Chapter 362
“But that’s because he’s
Soren was about to argue, but I quickly tugged on his hand and interrupted, “Your grandfather’s right, Soren. You should focus on your career right now, especially since you’re your family’s heir. You can’t let personal feelings interfere with your greater responsibilities.”
William nodded approvingly. “You’re a sensible woman, Miss Jones. It seems Soren has good taste.”
I forced a bitter smile.
Sensible? More like I was forced to say that.
But truthfully, I wasn’t in a rush to get married, and William’s stance actually lifted some pressure off me. In a way, it was a relief.
The tension in the air lifted after my words smoothed things over.
Soren and I returned to our seats.
Just then, someone entered the courtyard–one of William’s personal aides, based on their attire and demeanor.
“Sír, Commander Frieze and Miss Frieze have arrived,” he announced.
My heart skipped a beat. Commander Frieze? Miss Frieze?
Was Candy here? What a coincidence!
“Let them in,” William instructed, his expression visibly changing.
He seemed eager to welcome them.
I glanced at Soren, my emotions growing more complex.
Soren remained composed, lowering his voice to reassure me, “Don’t worry, it’s fine. We’ll stay here a little longer and then head over to the main building for lunch.”
Candy entered before he had even finished speaking. Arm–in–arm with an older man, she quickly made her way to the living room.
I remembered Soren once telling me that Victor was William’s former subordinate who had retired just that year.
Compared to William, Victor appeared younger and more vigorous. Lean and with an upright posture, he looked like a man who had spent his life in the military.
Although I had known of their relationship, seeing them together still caught me off guard.
I had heard that Candy came from an incredibly wealthy family back at the academy.
Every weekend and holiday, Candy would arrive at the academy with a driver, picking her up with the utmost respect, like something from a TV series.
At the time, I had assumed she was just another rich kid–nothing special. After all, I was surrounded by wealthy people like Jean, Alex, the Kennedys, many of whom came from elite families.
But at that moment, I realized how naïve I had been.
Candy’s family wasn’t just wealthy. They held power–real power.
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Chapter 362
+25 BONUS
Suddenly, it made sense why she had always looked down on me and gone out of her way to target me.
With her background, she must have been pampered and revered her entire life, with no one daring to overshadow her.
But by sheer coincidence, she ended up at the same academy as me, only to find herself in my shadow.
Naturally, she wasn’t going to take that lightly.
“Good afternoon, Grandpa William,” Candy greeted warmly as soon as she stepped inside.
William responded with a smile before turning his gaze toward Soren, as if waiting for him to speak.
Before William could say anything, Soren nodded politely. “Commander Frieze, Miss Frieze.”
I was taken aback.
The Frieze family had been visiting the Kenways frequently lately, so this was clearly not the first time Soren and Candy had met. Yet, the way he addressed her as “Miss Frieze” felt so distant.
Candy met his gaze directly, seemingly unfazed by that, and asked, “Are you alright, Soren? Grandpa wanted to come over when he heard about what happened to you and Soleil last night.”
So, Soren was the reason for their visit.
It seemed Candy wasn’t bothered at all by the fact that Soren had a girlfriend. She was still openly concerned for him, still admiring him.
Honestly, it reminded me of how Maddison had once pursued Edward.
On Maddison’s 18th birthday, she had publicly confessed her feelings for Edward in front of all her guests, declaring that it was her greatest wish in life to marry him.
