My Mirror Image

Chapter 172

Candice quietly spoke to herself, uncertain if she was addressing her grandfather or seeking self-

comfort.

The story continued to escalate online, attracting attention from influential internet celebrities who

began to share the story.

Her phone was flooded with messages ranging from inquiries and comforting words to subtle probes

for further details.

She silenced her phone and carelessly placed it on the coffee table.

Her mind had been in disarray all night, compelling her to push herself to relax and strategize her next

steps.

The deeper she delved into her thoughts, the more chaotic they became.

The aching in her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten by mid–morning.

In the kitchen, she listlessly picked up a slice of bread, ignoring its chill from the fridge, and bit into it.

Despite her efforts, she could barely eat half, feeling nauseated at the thought of more.

While Candice was on the balcony, trying to distract herself with a book, Kayla’s call came.

Her eyes flickered at the sight of Kayla’s name before she answered.

“Candice,” Kayla asked, her voice tinged with anxiety. “Are you okay?”

She hadn’t had any water in a long time and replied in a hoarse voice, “I’m fine

Kayla hesitated upon hearing Candice’s frail voice before continuing. “Can you come to the office. this

afternoon? The public relations department has hired a public relations team. They stated

that they may require additional information from you to handle this matter.”

Candice’s brain was slow to comprehend what Kayla was saying.

After a brief pause, she said, “I’ll come in the afternoon.”

The involvement of Aether Corporation seemed inevitable as the incident unfolded at their

doorstep.

Candice thought to herself that Yvonne had made a strategic choice of location.

+15 BONOS

Before heading to the corporation, Candice freshened up and applied makeup, trying to mask her

exhaustion.

She reached the office at the end of the day and walked against the departing crowd, heading straight

to the specified meeting room.

Inside, she found Alex, Sonia, Sawyer, Kayla, and other familiar executives.

Candice, expressionless, took a seat beside Kayla.

She ignored the rest, waiting for them to initiate the conversation.

“This is Manfred, the PR guy from the publicity department.” Sonia began, presenting the unfamiliar

man to Candice.

Manfred McCoy wore spectacles and appeared astute and calculated. He had thinning hair plastered

across his forehead.

His gaze toward Candice held a subtle disdain, causing her discomfort.

Candice averted her eyes and asked, “What do you need to know from me?”

“Do you have any unresolved issues with your mother?” Manfred inquired, his voice sharp and his

words pointed. “We’ve reviewed the footage multiple times. You seemed indifferent when your mother

knelt before you, not attempting to intervene. This has contributed to the public backlash against you.”

Feeling her body tense up, Candice struggled to stay composed and explained, “I was too shocked to

react when she knelt.”

An executive, familiar to Candice, abruptly hit the table and admonished, “Candice, we need you to be

completely honest with us. This situation is affecting both you and our company.”

With her eyes shut, Candice asked, “What exactly are you referring to? I was unaware of her plan to

visit yesterday.”

Manfred seized the critical aspect of the situation, prodded further, “What prompted your mother to

unexpectedly visit the company? Is there an underlying issue?”

Candice tightened her hands into fists, her teeth clenched. “It’s a personal family issue.”

Unswayed, he pointed out flatly. “However, this personal issue of yours is now affecting the company.

Ms. Renault, we need your cooperation.”

Candice’s lips moved subtly, sensing more coercion than concern from the company in this

interrogation.

+15 BONOS

She pondered over what ‘truth‘ they were so eager to unearth.

Feeling numb inside, she slowly lifted her gaze toward Alex. She doubted these people would have

involved the PR without his consent, but was Alex truly oblivious to Yvonne’s affair?

“Candice.” Sonia said again.

Seated next to Alex, she had noticed Candice’s earlier fleeting glance at hir

With a look of concern, Sonia suggested, “I understand discussing these matters is difficult for

you, but they have impacted our company. We need a quick solution, don’t we? How about this?” she Text © by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

suggested after a brief pause. “I’ll speak on your behalf. You can correct anything inaccurate.”

Candice remained silent. To agree would be to expose her private matters. The thought of being

viewed with pity was unbearable to her.

She vividly remembered the gossiping neighbors discussing her fate during her parents‘ divorce.

The condescending way people treated her when they brought food as if they were feeding a stray

was unforgettable.

Candice had always believed that being good and compliant would prevent abandonment by

ov her

parents, a belief she had extended to Alex.

Abandoned children often felt that they were never good enough.

Manfred interrupted her thoughts. He tapped the table and spoke methodically. “If you’re reluctant

to discuss, there’s a straightforward alternative.”

Candice looked up at him.

“Just publicly declare that you are not an Aether Corporation employee but rather a temporary

external worker,”

The room fell silent at his words.

Candice observed Manfred as he indicated a folder on the table. “This would be an effective way

to separate your issues from Aether Corporation.”

With a deep frown, Kayla argued, “But Candice is known as the chief secretary of the company.”

Manfred countered, “We could state she had resigned earlier.”

With a hesitant tone that seemed more probing than genuine, Sonia continued the discussion, “Is this

really the best course of action, especially since Candice is soon to leave the company?” Turning to

Alex, she asked, “Mr. Elysian, what is your perspective on this?”

Alex had been quiet and now directed his unreadable, deep gaze at Candice. Observing her

dignified stance, he commented neutrally. “It’s her decision to make.” He added blankly, 1 don’t like to

lie, but we’re not a charitable organization here.” His gaze was devoid of emotion, then he

coldly shifted toward Candice as he called out her name, “Candice.”