Chapter 4 I Must Find Her
Candice ran quickly.
What she didn't notice was that just as the elevator doors closed, a group of people turned the corner at the end of the hallway.
Leading them was Brandon!
He strode forward in a perfectly tailored black suit, exuding an aura of nobility and restraint that commanded attention.
Along the way, many people cast admiring glances in his direction.
Brandon ignored them all, his deep, intense eyes locking onto Elijah from a distance.
Since they were headed in the same direction, he also caught a glimpse of the slender figure in the elevator.
Just a fleeting glance—he couldn't even make out her features—yet it caused Brandon to stop in his tracks.
His eyes narrowed, a flash of astonishment crossing his face.
Why did that silhouette look so familiar?
It looked exactly like his ex-wife, Candice!
Was she back?
Brandon's expression tensed, and he instinctively took a step forward, ready to chase after her!
But just then, Elijah spotted him.
With an unhappy face and feeling dejected because Candice had left, Elijah couldn't help complaining, "Dad, what took you so long! That beautiful lady has already left!"
Seeing his son's displeasure, Brandon had to let it go for now.
Perhaps he was mistaken.
Candice had been gone for six years without a trace, impossible to find—how could she possibly appear here?
Brandon quickly regained his composure and turned to Elijah. "What beautiful lady? Is that the miracle doctor you mentioned on the phone?"
"Yes!"
Elijah nodded, glancing in the direction Candice had disappeared, looking disappointed.
He wondered if it was too late to chase after her now.
Brandon, unaware of what was causing his son's disappointment, dismissed it casually. "If she's gone, she's gone."
He didn't believe Elijah had actually met some miracle doctor.
Besides, the figure he'd glimpsed looked quite young.
No matter how skilled she might be, how exceptional could she really be?
In contrast, Brandon had already obtained 'Dr. Mandy's' contact information from Gray.
Finding that renowned specialist seemed more promising.
Seeing that Brandon wasn't taking his words seriously, Elijah grew angry. "How could you be like this!"
He had been trying to get Candice to help Brandon!
It was Brandon's fault for arriving late!
And now he was being so dismissive!
Elijah immediately became too upset to talk to him, huffing as he stomped ahead on his little legs.
Seeing his sudden temper tantrum, Brandon furrowed his brow and asked sternly, "What's with the attitude all of a sudden?"
Elijah pouted angrily, "Dad doesn't care at all about the miracle doctor! Do you think that beautiful lady isn't capable?"
Brandon looked at Elijah's puffy, angry face without answering, but his expression said it all.
Elijah snapped, "Don't be so skeptical! I specifically found out that she's amazing! She just performed a really difficult surgery that nobody else could do!"
Even with this information, Brandon still wasn't convinced.
Still, he tried to placate Elijah verbally. "I'm not doubting you, but Dad understands my own condition. This old injury isn't something just anyone can cure—even the beautiful lady you met might not be able to help."
More than that, what Brandon found concerning was how much importance Elijah was placing on a stranger.
Over the years, countless socialites and wealthy young ladies in Seaside City had lined up, all hoping to become Elijah's stepmother.
But he had rejected them all without exception.
He wouldn't even allow Vesper, who was close to the Obelon family, near Elijah's orbit.
The Obelon family's little prince's 'notorious' attitude toward women was practically common knowledge throughout Seaside City!
This was the first time Brandon had seen Elijah take an interest in a woman.
Brandon couldn't help but suspect that she might be someone with ulterior motives, deliberately using this approach to get close to Elijah. If that was the case, it would be best to nip Elijah's interest in the bud.
So Brandon added, "Dad has already found the real 'miracle doctor.' We've accomplished today's goal, so let's head home. No more fussing."
Hearing this, Elijah felt deflated.
Wasn't the miracle doctor Brandon find the same person as Candice?
Did that mean he wouldn't be able to see Candice again?
Although they'd only met once, for some reason, he really liked her.
Just being apart for this short while, he was already missing her.
It would be nice to see her again.
"I've made up my mind—I'm going to find her!"
If she couldn't treat his dad's illness, then she could be his mom instead!
Elijah's mind worked creatively, instantly washing away his previous disappointment.
After leaving the hospital, Candice headed straight home.
On the way, her tangled emotions took a long time to settle.
Although she had been divorced from Brandon for six years and her heart had long since moved on from him, she couldn't help being affected when thinking about Elijah.
Elijah looked about the same age as her Yasmin.
Which meant that shortly after they separated, Brandon had a child with someone else!
With whom?
Vesper, perhaps?
Thinking of this possibility, Candice suddenly found it laughable.
During their marriage, she had wanted a child several times, but Brandon had no such plans.
He even made her take contraceptives after every intimate encounter.
The Obelon family's wishes contradicted his.
Throughout their marriage, her inability to conceive had subjected her to Brielle's constant pressure and disdain.
Brandon never knew any of this.
And yet, barely after their divorce, he was willing to have a child!
What more did Candice need to understand?
Brandon didn't not want children—he just didn't think she was worthy of bearing them!
Recalling those memories, Candice couldn't help but curse Brandon.
That jerk!
While she was still muttering curses, her best friend Qiana Collins called.
Seeing the incoming call, Candice composed herself before answering, "Qiana, what's up?"
From the other end came Qiana's enthusiastic voice, "Candice, are you done with work?"
Candice replied, "Just finished. I'm heading home now."
Hearing this, Qiana immediately said, "What home? You rarely visit Seaside City—let me be a proper host! Besides, after such a long surgery today, you deserve a good meal."
Hearing Qiana's suggestion, Candice smiled and said, "Alright, I'll let you treat me. Send me the address and I'll meet you there."
"Great, come to Coastal Cove Dining. I'll be waiting!"
Qiana hung up after saying this.
Candice put away her phone and told the driver, "I won't be going home for dinner. Take me to Coastal Cove Dining instead."
"Of course."
The driver acknowledged and started the car.
Half an hour later, Candice met Qiana at the restaurant.
They hadn't seen each other for several months. When Qiana spotted Candice, she rushed over and hugged her warmly, "Candice, you're finally here!"
With a playfully flirtatious manner, she tilted Candice's chin and teased, "How did you get even more beautiful? The universe is so unfair—blessing you with such beauty and such amazing talent. I'm dying of jealousy!"
Candice maintained a serious expression as she emphasized, "First, my beauty comes from my parents. Second, my talent is indeed innate!"
Qiana laughed, "So conceited!"
Candice couldn't maintain her serious facade and broke into laughter.