As the words fell, Patrick flashed a apologetic smile.
Candice’s fingers, hanging by the table, tightened slightly, and her chewing slowed down. After Patrick finished speaking, she nodded thoughtfully after a couple of seconds, saying empathetically, “Alright, Patrick, go take care of your matters. Don’t worry too much about me.”
The meal quickly concluded, and Patrick stood up, heading towards the study. Candice stood behind him, watching his departing figure.
When Patrick reached the study door, he paused, half-turned to the woman and said, “The upcoming project is about to launch. Besides double-checking the plan, I have many other trivial matters to attend to. It might be a bit dull. You can find something interesting to do on your own. Be good.”
His words were gentle and affectionate, like a caring husband to his wife. Candice couldn’t help but smile, nodding, “It’s okay, Patrick. Go ahead and take care of things.”
She sat down on the sofa, eyes glancing towards the closed study door, then slowly turned back, her gaze filled with meaning.
She grasped her phone beside her, showing signs of hesitation.
Since she already knew that the North Bay project plan was about to start, it meant that she had completed half of the task Antony assigned to her, and Patrick now fully trusted her.
So, all she needed to do next was inform Antony about this, and when Patrick wasn’t around, sneak out with the plan…
But Antony would likely tighten his control on her in the future, making it difficult for her to escape.
No, this won’t work!
Candice’s pupils suddenly contracted.
She had to make Patrick completely belong to her during this time; that was the best strategy.
She put her phone down, reclined back on the sofa, and busied herself in the dining area.
Half an hour later, Candice, holding a bowl of pumpkin sweet soup, knocked on the study door.
After hearing a muffled “come in,” she cautiously pushed the door open. Inside, Patrick was typing on his laptop.
“Patrick.” Candice sweetly called, walking to his side with the bowl, “Work is work, but I noticed you haven’t eaten much tonight. I made you a bowl of soup. Take a taste.”
“Thank you.”
Patrick temporarily stopped his typing, turning his head to look at her as she approached. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
“But I’m not hungry at the moment. Just leave the soup here; I’ll have it later.”
Candice pursed her lips. Patrick had been like this for the past few days, gentle and polite, making her miss several opportunities. No, this time she must succeed!
She paused for a moment, continuing to smile, “It’s best to strike while the iron is hot. The soup won’t taste as good once it cools.”
As she spoke, her hand moved forward. Just as Patrick was about to refuse, Candice’s hand “accidentally” shook, and the sweet soup spilled onto his clothes.
Patrick involuntarily frowned, stepping back as he stood up.
Candice, seeing the situation, also feigned panic on her face, quickly placing the bowl aside and pulling out a few tissue papers to help Patrick wipe the spilled sweet soup.
“I’m sorry, Patrick… It was my carelessness just now that caused…”
“It’s okay,” Patrick sighed heavily, shaking his head, still comforting Candice, “It’s not your fault. This shirt needed a wash anyway.”
Candice continued to help Patrick wipe off the sweet soup stains on his clothes, her face filled with a worried expression. However, when she finished cleaning, a noticeable yellow stain remained on the previously clean shirt.
“Oh…” Candice sighed softly, looking apologetically at the stain, “Patrick, let me find you a clean set of pajamas to change into.”
Soon, Candice returned from the wardrobe with a new set of pajamas. She extended her hand, intending to help Patrick unbutton and change, but he stepped back.
Candice paused, raising her head with a somewhat aggrieved look, “Patrick, are you repelled by me? I just wanted to help you change into some comfortable sleepwear…”
“No,” Patrick remained silent for a moment, recalling Jane’s words. Originally intending to refuse, he swallowed his words and simply nodded, letting Candice help him change.
As each button was unfastened, the man’s well-built chest, a result of regular workouts, was revealed. Candice kept her eyes lowered, but a hint of ambiguous emotions lingered in her gaze. What started as a simple act of helping Patrick change clothes gradually turned into a subtle touch, her fingers inadvertently exploring from the hem to his muscles.
Her fingertips gently caressed Patrick’s chest, while she intentionally lifted her eyes, carrying a teasing smile. Patrick lifted his gaze slightly, avoiding Candice’s eyes without leaving a trace.
“Patrick, do you like me…? Why do I feel like you’ve been avoiding me lately?”
“Why would I?”
After organizing his thoughts and emotions, Patrick turned his eyes back, gripping Candice’s wrist to prevent her from continuing her erratic movements. He lowered his head to meet the woman’s eyes, affectionately saying, “I’ve just been busy lately. I don’t want our time together to feel perfunctory.”
Patrick reached out to tidy Candice’s hair, tucking it behind her ear. “Candy, I don’t want to touch you now. I want to save this feeling for the day we get married. You’ve been so good to me, how could I let you down?”
Candice happily smiled, encircling Patrick’s waist and pressing her face against his chest, nodding earnestly.
It seemed that Patrick’s heart was now completely hers. Would the position of Mrs. Pansy still be far away?
In H City, Carl had already spent several days at Nana’s house. His views were similar to those of his agent – temporarily suppressing the rumors and avoiding disturbing Nana. As for other matters, he planned to personally respond to fans and the media upon his return to Guavo.
However, these days were almost entirely spent in close proximity to Nana. Carl was delighted, hoping for this time to last a little longer. But Nana didn’t share the same sentiment.
One day during lunch, Nana contemplated for a moment, put down her fork, and casually mentioned to her parents, “Dad, Mom, Carl and I have been at home for too long. I still have work at Guavo. If you don’t mind, we’ll head back as soon as possible.”
After saying this, Nana kicked Carl’s foot under the table, hinting for him to join in.
Carl immediately understood, putting down his fork and flashing his signature smile at the elders. “Yeah, I didn’t inform the company about this trip with Nana. They must have a lot of work waiting for me.”