My Mirror Image

Chapter 127

+15 BONOS

Sonia was a vivacious person. With Sieg by her side, she was able to blend in with ease.

Meanwhile, Candice lingered on the outskirts for a short while, feeling idle. Eventually, she made her

way to the grill stations, took several skewers nonchalantly, and set them on a grill.

Not being a regular at barbecuing or cooking, Candice struggled to manage the temperature.

It wasn’t until a charred scent filled the air that she realized she had overdone the food.

As Candice hurried to fix things, Sieg approached to retrieve something and was immediately hit by the

burnt smell. He frowned. “What’s that smell?”

Candice, keeping her cool, was about to dispose of the charred food when Sieg caught her in the act.

He exclaimed dramatically, “Candice, can you even cook?”

Still holding the plate, Candice froze.

She glanced at Sieg but chose to remain silent.

Sieg sneered contemptuously. After being verbally bested by Candice earlier without a chance for

rebuttal, this was his moment.

He scrutinized the burnt food on the plate and clicked his tongue. “Is this ‘perfect wife and mother‘ act

for Lex or Jake’s benefit?” Sieg taunted mockingly.

He blocked Candice’s path before she could move and scoffed, seeming to enjoy the drama.

Candice maintained a neutral expression and confronted him in a low voice, “Ever been told how

annoying you are?”

Her tone was icy. Her expression was unflinching.

Sieg’s face hardened as he retorted louder, “Am I being too lenient with you?”

His sudden spike in volume captured the crowd’s attention, all eyes pivoting to their confrontation,

Marc was engaged in a discussion with Alex about an Aether Corporation project, and turned at the

noise.

He muttered, “Why must Sieg always target Candice?”

13 Marc

Aware of the close bond between Alex and Sieg, Marc hesitated but Alex was already stepping

forward. Marc quickly followed.

Sieg was clearly drunk. He glared at Candice, and when he spoke his tone was accusing. “Annoying?

Look at yourself, flirting with different men. Do you think you’re above others?”

Cornered and insulted, Candice’s anger flared.

Briefly closing her eyes, she coldly asked, “Mr. Frowler, you accuse me of flirting. Whom exactly have I

charmed?”

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Sieg’s disdain was clear as he made his challenge. “You don’t know? How else would you be Aether

Corporation’s chief secretary?”

He was about to continue when Alex’s commanding voice cut through, “Sieg!”

Sieg looked up and saw Alex. He frowned and seemed like he had something to say.

Marc could feel the tension spike. He quickly walked up from behind Alex to smooth things over.

“Didn’t you say we were going to play a couple of games later?” he asked as he brought Sieg a glass of

juice.”

Don’t drink too much.”

Sieg was hesitant to accept it at first, but he caught Alex’s warning stare, unwillingly groaned and

accepted

the juice.

Marc exhaled a sigh of relief and turned to Candice.

Candice’s expression was blank, her eyes devoid of any feeling, as she clutched the plate.

It was understandable. Being publicly accused and embarrassed would upset anyone. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Marc could tell how she felt. He touched his face awkwardly, took the plate from her hands, and softly

asked, ” Would you like something to eat? I can cook it on the grill for you. I’m quite skilled at it.”

Candice glanced at him briefly. After a moment of hesitation, she responded, “Thank you, but I’m fine.”

Caught in the awkward situation, Marc’s eyes moved back and forth between Candice and Sieg.

He paused, thinking, and an idea came to him. “If you’re not hungry, how about I show you some

paintings inside? I’ve mentioned them to you before. You might find them interesting.”

Even though she was still uneasy. Candice knew it was Marc’s birthday. She gave a slow nod and

accompanied him inside.

As they passed Alex, she sensed his icy stare on her, but chose not to meet his gaze.

Inside Marc’s house were several artworks by a fairly well–known modern artist, which Candice was

familiar

with through Hanley.

Feeling somewhat awkward, Marc rubbed his hands together and commented. “That’s just how Sieg is.

Don’t take it to heart.”

Candice stayed silent, fully aware of Sieg’s nature.

Marc paused as he realized that he couldn’t apologize on behalf of Sieg.

As he opened his mouth to switch topics, his phone rang. He pulled it out. It was a call from work.

Marc glanced at Candice hesitatingly. “I need to take this call.”

Candice gave a nod and continued to examine the paintings.

Concerned she might get bored, Marc suggested, “Jake had to step out for a bit. I’ll ask him to join

you.”

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With that, he quickly departed.

Candice didn’t mind. She preferred not to run into Sieg and the others outside, so she focused on one

particular painting.

Voices from the party occasionally seeped in, but they were mostly muffled.

Footsteps approached as Candice took a photo of the painting with her phone, sending it to Hanley.

She spoke

to Jackson without turning around. “Has Hanley planned his return to Dorrington City yet?”

She remembered Hanley talking about the artist’s upcoming exhibit in Dorrington City.

Receiving no response from Jackson, she turned around. It was Alex.

His dark eyes were on her as he casually asked, “You look happy. Is it because Hanley is returning to

Dorrington City?”

Candice’s calm expression now showed a hint of chill as she responded, “And so what if that’s the

case?”

Alex’s eyes narrowed for a moment before he nonchalantly said, “It’s irrelevant.”

Candice felt her irritation rise, and advised him coldly. “If it’s irrelevant, then kindly ask your friend to not

interfere in others‘ affairs.”

She was hinting at Sieg.

Alex’s eyebrows moved slightly. He was about to reply when suddenly, a clap of thunder resounded

outside, followed by Sieg’s loud exclamation, “Damn, it’s started raining!”

Dorrington City was known for its sudden summer rainstorms. Itt began to pour almost instantly

following Sieg’s outburst.

People scrambled indoors, paying no attention to Candice and Alex, all eager to find shelter from the

rain.

The crowd of hurrying partygoers jostled them both, and suddenly Candice and Alex were close.

Candice caught the scent of cedar on Alex as she stepped back, only to be startled by the sound of a

heavy

object falling outside, accompanied by Sonia’s alarmed cry.