My Mirror Image

Chapter 134

Candice refrained from further explanation and returned to her office.

She relayed the news of the upcoming Friday deadline for document submissions, causing a wave of

dismay among her colleagues.

Kayla was disheartened and asked, “Is there a problem between Mr. Elysian and our office? We used

to get a

whole week, but now it’s been cut down to four days.”

“The company is engaged in multiple partnership talks right now, so our workload has increased,”

Candice

clarified.

This was true, and Kayla couldn’t argue with it.

Understanding the situation, Kayla resignedly said, “Given the bonuses Mr. Elysian offers, I’m willing to

work

the extra time needed.”

Candice emailed the requested documents to Alex and sent him a reminder on WhatsApp.

Tamia showed up around noon for their agreed lunch.

Candice multitasked efficiently, reviewing resumes while they ate. Aether Corporation’s reputation for

good

employee perks had attracted numerous recent graduates.

Her phone buzzed with messages. She noticed they were from Sieg and others, sharing photos from Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

Marc’s

recent birthday celebration.

Sieg’s amateur photography skills had turned the pictures into a source of amusement, sparking playful

complaints in their group chat.

While going through the photos, Candice heard Tamia call out to her.

She looked up. “What’s up?”

Tamia, with a sly wink, handed Candice her phone. “I was right, wasn’t I? Sonia is being made

permanent.

Julie herself came to retrieve her file.”

Candice briefly glanced at the message from Julie on Tamia’s phone, indicating the need for Sonia’s

file. She knew Julie would only concern herself with Sonia at Alex’s instruction. Candice, on the other

hand, believed

that this was not her concern.

She arranged the conference room after lunch, making sure everything was in order.

Alex came to the conference by himself.

With ten minutes to go before the meeting, Candice organized the necessary documents for Alex,

briefing him. “Here are the notes from our last meeting, including the issues raised and the solutions

discussed. You might

+15 BONOS

Alex casually perused the documents, then, in a matter–of–fact tone, instructed, “Expedite the mid–

year analysis.”

“Will do,” Candice acknowledged.

She habitually positioned additional documents within Alex’s easy reach, a reflex borne from familiarity

with his work style.

Alex had grown used to Candice’s methodical support.

The meeting attendees were made up of a group of five or six people, including Marc.

Marc sought out Candice, and she greeted him cordially with a nod and a polite smile.

He spoke to her with a hushed tone. “Was everything okay getting home last weekend? I felt bad that

day. I should have driven you home, but I’d been drinking. Sorry about that.”

Candice responded gently. “No worries, it was fine.”

Marc seemed to want to continue, but hesitated, mindful of their professional setting.

As everyone gathered, Candice seamlessly took her place next to Alex.

Aether Corporation’s long–planned Riverstone Project.

Candice remained deeply involved in this even after her transfer, with Alex sending her copious

documentation

and data. Her familiarity meant she was able to easily keep up with the meeting’s discourse and

provide Alex with the necessary data on cue.

At the meeting’s conclusion, Alex offered her a rare compliment. “Well done, your response time is

commendable.”

“Mr. Gill and his team are waiting to see you,” Candice said, relaying the message.

Alex briefly displayed irritation, adjusted his tie, and clicked his tongue without further comment.

Candice noted, “Mr. Gill is the key client for this project, but seems undecided still.”

After a contemplative look at Candice, Alex scowled and exited the meeting room.

As Candice followed Alex out, she noticed Marc approaching the meeting room.

Marc paused upon seeing Alex and said, “Lex.”

“What do you need?” Alex inquired.

Marc’s attention shifted to Candice, and he walked past Alex. He smiled at her, and asked directly, “Are

you

free tonight? I’d like to treat you to dinner.”

Candice reflexively started to decline Marc’s invitation, surprised, frowning slightly.

“I owe you an apology for last weekend. I should’ve been more attentive,” Marc added quickly,

embarrassed.

+15 BONOS

He had been thinking about this excuse for a while. Aware of the circulating gossip about Alex and

Candice’s

split and Alex’s new relationship, Marc didn’t even look at Alex while speaking.

Before Candice could reply, Alex Intervened with a chilly remark, “Are you here to talk about love

during

working hours, Marc?”

Embarrassed, Marc responded softly, “I was just passing by and thought to ask Candice.”

Alex switched his attention to Candice. She maintained a calm expression.

Candice looked at Marc. “Sorry, I have to work overtime tonight.”

Marc realized she had declined him politely. He grinned awkwardly and said, “Maybe another time.”

After the departure of Mr. Gill and his team, Candice accompanied Alex back to the office.

Entering the elevator, her phone rang with a message from Kayla about ordering milk tea. After

responding, Candice met Alex’s probing stare.

He commented casually, “Ms. Renault, you’re quite sociable. How did you get so close to Marc?”

Candice pressed the elevator button then met his gaze. “Is my personal life under the company’s

scrutiny?”

she rebuked.

“Personal?” Alex asked, his gaze narrowing.

“Am I wrong?” Candice shot back.

Alex did not answer right away but averted his gaze. “You’re full of surprises,” he said. His voice was

neutral,

but there was an underlying tone.

In the elevator’s confined space and with Alex’s towering stature, the tension was palpable as he

looked at her

expressionlessly.

“Next time, keep your personal matters separate from work,” he warned.

Candice remained silent, her fingers twitching slightly. She hadn’t brought it up.

She headed back to the office with Alex, needing to finalize the meeting notes. However, as they

approached, Candice noticed Sonia standing at the door, beaming.

Sonia flushed when she saw Candice with Alex, but she immediately recovered.

Candice followed Alex into the office. She ignored Sonia’s resentful expression and proceeded to

diligently recap the meeting’s details.

She was about to leave when she heard Alex’s authoritative voice instructing, “Process Sonia’s

paperwork for her permanent position.”