My Mirror Image

Chapter 136

Julie was only brought out of her thoughts after Sonia called her name a few times.

She looked at Sonia again, feeling a sense of boredom. Settling for a salad, Julie spent her time

engrossed in

her phone.

In the fondue restaurant, Candice showed a rare enthusiasm for the dinner.

She wore her hair in a ponytail and rolled up her sleeves to her elbows after taking inspiration from the

younger intern. It was a departure from her usual demeanor.

Kayla encouraged everyone to make the most of the dinner, reminding them, “Candice is treating, so

don’t hold

back.”

Despite Candice’s image as reserved and aloof at work, after having worked with her, Kayla knew she

was approachable and friendly.

“Would you like to have anything in particular?” Kayla asked.

“I’m fine with anything.” Candice said.

The interns, after some hesitation, approached Candice while the table buzzed with activity.

Sitting beside Candice, Kayla noticed them. “Queenie, do you need to speak with Candice? Should I

give you

some space?”

“No, it’s alright,” Queenie awkwardly replied, her cheeks turning red as she addressed Candice. “We

just want

to express our gratitude for your mentorship and propose a toast, hoping for your continued support.”

Candice perceived their implicit hope for permanent roles and advised, “Focus on your work.”

Queenie was young and somewhat timid, and didn’t insist further. After exchanging some small talk,

she

withdrew.

Candice disliked food with too much dairy. She barely touched her meal.

Later in the evening, she retreated to a sofa in the private room they were eating in.

Throughout the night, Hanley sent work updates. Candice was reviewing a document when she

received a call

from Joe.

Worried about her absence from the hospital, he had called to express his concern.

Candice stepped into a quieter area to speak. She explained, “I was at a team dinner and forgot to

inform you.”

Joe was partly anxious because of Yvonne’s condition, which often made him concerned for Candice,

said, “As

long as you’re fine, that’s good. Enjoy your dinner.”

Casting her gaze in the direction of the Aether Corporation building, visible outside the restaurant, she

1/3.

+15 BONOS

After the call, and noticing the time was past eight, Candice pondered her hectic schedule, which left

little time

for hospital visits.

She paused at the entrance before rejoining the private room.

Upon her return, most had finished their meals.

Kayla teased, “We thought you’d left since you were gone so long.”

Candice surveyed the room and asked, “Is everyone done eating? If so, let’s go.”

After Candice paid the bill, Kayla inquired, “How will you get home? We can share a ride if it’s

convenient.”

Candice declined, “I have to stop by the office.”

Kayla saw she was excessively devoted to her work. “You’re not going back to work now, are you?”

“I just need to retrieve something.”

After saying goodbye to Kayla, Candice went directly to the office. She intended to bring some

documents

home to work, making time for a visit to Joe the next day.

Lacking a proper bag, Candice carried the files to the elevator.

To her surprise, the elevator opened, and she ran into Alex.

Alex looked startled at first, but quickly regained composure and asked with a concerned look, “You

haven’t

left yet?”

Carrying the documents, Candice stepped into the elevator and softly said, “I just came back for

something.”

Her sleeves remained pushed up to her elbows, exposing her forearms and a crystal bracelet adorning

her

wrist.

Candice could see her reflection in the elevator’s mirrored walls.

With her hair in a high ponytail, and her usually neat shirt slightly ruffled after the meal, she looked

more vibrant than her usual professional air, more akin to a fresh recruit than an experienced

executive.

The chill in the elevator made Candice tighten her hold on the documents.

As she bowed her head, her ponytail swung aside, revealing the nape of her neck.

Alex’s eyes rested on her neck, his expression darkening, and his hand subtly twitched.

Silence pervaded the elevator. The swift ascent seemed unusually slow to Candice, her lips pursed as

she watched the floor numbers change.

“Did you drive here?” Alex broke the silence as they approached the lobby.

Candice responded with a hum.

+15 BONOS

“Drive me,” he demanded.

She glanced up, her eyebrows knitting slightly as if she wanted to object.

But Alex simply looked at her and stated, “We need to stop by Verdant Glades first to pick up

something.”

Candice realized why he suddenly needed a ride. They were heading to his family’s home. He likely

wanted to use her presence as a buffer against his parents.

Without a word, Candice got into the car, documents in hand, with Alex following.

Inside the car, Alex wore a grim expression, fixating on Candice, and asked, “Did you change your car

scent?” Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

Distractedly, she answered, “Yes.”

“It smells awful,” he retorted disdainfully.

The drive continued in silence. Candice, a creature of habit, was slow to embrace change.

She had always used the same car scent since she began driving. However, after a recent

maintenance visit due to an oil leak, the dealership had replaced it with a new fragrance. Initially

hesitant, she gradually accepted the new scent.

They arrived at Verdant Glades around 9:30 p.m.

Alex exited the car first.

Candice hesitated, reluctant to follow him in.

Alex came to tap on her window.

She opened the door and heard his curt order, “Get out.”

Wanting to avoid a scene, Candice silently complied, accompanying him into the manor.

The Elysian Manor was well–lit, with only Helen in the living room.

Alex greeted her and left to retrieve something from his study, leaving Candice alone in the living room

with Helen.

Candice pondered why Alex had brought her, and remained silent, having nothing to discuss with

Helen.

Helen broke the silence within minutes, her voice laced with scorn. “Weren’t you planning to leave Alex

for the younger son of the Baldwin family? How dare you show up here?”

Candice calmly replied, “You’re mistaken.”

Helen scoffed. “I know your game. You think Alex isn’t reliable anymore, so you’re scouting for another

catch, aren’t you? What sets you apart from Sonia? Both of you are just opportunists seeking social

elevation.”