above others?”
Cornered and insulted, Candice’s anger flared.
Briefly closing her eyes, she coldly asked, “Mr. Frowler, you accuse me of flirting. Whom exactly have I charmed?”
+15 BONOS
Sieg’s disdain was clear as he made his challenge. “You don’t know? How else would you be Aether
Corporation’s chief secretary?”
He was about to continue when Alex’s commanding voice cut through, “Sieg!”
Sieg looked up and saw Alex. He frowned and seemed like he had something to say.
Marc could feel the tension spike. He quickly walked up from behind Alex to smooth things over.
“Didn’t you say we were going to play a couple of games later?” he asked as he brought Sieg a glass of juice.”
Don’t drink too much.”
Sieg was hesitant to accept it at first, but he caught Alex’s warning stare, unwillingly groaned and accepted
the juice.
Marc exhaled a sigh of relief and turned to Candice.
Candice’s expression was blank, her eyes devoid of any feeling, as she clutched the plate.
It was understandable. Being publicly accused and embarrassed would upset anyone.
Marc could tell how she felt. He touched his face awkwardly, took the plate from her hands, and softly asked, ” Would you like something to eat? I can cook it on the grill for you. I’m quite skilled at it.”
Candice glanced at him briefly. After a moment of hesitation, she responded, “Thank you, but I’m fine.”
Caught in the awkward situation, Marc’s eyes moved back and forth between Candice and Sieg.
He paused, thinking, and an idea came to him. “If you’re not hungry, how about I show you some paintings inside? I’ve mentioned them to you before. You might find them interesting.”
Even though she was still uneasy. Candice knew it was Marc’s birthday. She gave a slow nod and accompanied him inside.
As they passed Alex, she sensed his icy stare on her, but chose not to meet his gaze.
Inside Marc’s house were several artworks by a fairly well–known modern artist, which Candice was familiar
with through Hanley.
Feeling somewhat awkward, Marc rubbed his hands together and commented. “That’s just how Sieg is. Don’t take it to heart.”
Candice stayed silent, fully aware of Sieg’s nature.
Marc paused as he realized that he couldn’t apologize on behalf of Sieg.
As he opened his mouth to switch topics, his phone rang. He pulled it out. It was a call from work.
Marc glanced at Candice hesitatingly. “I need to take this call.”
Candice gave a nod and continued to examine the paintings.
Concerned she might get bored, Marc suggested, “Jake had to step out for a bit. I’ll ask him to join you.”
+15 BONOS
With that, he quickly departed.
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