chapter878

Sadie’s plan moved with clinical precision. Fifteen minutes after the task was set, Vanessa hurried out of the theater, her frustration palpable.

"Unbelievable," she muttered, checking her watch with a scowl. "A last-minute PowerPoint on a weekend? They couldn't have mentioned this on Friday? I have to have this ready by tomorrow morning..." Grumbling under her breath, she brushed past Josie and disappeared into the crowd.

Mission accomplished. Now, Josie only had to wait for the fallout.

Two hours later, the movie ended. Candice emerged from the theater alongside Wendell. They took the elevator down to the plaza, the cool evening air doing little to ease the lingering tension in the air.

"Let me drive you home," Wendell offered politely as they reached the sidewalk.

Candice offered a tired but grateful smile. "It’s alright, Wendell. I’ll just hail a cab. It’s easier this way."

"Are you sure? It’s getting late."

"I'm sure. Thank you."

Just as the words left her lips, Candice froze. Her heart skipped a beat, a cold wave of anxiety washing over her as she looked at the luxury car idling just a few yards away.

Elio was behind the wheel. He rolled down the window, his gaze cutting through the evening gloom to settle first on Candice, and then on the man standing beside her. His expression was a mask of frigid anger; an aura of terrifying intensity seemed to radiate from him.

Candice felt her pulse quickening, a suffocating mixture of embarrassment and shame rising in her throat. Her palms grew damp as she lowered her eyes, unable to meet his piercing stare. She had no idea why he was here, or why he looked as if he were holding back a storm.

At that moment, Josie stepped out from the theater exit. She walked past Candice, casting a casual glance toward the car. "I just got out of the restroom," she said quietly to Candice. "I didn't expect Leo to be so punctual. We’re heading out now. See you later."

Candice managed a stiff, artificial wave as Josie climbed into the passenger seat of Elio’s car.

Elio didn't look at Josie. "Why are you getting in?" he asked, his voice low and vibrating with restrained fury.

Josie flashed a grin. "My aunt had an emergency and had to leave early. You wouldn't mind giving your friend a ride, would you?"

Elio’s grip on the steering wheel tightened until his knuckles turned white. He stared straight ahead, his breathing coming in sharp, shallow bursts. "Get out," he ordered, the words sounding like a growl.

Josie’s smile faltered, but she didn't move. She leaned in closer, her voice a sharp whisper intended to wound. "You saw it yourself, Leo. Candice is never alone. First it was Mervyn, and now that he’s gone, she’s found someone else. She’ll choose anyone, Elio. Anyone but you."

"Get out!" Elio’s voice finally broke, a raw explosion of anger that made Josie freeze in fear.

She glanced out the window, seeing Candice and Wendell moving toward the curb to hail a taxi. Stalling for time, Josie sighed and reached for the door handle. "Fine, don't take your anger out on me. But as your friend, I’m telling you: don't waste your life on her. She doesn't see you, Elio. She never will."

Elio closed his eyes, a sharp, searing pain tearing through his chest at her words.

Josie reluctantly exited the car. The second the door slammed shut, Elio ignited the engine and tore away from the plaza. Through the rearview mirror, he watched as Candice climbed into a cab—alone. Wendell remained on the curb.

The realization didn't cool his temper; it only shifted it into a focused, desperate need. He swerved through traffic, keeping a calculated distance behind the taxi.

Inside the cab, Candice leaned her forehead against the cold glass of the window. The lights of the city blurred through the tears she could no longer hold back, each one a silent testament to a heart that felt as if it were finally starting to break.