My Mirror Image

Chapter 141

+15 BONOS

Candice had been swamped with work commitments. It had been quite some time since she last saw

Jackson, who had just returned to town.

She greeted him cheerfully. “You’ve been quite busy lately, I see.”

With a hint of resignation, Jackson replied, “Just handling some projects back home.” He quickly shifted

the conversation to Candice, however. “And you? Has it been stressful?”

He was aware of her grandfather’s hospitalization and the added strain it must have put on her

between work

and hospital visits.

“I’m managing.” Candice responded while maintaining her composure. After a brief pause, she added,

“It won’t

be hectic for much longer.”

Knowing that now she had handed in her resignation and it was only a matter of a few weeks left, she

felt a

sense of relief.

Jackson already knew about her decision to leave Aether Corporation. “Have you decided for sure?”

She nodded affirmatively.

Jackson’s face lit up with a gentle smile. “Then let’s celebrate tonight. Moving forward is always

positive.”

During their dinner, Jackson was attentive and shared light–hearted stories, deliberately steering clear

of work

matters.

Mid–conversation, Jackson asked, “Could you come to my mother’s birthday party?”

Candice had a good impression of Jasmine, and considered the request. “Would it be appropriate for

me to be

there?”

“My mother adores you,” Jackson informed her. “Hanley will also be present. Don’t you two get along

well?

Consider attending the party to keep him company.”

“Won’t his family be there?” Candice asked, curious.

Jackson paused slightly. “Hanley’s mother is overseas right now.”

Candice agreed to attend without further probing.

Upon returning home, Candice found two property management staff outside her apartment.

“Good evening, Ms. Renault. We’re from property management,” the leading woman introduced herself

politely.

“We couldn’t reach you, so we had to wait here. Apologies for the inconvenience.”

Candice asked, “Is there something I can assist with?”

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The woman, with a hint of awkwardness, replied, “It concerns your quarterly property dues.”

Due to her work–related travel, Candice had overlooked the payment.

They swiftly resolved the matter. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Just as Candice was about to go into her home, the property staff mentioned. “Ms. Renault, we have a

mid- summer celebration in the community. Feel free to join us if you’re around.”

Checking her phone, Candice realized that midsummer was only a few weeks away.

She recalled how she used to join Alex for the midsummer festivities at his family estate, but quickly

dismissed the thought and entered her apartment.

The following afternoon, Hanley reached out to Candice to confirm their dinner arrangements.

Dressed in a tastefully simple white shirt adorned with pearl buttons and a coat, with her hair gently

curled, Candice appeared more approachable than her usual reserved self.

As she exited her apartment, she encountered Alex unexpectedly.

His expression was difficult to decipher, but there was a hint of surprise.

He briefly made eye contact before looking away and walking into the elevator first.

Candice was momentarily startled but followed quietly. She remained silent, her lips tightly pressed

together.

In the stillness of the elevator, the only sound was their breathing.

She kept her focus on her phone, not speaking a word.

Previously, Hanley had invited her to a group chat that was now quite active.

In the group, Nadia tagged Candice, announcing their arrival in Dorrington City.

As Candice prepared to respond, the elevator jolted abruptly and halted, plunging into darkness except

for the dim glow of her phone.

Startled, Candice tensed instinctively. She suffered from slight night blindness.

She felt for the elevator’s wall. “Could there be a problem with the elevator?”

Nearby, Alex’s voice was cold and irritated as he replied. “What’s your guess?”

“We should make an emergency call to the property management,” Candice suggested, striving to

remain calm while addressing him.

Standing next to the elevator control panel, Alex expressed his annoyance with a click of his tongue

and then hit the emergency button.

There was no response.

Confused, but recalling her interactions with property management the previous evening. Candice

illuminated

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The person on the other end promptly asked, “Ms. Renault, what seems to be the issue?”

In the confined, silent elevator, Candice’s voice sounded crystal clear. “There’s a problem with the

elevator on this floor. Could you come to fix it immediately?”

Once the situation was understood, property management confirmed they would send someone right

away.

Unaware that her voice was shaking, Candice, thinking of Alex’s presence, informed him, “Someone

from

property management will be here shortly.”

Alex sneered, glancing at her coldly. He benefited from the light of Candice’s phone, and could easily

discern

her expression.

“I hear Jackson’s back. Are you eager to see him?” he said scornfully.

Candice frowned, not appreciating his tone. “What does Jackson have to do with this?”

“Then who are you in a rush to see?” Alex persisted, his frustration evident.

Even though Candice couldn’t see his face clearly, she sensed his foul mood.

Unrelated to the elevator’s failure and hindered by her night blindness, she felt even more discomfort.

Gathering her composure, she replied firmly. “My meetings are my own affair. Your frustration won’t

speed

things up. Help is on the way.”

“Candice,” Alex said, his voice becoming deeper.

In the low light, her senses became more acute.

Candice felt Alex’s approach and the scent of snow and cedar surrounded her.

Her hand tensed, and suddenly, Alex’s cold fingers clasped her chin.

In a low, detached tone, he taunted her. “Do you think you’ve grown wings?”

His breath tickled her ear, and she shrank back involuntarily, although Alex maintained his grip.

After a moment, Candice managed to regain her voice. She was about to respond when the voice of

the property staff echoed In the elevator.

“Is anyone there? Can you hear me?”