Chapter 698
Chapter 698:
Erica seemed to sense Candice’s discomfort and spoke, her voice trembling with emotion. “I know your hardships, and I care deeply for you. If you agree, I will embrace you as my own daughter. I have longed for a daughter, you see. While I cannot interfere with the Lopez family’s shares, I can allocate some of my personal assets to you. I will ensure you are treated with the utmost generosity.”
Candice narrowed her eyes, her discomfort growing.
Could this be interpreted as an attempt to offer her a higher price to sever ties with Milton?
Lowering her head, she spoke with resolute clarity. “Mrs. Lopez, my commitment to you remains steadfast, as I promised. Though I have yet to fulfill it, I will do everything I can.”
As she spoke, she tugged at her collar, certain Erica knew what had happened last night.
She mustered courage to admit, “I am deeply ashamed of what happened last night. I apologize. Rest assured, I will try to make things right. As for your proposal to recognize me as your goddaughter, I will take it as a gesture of appreciation. I’ll pretend I never heard it. You need not worry. I understand my place and will refrain from claiming any familial ties to the Lopez family.”
Erica stood still, her astonishment palpable. In truth, she held no prejudice about Candice’s lineage. Her words came from the depths of her heart. However, Candice gently declined, feeling she had been too hasty and could not continue.
Erica stood and said, “It’s getting late, and I have matters to attend to this afternoon. I must go.”
“Very well. I will see you off,” Candice replied respectfully.
After escorting Erica out and closing the door, Candice leaned wearily against it, slowly sliding down until she was sitting on the floor, overwhelmed by a maelstrom of emotions.
It wasn’t clear how much time had passed before Candice realized she had skipped lunch. Feeling famished, her stomach began to churn.
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She got up and grabbed the cold pizza.
Instead of heating it in the microwave, she ate the pizza bit by bit, without truly savoring it.
After finishing her food, she went to the bathroom and tossed her messy clothes from the previous night into the laundry basket.
Sorting through the garments, Candice placed those needing water washing into the washer and scheduled a dry-cleaning pickup for the rest.
After completing these chores, she felt overwhelmed, unsure of her own thoughts and feelings.
Over the next two days, she took more time off work.
News broke about Warren Building Materials’ collapse, leading to an influx of reporters and ongoing coverage. The Royal Garden Corporation’s acquisition was a lifeline for the struggling company.
In the end, this mess was meant to be handled by Ploville’s leading consortium, a solution that would address unemployment for hundreds of thousands of people. The government would undoubtedly be pleased to see its success.
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