pter 23
+20 Bonus
Candice’s smile fell. “Why not?”
Justin pressed his cigarette into the ashtray, his brows furrowed. After a while, he replied, “This bakery isn’t well–known, and the cakes aren’t great. Pick a larger chain. You could franchise something better–I’ll fund it, and it’ll be much more profitable.”
“But I want this one,” Candice insisted, her nails digging into her palm as she forced a smile. “Didn’t you say I could make my own choices?““”
“Pick another one,” Justin stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Candice lowered her head slightly, hiding the bitterness and resentment in her eyes beneath her docile expression.
Just then, a knock sounded at the office door, and a client stepped in. Justin stood, gently moving Candice off his lap. “You should head home. I’ve got work to do.”
With that, Candice left quietly.
After a long day of meetings and a client dinner, Justin finally wrapped.
turned dark. Suddenly, his phone buzzed with a call from Joseph.
his work. By the time he finished, the sky had already
“Justin, it’s the weekend tomorrow! Let’s hang out–I found a great lounge with fantastic drinks and some gorgeous girls.”
“Again?” Justin replied flatly, remembering how awkward things had gotten last time with Jacob and Serena siding against him.
He was about to decline when he thought of Candice’s dejected expression as she left earlier. It was not ideal that he had
promised her support but shot down her first request so abruptly.
With that in mind, he asked, “Where?”
“I’ll text you the address! Arthur and Mollie are already here!”
“Alright.” Justin hung up and then called Candice
“Where are you?”
“I’m at the house you bought me. What’s up?”
“Get ready. I’m taking you out tonight.”
When Justin arrived at the private lounge with Candice, the room was already lively Joseph was singing with a stunning woman in a tight dress, pouring his heart into a duet
Meanwhile, Mollie sat off to the side, scrolling through her phone with a bored expression Then there was Arthur, lounging on
Chapter 20
the couch, sipping a drink while a sultry woman poured him another.
“Finally, you’re here,” Joseph greeted Justin. When he noticed Candice, he nodded at her and said, “Ms. Ashton.”
Justin asked, “What did you just call her?”
Joseph cleared his throat awkwardly. “Mrs. Farrow.”
Mollie shot up from her seat as soon as the words were out. “Justin, are you serious? You’re dating her? Out of all the accomplished women in Nocturna, this is the one you chose?”
Justin’s expression darkened. “Since when has it been your place to comment on who I date?”
“You’re blinded by your feelings! I can see it clearly–Candice isn’t good enough for you, and Mom agrees with me!”
+20 Bonus
“Whether she’s good enough is none of your business,” Justin snapped. “Stop bringing me up to Mom. If you’ve got so much free time, I’ll set you up with some dates myself.”
Mollie’s eyes widened. “No way! I already have a-
Justin raised an eyebrow. “Have what?”
“Nothing,” Mollie muttered, shrinking back into her seat, her face flushed with embarrassment. Crossing her arms, she turned away, refusing to even look at Candice.
Justin’s icy gaze locked onto her. “Show some respect, Mollie. You know better than this.”
Though rebellious at heart, Mollie had always feared Justin’s authority. Reluctantly, she muttered, “Hello.”
Arthur waved off the two women beside him, signaling for them to leave the room. “Alright, let’s not make this a fight. It’s rare for all of us to get together–don’t ruin the mood.”
limited offer: Top up now to get 5% more bonus
Comments
