hapter 17 Discovered
She opened the message.
Jim had replied:
“On Friday, I’ll be accompanying the young master to meet a client at the hotel. Miss Hale, perhaps you could bring the
suit then.”
Candice: “Huh?”
At this point, the number of question marks in her head could’ve burst right through her skull.
Charlie Clemens wants to see her again?
At a hotel, no less?
And not just any hotel–one so secluded you could scream murder and not a soul would hear.
What on earth was this Mr. Clemens trying to do?
Candice didn’t dare speculate.
It wasn’t that she was scared–well, maybe a little.
This opportunity had landed right in her lap, but she wasn’t bold enough to act on it.
She just couldn’t figure this man out.
She was here to build a career, not get entangled in something messier.
After thinking it over, she decided to take a page from his book and leave the message unanswered.
Down in the garage.
Jim sighed and slid his phone back into his pocket.
No one was forcing anything, but he had a hunch the young master didn’t really want to be indifferent.
And according to Jerry, Miss Hale had personally asked for the job.
Clearly, there was some misunderstanding between the two.
1/7
Chapter 17 Discovered
So… he’d taken a bit of initiative.
Because really–only face–to–face could they clear the air properly.
But Miss Hale, it seemed, was just as stubborn.
As the Bentley rolled out of the complex, a red Ferrari passed by from the opposite direction.
Kyle parked just outside the gate.
Her phone was off. Texts unanswered.
His patience was about to snap.
Then–ping.
The list of homeowners at Emerald Garden came through.
What shocked him wasn’t just Candice’s name on the list—but the fact that the top–floor unit belonged to…
Charlie Clemens.
That Charlie Clemens?
The one from the Clemens family?
He’d already heard the whispers that Clemens was back in town.
The Clemens‘ had always been the silent rulers of Vanclyn–low–profile, untouchable.
Charlie and Kyle didn’t run in the same circles.
But they’d crossed paths a few times, back when they were teens–fifteen, sixteen maybe.
Kyle remembered how cold and aloof he had been–like a sculpture carved out of white jade.
And Candice?
She’d bought a place right beneath his?
Could it really be a coincidence?
Kyle suddenly recalled that odd scene at the golf course…
Two hours passed.
+25 BONUS
2/7
Chapter 17 Discovered
Candice finally drove out of the complex.
Spotting that familiar Ferrari parked by the curb, her foot slammed down on the brakes.
Kyle was in the driver’s seat, smoke curling around his sharp brows, looking absolutely furious.
Candice’s mind raced.
By the time she pulled up next to him, she already had a plan.
She got out, slid into his passenger seat, and fired the first shot:
“What are you doing here? Are you following me?” she asked coldly.
Kyle tossed his phone into her lap.
“Explain this.”
Candice picked it up.
The screen showed a list of residents at Emerald Garden.
Calmly, she handed it back.
+25 BONUS
“I’ve worked for years. Is it so wrong to buy my own place? I paid the down payment myself–not a cent of yours.‘
Kyle’s eyes narrowed.
He wasn’t buying it.
“Candice, cut the crap. This isn’t about money. Why’d you hide it from me? What are you really doing buying that apartment?”
“Because I didn’t think it was any of your business. I wanted something that was mine. With my name on it. Is that a
crime?”
Back then, the Jackson family had accused her of coveting their money and forced her to sign a prenup.
This was the result.
Kyle froze, then gave a bitter laugh.
“You think I’ve been stingy with you? Haven’t I showered you with gifts? Those jewelry sets weren’t worth more than one apartment?”
Candice didn’t reply.
3/7
Chapter 17 Discovered
He yanked his wallet out, pulled out a mess of black and gold credit cards, and flung them at her.
+25 BONUS
“You like buying apartments? Go ahead. Buy as many as you want. Put your name on every single one. Buy till you’re
happy.”
Candice let out a dry laugh.
“How generous of you, Mr. Jackson.”
Maybe she should be a good little money machine–turn a blind eye to betrayal, numb herself, keep collecting wealth.
