Chapter 972
Chapter 972:
“Rupert always thinks he can have everything his way,” he thought. “Let’s see how he competes with me this time p>
Ellis closed the photo app and dialed the number listed on the document. When the call connected, he lifted the phone to his ear.
“Hello, is this Mr. Padilla? I’m Ellis from BPL p>
“Oh, Mr. Sandoval… hello,” a fawning voice replied from the other end.
Ellis raised an eyebrow and glanced out the window at the street. “I heard you’re the supplier for Benton Group’s North Bay amusement park project. Do you have time to meet today? I have some business to discuss with you p>
Candace’s mind was in chaos by the time she got back to Rupert’s apartment. Guilt crushed her so heavily that she even considered running the moment she reached the community gate.
She kept replaying the day Rupert had caught her in the study. What if Ellis went after Rupert? What if Rupert discovered she was the one who stole the plans?
Candace barely knew how she made it inside. Her palms were slick with cold sweat.
Luckily for her, Rupert wasn’t in the living room.
Candace’s heart raced as she tiptoed inside. The study door was slightly ajar, and when she cautiously peeked in, she saw Rupert sitting at his desk with a document in his hand.
The amusement park plan—the one she had taken.
Her chest tightened. Her heartbeat only grew louder. She knocked lightly and called out, forcing her voice to sound normal, hoping to distract him. “Hi, Ron p>
“Candy.” Rupert looked up with a smile. “Did you try on the ring? How is it p>
Relief washed through Candace when she saw that Rupert looked calm. She went up to him, clung to his arm, and said in a soft, submissive tone, “I tried it on. It’s beautiful, and it fits well. Can you come with me next time p>
“Okay,” Rupert replied, rubbing her shoulder. “I still have a few projects to wrap up at the company, but I’ll make time so we can go together p>
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“Okay.” Candace felt her nerves ease again. She studied Rupert’s face, searching for any sign of suspicion. Then she asked carefully, “Ron, since we’re getting engaged, when will you take me to see your grandpa? It’s important to have the elders’ blessing before we get married. And I don’t want to seem disrespectful p>
Her voice faded at the end, and Rupert could tell she was maneuvering—trying to achieve something.
Her attempt to ingratiate herself was obvious.
Bruce was the Benton family’s patriarch. If he refused to approve, Candace’s dream of marrying into the family would collapse instantly. She knew that better than anyone.
Candace was willing to flatter the old man if it secured her future.
After a brief pause, Rupert patted her shoulder, his tone gentle. “Grandpa is old and frail. He was just discharged, and he’s still recovering at the old house. He doesn’t want any disturbance right now, so it’s best not to visit him. Besides, I’ve already set the date for the engagement ceremony. It’s on the eighteenth of this month. We have plenty of time to prepare p>
“The eighteenth?” Candace’s face immediately brightened with excitement. She didn’t truly care about meeting Bruce—what mattered was the engagement.