Chapter 957


    Candice was about to defend Elio when a sudden force gripped her arm, yanking her up from her chair. Before she fully understood what was happening, Elio had pulled her to his side.


    His face contorted in anger as he red at Micha. He exuded a strong and intimidating presence as he spoke sharply, "I know I''m not worthy of Candice, but I don''t need your well-meaning advice.


    "I''m not a tool you''ve crafted to take over the family business. I''m a person and your son. Don''t I have the right to love? Don''t I deserve happiness?" Micha''s expression turned steely as she fixed a stern re on Elio and said, "You need to know your ce."


    Upon hearing her harsh words, the pain Elio had suppressed for more than 20 years suddenly burst forth. His voice rose to an almost hysterical growl. "I want to embrace life, too, to be lively and engaging. But did you ever give me the chance?


    "Since childhood, even a simple ser game was forbidden and dismissed as a distraction from my studies. I''ve never met anyone or experienced anything that made meugh joyfully. All I''ve ever known is your cold, relentless pressure and a never-ending parade of tutors!


    "How can I find a reason to smile? How can I ever be happy? Even with Candice finally beside me, you still see me as unworthy and judge her unfit for our family''s vast business. How much longer will you control my life?"


    Micha''s face turned stormy as she clenched her fists.


    Tristan wasted no time reprimanding, "Leo, knock it off!"


    Candice gripped Elio''s arm and pleaded desperately, "Please don''t speak like that, Elio! Be kind to your mom."


    Elio fought to control his anger, his eyes welling up as he eximed, "I shouldn''t have ever brought Candice home. You don''t deserve to have such an amazing daughter-inw."


    With that, he took Candice''s hand and walked purposefully out of the manor garden. They got into the car and departed from Hoffis Manor. The atmosphere inside the car was thick with gloom, and Candice sensed Elio''s profound sadness.


    Elio was remarkable but had been raised in such a suffocating environment. He grew up under the thumb of his overbearing mother.


    Throughout his childhood and into adulthood, he never experienced praise or encouragement. Instead, he endured constant belittlement and degradation.


    As his sister, Wanda''s brilliance


    shone brighter, Micha''s tyranny


    over him intensified. Micha


    constantlypared him


    unfavorably with Wanda, a chemistry prodigy. It was hard to imagine how he endured such an upbringing.


    l


    The car pulled up at a tranquil meadow, nestled amidst forested hillsides and enveloped by lush greenery. Elio parked the car, slumped weakly against the seat, and closed his eyes to gather himself.


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    "I''m sorry, Candice. I lost my temper earlier and frightened you," he whispered.


    Candice unbuckled her seatbelt and turned toward him, gently cing her hand on his. Elio paused briefly before opening his eyes and locked his gaze with hers.


    She smiled, her voice gentle and


    sweet as she said, "Elio, you''re not worthless like Micha says. To me, you''re handsome, capable, and incredibly sessful. You''re


    passionate about sports, high e


    educated, fluent in fournguages, and skilled in sprinting, piano, painting, and photography.


    "Your diverse interests and captivating personality make you truly special in my eyes."


    Elio smiled genuinely, a sense of relief washing over him as he tenderly stroked her head. He unbuckled his seatbelt and drew her into a tight embrace.


    Candice was like the only sun in his life, radiating warmth andfort. Feeling immensely grateful to have her, he whispered, "Thank you, Candice."