Chapter 954
A goofy grin spread across Tristan’s face as he responded, “This is the first time I’ve seen Michaela dance. She’s actually quite graceful.”
Flushed with embarrassment at the compliment, Michaela was soon guided in front of the camera by Candice, who taught her another few simple dance steps.
Caught up in the moment, Michaela danced along, her laughter tinged with shyness.
Her somewhat awkward movements reminded Tristan of a clumsy penguin, which made him laugh. Their laughter filled the living room, but Josie felt like an outsider amid the joy.
She had always been aware of everyone’s fondness for Candice, but now she understood why. Candice’s natural charm and youthful innocence were simply irresistible.
Josie felt completely disconnected from everyone there. She returned to her room and texted Fenna, “Aunt Fenna, there’s no hope left between Elio and me. I’m giving up.”
Almost instantly, Josie received a text message from Fenna. “Don’t give up just yet. The outcome remains uncertain until the very end.”
Josie’s heart sank into turmoil once more.
…
Meanwhile, Candice was exhausted from the lively dancing in the living room. Michaela and Tristan had already returned to their room, satisfied with how the night had gone.
Candice sat on the couch, her gaze drifting toward the study. She considered checking on Elio but eventually decided against it, not wanting to disturb his work.
Given that they were at Hoffis Manor and Elio’s parents were around, she thought it best to keep a respectful distance. After thinking things over, she returned to her room.
…
The next morning, Elio emerged from his room and knocked on Candice’s door, but there was no response. He turned the knob, entered, and looked around, only to find that she had already left. A slight pang of disappointment washed over him.
As he exited the room, he bumped into Josie.
“Candice has joined your parents for their morning workout,” Josie said, offering a faint smile.
Elio nodded and hummed in response. Turning to Josie, he asked, “Why didn’t you join them?”
“I don’t have to go out of my way to please your parents. They already approve of me,” Josie answered confidently.
Elio felt uneasy at her words. He didn’t want Candice to compromise herself to gain anyone’s approval, yet now she seemed to be making an effort to win over Michaela and Tristan.
He walked past her, striding downstairs, with Josie quickly following suit. She joined him for breakfast and seized the chance to hitch a ride when he went out. Elio knew Josie was still attempting to get closer to him, but her efforts were futile.
…
In the following days, Candice devoted most of her time to Michaela and Tristan, aside from her work commitments. As she spent increasing amounts of time with them, she inadvertently neglected Elio’s feelings.
Adding to the strain, Elio was consumed with work, leaving little opportunity for them to be together. At home, Michaela even deliberately kept them apart.
Over the weekend, Michaela and Tristan set out to explore some famous landmarks with a group of like-minded friends.
They invited Candice along for two reasons. They wanted to keep her from spending too much time with Elio, and they genuinely enjoyed her company.
After a full day of sightseeing, everyone grew quite fond of Candice. During dinner, the conversation took a personal turn when one friend curiously asked, “Candice, do you have a boyfriend?”
Feeling awkward, Candice glanced at Michaela and Tristan, unsure whether to mention Elio. As she hesitated, their friends across the table noticed her uncertainty and mistook it for shyness about being single.
One of them earnestly suggested, “My son is around your age. Maybe you two could get to know each other.”
Another chimed in, “My son is also a great match. Candice, let’s exchange numbers. You should come visit us sometime.”
“Candice is always smiling. She must be truly blessed. A woman who carries such blessings into a home can only bring good fortune to her husband.”
As the compliments poured in, Candice felt increasingly embarrassed.
Just then, Tristan interjected. “Forget about that idea, everyone. Candice is already engaged to my son.”