"Why?" wondered Candice.
"The Solaris summit is happening ahead of schedule this year. Actually, it's precisely next week. There are plenty of learning opportunities available if you attend," Hanley responded.
Hanley's visage clouded as he added, "Since Shaun departed from the company, there hasn't been a suitable replacement for him at the studio. We cannot spare anyone. You'll need to go to the summit."
Candice had shown an interest in attending the summit, which they had discussed several times previously, but she'd been hesitant due to her mother's incident.
When Hanley brought it up again, she paused briefly before agreeing, "Alright, I'll go."
After all, the situation seemed unlikely to be settled very soon.
Hanley noticed her solemn expression and considered for a moment before responding, "Don't overthink the situation. It's just a normal networking gathering. Your present professional skills are more than enough to deal with it."
"Yeah, Candy, take it easy," Yana lounged on the sofa, playing games with a bored expression. "Why work so hard? Wouldn't it be better to be a couch potato like me?"
Nadia added gently, "If she hadn't worked her ass off, you wouldn't have met her."
That was actually the truth. Candice's family background was average in comparison to Yana and her fellow trust fund kids, even considered low-class by Helen.
If not for her own abilities and determination, she wouldn't have been able to mingle with people like Yana.
That was just how society operated—an undeniable reality.
Nadia's remark didn't bother Candice. All she did was simply point out the truth.
Glancing at a message from Jessica, Candice remembered she had scheduled a contract signing discussion with her today. She promptly informed Hanley before leaving.
It had taken nearly a month of negotiation to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.
Watching Jessica put down her pen, Candice finally felt a sense of relief.
"It's been a pleasure working with you," Jessica said with a smile.
Candice returned the smile faintly.
"You've been in good spirits lately. It seems like you're really enjoying this job," Jessica observed, glancing at Candice.
Candice replied, "You seem to be doing well too."
Jessica smiled without saying anything. Her gaze casually swept over Candice's stomach, and she casually inquired, "Are you still feeling sick lately?"
She hesitated before responding, "Just a little bit."
"If the father of the child knew how difficult it is for you during pregnancy, he would probably be very concerned," Jessica sighed.
Candice couldn't quite discern Jessica's intentions. She made a quick excuse and left with the contract.
Instinctively, she didn't want to divulge too much to Jessica.
Despite her gentle demeanor, Jessica seemed incredibly inscrutable to Candice. Just like a dagger coated in honey, this woman could coax anything out of you effortlessly.
When Candice returned to the villa, Hanley was still there, engrossed in a book, meticulously annotating it as he read.
Candice approached to see that it was the professional theory book she had left on the table. Next to each of her annotations, Hanley had earnestly written his own interpretations.
His handwriting was elegant, much like himself. His writing paired well with Candice's delicate script when placed side by side, creating a pleasing visual harmony.
Finishing the last word, Hanley looked up and noticed Candice. His eyes seemed to sparkle with delight as he said, "Hey, you're back."
Closing the book, he explained, "I saw the notes you made in your book and added my own interpretations. I'll be busy for the next few days, so I might not have time to explain."
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