Candice walked through the spacious hall, surveying her surroundings. The assistant's desk was unoccupied, and there was no sign of Sean. The CEO's office door was slightly open. Driven by curiosity, Candice moved closer and was about to knock.Just then, she heard a noise from inside—something like a stack of papers tumbling to the floor. She edged closer and peered through the gap in the door.Though she couldn't see anyone, she could hear Elio's cold, angry voice piercing the air. "Take your people and leave."Then, a reply came from Tim McAree, his voice aged and resonant with authority, "Elio, curb your arrogance. When your grandfather and I were laying the foundations of this company, your father hadn't even been born."Your grandfather would have shown me the utmost respect if he were still alive, and your father would have done the same. Who do you think you are to dismiss my people?"Elio's response was chillingly detached. "I'm firing you and your entire family. Now, all

After their intimate time together, Candice, overcome with embarrassment, hastily dressed while Elio was bewildered. She practically sprinted away from the room."Candice…" Elio called out. He couldn't go after her as he wasn't fully dressed yet.She dashed out of the office and into the elevator, gasping for breath. Upon returning to the design department, Vanessa hurried over and leaned forward with her hands on Candice's table.Vanessa's gaze fell upon Candice's flushed face and slightly swollen lips. "Candice, what happened? Why are you so red? Did you have lunch?"Candice avoided Vanessa's gaze, looking down sheepishly. "Yes, I did. Just by myself.""I didn't see you in the cafeteria! And you usually take only half an hour for lunch. Why did it take you over an hour today?""I-I didn't eat at the company cafeteria. I went somewhere… far."Vanessa lightly smacked Candice's hand with a hint of displeasure. "Candice, why didn't you bring me along if you found a great spot?"C

"Where's Candice," asked Elio."Mr. Hoffis, Candice just left with her bag," the employee replied respectfully.Without a word, Elio turned and dashed toward the elevator, jabbing the button impatiently. As he watched the floor numbers shift slowly, he pulled out his phone and dialed Candice's number.He listened to the connecting tone for a while before the call suddenly dropped. He dialed again, only for Candice to disconnect once more. After the third attempt ended in the same manner, he gave up resignedly.By the time Elio made it outside the first-floor lobby, Candice was nowhere to be found. Feeling dejected, he returned upstairs. He was distracted all day, unable to concentrate on his work.…As night descended, the neon lights from outside illuminated Elio through the glass window. He stood by the window staring at the night sky with his hands in his pockets.The bustling street below sharply contrasted with the emptiness he felt inside. He couldn't fathom why Candice ha

Candice's emotions swirled as she anxiously muttered, "It's me."Elio's breathing grew heavy. Overcome with nerves, he found himself speechless for a long moment. Unsure of why Candice had called, he waited for her to continue."Are you… free?" Candice asked timidly, her voice barely above a whisper."Yes, I'm free," Elio replied immediately."Could we meet and talk in person?""Of course," Elio responded without hesitation. He then added, "Where should we meet? I can come to pick you up."Candice paused to think. Realizing that everywhere was crowded and they risked being seen, she decided on a safer approach. "You don't have to pick me up. I'll come to your place instead. I'll be there in half an hour.""Alright," Elio replied.Once she hung up, Candice rose to her feet, put on a mask, and stepped out of the public restroom.…Elio was sitting in his car en route to the airport. After ending the call, he firmly instructed, "Turn around and head back home.""But Mr. Hoffis,

Candice's heart thudded in her ears, threatening to break free. Her big, doe-like eyes were fixed on Elio, her mind reeling. The thought of Elio proposing was irresistibly enticing and she was bewildered by the sudden turn of events.Elio leaned forward, gracefully dropping to one knee while gently taking her hand. The gesture was so unexpected that Candice instinctively retreated, pressing herself against the couch as she stared at him in utter disbelief.Down on one knee, Elio gripped her hand firmly. His eyes were earnest and intense as he looked up at her. In a voice that was both tender and urgent, he asked, "Candice, will you marry me?"Candice was stunned. The thought that Elio would propose solely for the sake of their child overwhelmed her with a mix of joy and concern. With a hesitant tone, she replied, "Our families won't agree to this.""As long as you say yes, I'll handle everything else," Elio stated.Candice couldn't bear the thought of anything harming the child sh