Chapter 0275
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Sensing Jackson’s hesitation to discuss the matter further, Candice wisely chose not to pursue the topic.
They proceeded to the motel where Yvonne had been staying.
Upon their arrival and request for surveillance footage, the front desk staff promptly rebuffed them. “Surveillance? We don’t have anything like that here!”
The motel was a converted residential building near a hospital. It was far from luxurious. The absence of a valid business license was something Candice observed as well.
With a shake of his head, Jackson concluded, “No luck here. We need to look elsewhere.”
Hiding her disappointment, Candice agreed with a nod. She wasn’t ready to give up yet.
Yvonne had mentioned a few other locations, and her insistence on speaking well of Sonia only added layers to the puzzle.
A brief expression of frustration flickered across Candice’s face, her eyes darkening for a moment.
Jackson picked up on her mood and reassured her gently. “Don’t worry, I’m with you in this.”
After spending a night at home to rest, Candice returned to the villa the next day. She was still contemplating how to approach the issue of Alex’s injury.
En route, she unexpectedly encountered Jessica.
Candice’s memories of Jessica were faint, mostly recalling a birthday party for Jessica’s husband that Alex had brought her to a few years ago. Their interactions had been minimal.
save for a recent meeting involving her and Helen.
Jessica was dressed in a gorgeous designer gown with flawless makeup. She acknowledged
Candice with a smile and a nod.
Candice responded with a slight nod.
Jessica suddenly spoke up as they were about to walk past each other, “Candice, right?”
Candice paused and said, “Ms. Kane.”
“Don’t let Helen’s words bother you,” Jessica advised. “That’s just her way.
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Candice was astonished that Jessica had brought it up. “I’m well aware of Mrs. Elysian’s temperament. There’s no need for me to take it to heart. Keeping up with her would be a challenge
in itself.”
Jessica’s eyes flickered with astonishment as Candice’s statements hinted at Helen’s difficult
nature.
“If there’s nothing else, I must go,” Candice said, maintaining her composure.
They weren’t particularly close. Given their distant relationship and Jessica’s ties to the Elysians,
Candice saw little reason to prolong the conversation.
As Candice walked away. Jessica’s expression shifted to a slight frown.
Helen had mentioned in passing that her son had ended things with Candice, a claim Jessica
had doubted. Now, it appeared to be true.
Candice swiftly forgot the minor encounter.
Arriving at the villa, she found it unusually quiet. Nadia and Ryan were seated on the sofa, both
silent.
Recalling the previous day’s events, Candice asked, “Where’s Hanley?”
“He’s in the study, on a call,” Nadia informed, lifting her head.
“Is the mood about yesterday?” Candice asked.
Nadia shook her head. “No, Aether Corporation is still deciding how to handle the incident. We’ve been told to await their decision. The boss is preoccupied with something else.”
“What is it?”
Nadia offered no further details. “You might want to ask him directly. I don’t fully understand it
myself.”
Candice felt a pang of anxiety. As Hanley finally emerged from the study, she immediately asked, ” How did your conversation with Alex go yesterday? What was his reaction?”
Hanley appeared visibly exhausted. The dark circles under his eyes were more pronounced than usual, indicating he hadn’t rested well.
“It’s complicated,” he admitted. “Alex rejected the idea of compensation when I brought it up.”
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Candice lowered her gaze. She was aware of Alex’s temperament and knew that he wasn’t the sort of person to let money influence him.
After a moment of reflection, she broached another subject. “Nadia mentioned you’re dealing with
something else?”
Hanley confirmed with a slight nod and sat down across from Candice, his bright, almond–shaped
eyes betraying his tiredness. In a deep voice, he revealed, “I wanted to discuss a matter with you
today.”
Candice listened intently as Hanley explained.
“Burning Star Studio is expanding our business in Dorrington. We’re not just working with Aether
Corporation and Blue Artifact. We’ve actually received several new business offers.” Hanley’s
work ethic was evident in his serious demeanor and focused gaze. “We’re considering
establishing a dedicated business department for these ventures. Are you
interested?”
“Yes, Candice, this is something we need from you,” Ryan added. He seemed disturbed as he continued. “Each to their own expertise. I’m not cut out for this kind of work. Those contracts are
too complex for me.”
“It’s fine if you’re not up to it,” Hanley said.
“I’m willing.” Candice agreed immediately, without a second thought.
She was aware that Hanley was offering her a good chance, and she had no reason to turn it down. Hanley’s assistance had also helped her land her first break at Burning Star Studio.
Without it, as a newcomer, she likely wouldn’t have had the chance to join such a prestigious
studio.
Candice understood her situation very well. “I’ve had success in handling business liaisons previously,” she said confidently.
Noticing her assurance, Hanley slightly raised his eyebrows. “Very well. You have a lot of
confidence.”
Candice embraced Hanley’s offer and rapidly accepted her new responsibilities.
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