Chapter 853
Elio glanced at the contract briefly before closing it and placing it in the drawer.
Candice asked, “Mr. Hoffis, is there anything else?”
Elio looked up at her indifferently. His cool and unreadable gaze unsettled Candice, making her heart race.
“You” Elio started to speak but was interrupted by the sound of the door opening.
“Leo,” called out Josie’s gentle voice.
Josie, who walked in without knocking, paused for a moment when she saw Candice. She quickly smiled and said, “Candice, you’re here too?”
Candice nodded politely. “Hello, Josie.”
Josie beamed. “Am I interrupting? Should I come back later?”
Elio immediately interjected, “No need.” He then turned to Candice and said, “That’s all for now. You may leave.”
Candice felt a pang in her chest. She didn’t understand why she felt so sad.
Josie was Elio’s first girlfriend, and they had been dating for years. They were getting engaged next month. Of course, she could enter without knocking. Elio must have allowed it.
With Josie here, it was obvious that Candice had to leave. Why did it hurt so much? She tried to comfort herself, but the dull ache in her heart remained. Lowering her head, she bid farewell and left the office. Once she exited his office and entered the elevator, her tears began to flow as the doors closed.
Candice felt a sharp pain in her chest. She wiped away her tears anxiously and took deep breaths to stop her tears.
Loving someone secretly was agonizing. Her 12 years of feelings for Elio weren’t easy to let go.
If she and Elio could never be together, she wished he would treat her kindly, like her other cousins, and not be distant and cold. However, the reality was harsh.
A week after becoming a full-time employee, Candice received an unexpected assignment from her new director, Sadie Lloyd.
“Candice, you’re coming on a business trip with me the day after tomorrow.”
“A business trip?” Candice was surprised.
“Yes, we’re flying abroad to attend ND’s international fashion show.”
“Me?” Candice was both shocked and flattered.
The design department buzzed with
excitement. Even seasoned designers were envious, yet confused at the same time. “Why Candice? A newbie shouldn’t get such an opportunity!”
The ND international fashion show was a globally significant and impactful event. All attendees were top fashion industry leaders and renowned designers from around the world.
Sadie replied, “It’s the company’s decision. If you have any objections, take them up with the CEO.”
Although not satisfied with the decision, none dared to object.
This was Candice’s first
international business trip. Her five cousing all came to see her off at the airport, each offering their own advice, making it feel like a tearful farewell.
After bidding her cousins goodbye, Candice boarded the plane with her ticket. To her surprise, she had a first-class seat.
The flight attendant led her to her seat. Seeing the man sitting next to her, she was utterly shocked. It was Elio.
He was wearing a casual yet elegant grey shirt, his chiseled profile highlighted by a pair of stylish glasses as he quietly read a book.
Candice was stunned. Why was she seated next to the CEO? Where was Sadie?
Seeing Elio, who barely glanced up, Candice felt nervous and greeted softly, “Good morning, Mr. Hoffis.”
Elio didn’t react.
Candice took a deep breath and settled into her seat, feeling awkward and tense.
After a while, she couldn’t resist asking, “Where’s Ms. Lloyd? I didn’t see her.”
“She’s in economy class,” Elio replied coolly, turning a page of his book.
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