It wouldn’t be the worst deal.
But she just couldn’t accept a life that empty.
Candice calmly picked up the fallen cards and slotted them back into the wallet, one by one.
“Not in the mood to buy right now. When I am, I’ll ask you for the money.”
She placed the wallet on his lap.
As she pulled her hand back, Kyle caught her wrist.
He turned to her, his voice low:
“You don’t trust me anymore, do you?”
You’re just now realizing that?
Candice thought this man was equal parts hateful and ridiculous.
She smiled–a bright, almost teasing smile.
“What’s trust got to do with it? As long as you’re happy, right?”
She withdrew her hand.
Just then, her phone rang.
Candice stiffened.
Crap–could it be that she hadn’t replied to Jim, and now he was calling?
Kyle noticed the tension in her and zeroed in like a hawk.
“So you ignore my calls, and now you won’t answer someone else’s either?”
4/7
Chapter 17 Discovered
Candice had no choice. She took out her phone.
The caller ID flashed: Mr.s Jenkins–Kyle’s mother.
Kyle saw it and relaxed a little.
“Answer it.”
+25 BONUS
Candice figured her mother–in–law was just getting antsy, wanting to make sure she didn’t back out last minute.
She picked up.
“I’m with your son right now. Want to talk to him first?”
Caroline Jenkins paused on the other end, clearly swallowing back whatever she’d been about to say.
“No need. I was just calling to ask if you still wanted that handbag you liked last time.”
“Yes, I do. I’ve sent the rest in for cleaning. I could use a new one.”
“Mm. Come pick it up then.”
“Thanks.”
Click. Call ended.
Kyle frowned.
“Since when did you two get so chummy?”
Candice blinked innocently.
“Isn’t that a good thing? Would you rather I fight with your mom every day?”
Kyle: “…”
This woman really knew how to throw his words back at him and shift the focus.
His anger had all but dissipated.
Earlier, when he showed her the resident list, he’d watched her closely–she hadn’t even looked at Charlie’s name.
All her reactions had centered around him discovering her secret apartment.
Maybe it was just a coincidence.
She was probably just acting out, trying to carve out a piece of her own world outside his reach.
5/7
Chapter 17 Discovered
As if spending her own money on a small place proved something.
Such petty rebellion.
“I’ll drive you back.” he said, starting the car.
“What about my car…”
“I’ll send someone to bring it back.”
No room for discussion. He locked the doors and drove off.
+25 BONUS
For the next few days, Candice kept a low profile.
She didn’t set foot outside the house.
In her mind, she was already calculating Kyle’s possible reactions once he received the divorce papers.
He’d rage, of course.
Which is why she had no intention of facing him head–on.
She’d be off traveling by then–give him time to cool down.
Once the tantrum passed, he’d likely give in.
Especially with his beloved sugar baby demanding legitimacy.
Her quiet, drama–free exit would be a blessing to them both.
“One more thing,” Sophia warned her over the phrone.
“Watch out for your mother–in–law. She’s been stirring things behind the scenes.
“Relax. Until I’ve signed the divorce papers, she’s too afraid I’ll change my mind. She’ll behave.”
Candice was confident.
Caroline Jenkins had been spreading rumors that she and Kyle were splitting, that the Jackson family was preparing to ally with the Jones family,
Fine. Let her talk.
–
6/7
Chapter 17 Discovered
Friday afternoon.
Candice booked her flight to Iceland.
Right on cue, her phone rang–Caroline again.
Three days had passed since their last call.
Candice knew she had something to say, but hadn’t bothered to reach out first.
She answered, “Hello, Ms. Jenkins.”
“Let’s meet and finalize the agreement.”
“Have your lawyer talk to mine.”
+25 BONUS
“Candice, you raised your price from ten million to fifteen million. I’m asking for one meeting and you’re playing hard
to get? You’re coming in person. I’m waiting at the hotel. It’s quiet there–no one will see us.”
Hotel?
Candice recalled Jim’s message.
Charlie would be there too.
Why was everyone suddenly heading to the hotel today?
