Chapter 5 Candice, You Finally Appeared

"Come on, sit down! I ordered all your favorites. You must be starving after such a long day," Qiana said, pulling Candice to the seat and settling beside her.

Candice nodded, not bothering with formalities as she picked up her silverware and dug in. "I'm absolutely famished. I didn't even eat lunch because of that surgery."

Though she had felt satisfied during her confrontation with Remy, only Candice knew how mentally drained she'd been throughout the entire procedure.

The operation had taken hours, and with no other doctor available to take over, lunch had been out of the question.

Qiana listened with concern. "You poor thing! Eat up, then!"

She helped serve some of Candice's favorite dishes.

Candice didn't hesitate, channeling her frustration into her appetite.

Only when she'd eaten her fill did she resume chatting with Qiana.

The two had met four years ago while studying abroad and had been confidantes ever since.

"How long will you be staying in Seaside City for this project you're managing?" Qiana asked.

Candice shook her head. "It's still up in the air. Could be just two or three months, or it might stretch to a year."

Projects like these rarely went according to plan, especially with the challenges they were facing in developing the new medication.

Qiana brightened at this news. "That's wonderful! I'll have company while you're here! Oh, and after dinner, I want to introduce you to some friends. Remember those two rare medicinal ingredients you asked me about? I found them through the Turner family here in Seaside City. Actually, their heir, Patrick Turner, will be in the area tonight! You should talk to him!"

Candice had been exhausted and was planning to rest after dinner, but hearing Qiana's words, she immediately changed her mind. "Perfect! I've been searching for those for so long—I can't miss this opportunity!"

After dinner, Candice accompanied Qiana to an upscale club.

Just as they arrived, another car pulled up at the entrance.

It was Brandon. He had a business meeting with clients tonight.

As he stepped out, he caught another glimpse of a familiar silhouette.

Was that Candice again?

Was he seeing things?

Knox got out after him and noticed his hesitation. "What's wrong? Vision problems again?"

Brandon shook his head. "No, nothing. Let's go."

"Alright," Knox replied, hurrying to catch up.

Completely unaware of this, Candice entered a private room with Qiana to find several people already waiting. From their demeanor and attire, they were clearly people of significance.

Qiana called out to them, and they greeted her enthusiastically.

"What took you so long? We've been waiting forever!"

"You're late—time to drink your penalty!"

Everyone joked around, and Qiana played along. "Fine, I'll drink!"

She grabbed a cocktail and downed it in one go. Setting the glass down, she said, "Oh, I almost forgot to introduce you all—this is my best friend, Candice Elikin. She's a doctor."

The group didn't know Candice's true identity, but as Qiana's friend, they welcomed her warmly.

"Wow, she's gorgeous!"

"Ms. Elikin, nice to meet you. Mind if we exchange contacts?"

"We're all friends here—relax and enjoy yourself."

They greeted Candice cordially.

Candice smiled back, exchanging pleasantries.

"Alright, you guys carry on. Candice and I have something to discuss," Qiana announced, waving to the group before linking arms with Candice and leading her to a distinguished-looking man.

"Patrick, this is the brilliant physician I told you about, Candice Elikin!"

Looking at the handsome man with his gentle demeanor, Candice guessed this must be the Turner family heir Qiana had mentioned.

She took the initiative to greet him. "Hello, Mr. Turner."

Patrick smiled with scholarly charm. "Hello, I've heard so much about you. I've read your medical papers—truly innovative. I'd heard of your reputation, Ms. Elikin, but I didn't expect you to be so young."

Candice remained modest yet composed. "You're too kind, Mr. Turner."

Patrick smiled. "No need for flattery. Qiana mentioned you were looking for rare medicinal herbs. As it happens, my family's medicinal garden cultivated several plants a few years ago. They're quite precious, but it's worth parting with some to make your acquaintance. We can arrange a time for collection. Perhaps we could exchange contact information?"

"That would be wonderful, thank you."

Candice readily agreed, taking out her phone to add his contact.

With business concluded, the atmosphere relaxed as they got to know each other better.

Since this was primarily a social gathering among friends, games inevitably led to drinking.

Caught up in the festive mood, Candice had a few drinks herself.

However, her alcohol tolerance wasn't great, and despite the low alcohol content, she soon began feeling lightheaded.

"Candice, want another?" Qiana asked, holding up a bottle of whiskey.

Candice quickly waved her hand. "No thanks, I'm already feeling it. I need to use the restroom."

"Are you drunk? Want me to come with you?" Qiana eyed her with concern.

Candice brushed it off. "I'm not that bad. You keep enjoying yourself—I know the way. I'll be right back."

"Alright, be careful then."

Qiana didn't press further, just waved her off.

After leaving the room, Candice bypassed the restroom and headed for the emergency exit to get some fresh air.

Away from the noise, the quiet was soothing.

She leaned against the wall, about to call Yasmin, when the door opened.

Two drunk young men stumbled out, supporting each other.

They seemed startled to find someone there.

"What's someone doing here?"

One had barely muttered this when he noticed Candice's appearance.

Her stunning looks and ethereal presence caught their attention immediately.

Their eyes lit up, unable to look away.

"Well, look at this beauty."

"Hey, gorgeous, feeling lonely out here? Instead of hiding, why not join us for a few drinks? We could show you a good time later..."

The way he said "good time" carried an unmistakably suggestive tone.

Their eyes kept roaming over Candice's figure, their intentions obvious.

Candice thought to herself: Just my luck!

Running into two drunken creeps here of all places.

She decided to ignore them, quickly putting away her phone and turning to leave.

But the men blocked her path.

"Hey, beautiful, I'm talking to you. Didn't you hear me?"

As they moved closer, the nauseating smell of alcohol made Candice's stomach turn.

She frowned, her expression growing cold. "Move aside! I'm not interested in your 'good time'!"

Her tone was ice-cold.

But these drunks seemed not to understand.

Meanwhile, outside the passage.

Brandon, having just finished his business meeting, happened to be passing by.

He couldn't believe he was hearing a familiar voice.

After spotting that familiar silhouette at the hospital and club entrance, he was now hearing a familiar voice.

This couldn't be a coincidence anymore.

Brandon's eyes sharpened as he looked toward the door.

Candice, was that you?

You'd finally appeared!