Candice’s POVIt was no other person than Dorian’s secretary. I opened my mouth and closed my mouth again. I blinked a couple of times, trying to process it. What is she doing here?Last I knew, she was glued to Dorian’s side, following him everywhere like his shadow. Now she was walking into this small meeting for my company’s project.Did Dorian by any chance send her here to come represent him for my company?No no. Dorian wouldn’t send her here. Dorian wouldn’t even know if a company like mine was even existing from the start. Then that meant one thing right? Is it what I am thinking?Wait… did Dorian fire her? Or… is she working for some smaller business now? Because that is the only thing that would explain it.She stopped a few steps away and gave me a polite smile. “Good evening, Ms. Candice.”I forced myself to nod. “Good evening.”I didn’t even get the chance to ask her why she was here before I heard the sound of another pair of footsteps approaching.I raised my head a
Candice’s POVThe moment my leader finished speaking, I straightened my back and said quickly,“Yes, ma’am. I promise I won’t disappoint you. I’ll make sure to come out victorious.”Her voice softened a little. “I know you will, Candice. I trust you.”That gave me a little push of confidence. “Thank you, ma’am.”The call ended, and I didn’t waste another second. I turned straight toward the ticket counter, weaving through the crowd.When it was finally my turn, the lady behind the counter gave me a polite smile.“Good afternoon, ma’am. How can I help you?”I placed my ticket on the counter. “Hi… um, I actually need to refund my ticket.”She tilted her head slightly. “Refund? May I ask why?”I gave her an apologetic smile. “Something important just came up for work. My boss called and I have to stay longer in the city.”She nodded knowingly. “Ah, work emergencies. They always come at the worst time, don’t they?”“Exactly,” I sighed. “I was already imagining being home with my kids toni
Candice’s POVAfter the call with my kids, I placed my phone on the bed, still smiling at the thought of their little voices. My cheeks actually hurt from grinning so much. I was about to lay down for a moment when a sudden thought struck me—“Oh no…” I whispered, sitting up quickly.I had promised them snacks. Snacks and junk food.I could already imagine the tiny storm that would hit me if I arrived empty-handed. Rest for even one minute, and I might forget… and forgetting wasn’t an option. Not unless I wanted to face the legendary twin rage.I chuckled to myself. “Better to go now. I can rest on the plane… or, well… maybe. Not like it’s possible to rest with those two around.”Shaking my head, I got up, grabbed my small suitcase, and headed downstairs to check out of the hotel.I stepped outside. I was just about to wave for a taxi when I suddenly remembered—oh right, there’s a mall nearby. Closer than taking a cab somewhere else.“Perfect,” I murmured, turning on my heels.As soon
Candice’s POVThe moment I ended the video call with the twins, I just sat thereon the edge of the bed with my phone still in my hand. I felt… awful and disappointed in myself.The kids were cheerful as always, and they didn’t even realize their mom was a mess inside. My mind was clouded with one thought:I failed the project.And it wasn’t even entirely my fault.It was Violet’s.She didn’t even let me explain the proposal. She rejected the partnership the moment she saw my face.And now I had to tell my superiorthat I blew the whole thing.I groaned and let my head drop into my hands.“I should’ve just stayed back,” I whispered to myself. “I should’ve told her I couldn’t come. If I had known coming back to Europe would make everything fall apart, I would’ve declined.”My fingers tangled in my hair as I tried to calm myself down.I was frustrated, anxious, and filled with guilt.After a long minute of just sitting there, staring at my phone screen, I finally opened the call log..I
Dorian’s POV“Sir! Sir, but your say is still needed in the meeting—”I could hear one of the board members calling after me, his voice full of confusion and panic. Maybe they thought I had lost it.But I didn’t stop.I walked out of the boardroom, heading straight down the hallway. My hands were already in my pocket, pulling out my phone.I didn’t waste a second.The moment the screen lit up, I called one of my most trusted subordinates.“Pick up,” I muttered under my breath. “Come on… come on…”He answered on the second ring. “Yes, sir?”“I need you to make an investigation about a company,” I said sharply.“Sir?”“Oasis Thrive International. That’s the name. Find information about them.”“Right away, sir.”“I want everything. Every single damn detail about Candice. Her position. When she joined. What she does there. What city she lives in. What hours she works. Her full schedule. I want it all. Now. You understand me?”“Yes, sir. Understood. I’ll get started immediately.”The line
Dorian’s POVI was still sitting there like a statue, my body frozen in the same position for who knows how long. My elbows dug into my thighs, hands tangled in my hair. Then suddenly……..A sharp knock at the door jerked me back to reality.I looked up sharply, face twisting into a scowl. Who the hell was knocking? Who dared to jolt me out of my suffering?I sat up straight as I began to boil in frustration. I wasn’t ready to see or talk to anyone. But then i saw that it was my personal assistant. She stepped into the room nervously, head bowed so low I thought her forehead might scrape the damn floor.“I-I’m sorry for disturbing your peace, sir,” she said softly.I didn’t answer. My eyes narrowed as I studied her face. She looked like she’d rather disappear than speak again. I finally spoke. “Why are you here?”She flinched at my tone. “T-The meeting, sir… it’s starting in five minutes. Everyone is already seated in the conference room. We’re just waiting for you to begin.”The