My Mirror Image

Chapter 177

Candice’s address was unknown to many in the company.

This was vital because everyone knew Alex’s apartment in Vestry Residence was one Dorrington City’s

most luxurious, and many working–class people couldn’t even afford a bathroom.

Sawyer had taken care of Candice’s apartment papers. He was aware that Alex had purchased the

apartment for her, but he was unaware of the circumstances that followed.

It was why Sawyer had always treated Candice with respect. He hadn’t seen Alex buy a house for

any other woman but Candice.

The willingness to spend money on a woman generally indicated a man’s sincerity toward her.

Sonia’s expression darkened when she heard this.

Alex had purchased Candice’s apartment in the coveted Vestry Residence. What about her? She was

still living in a little apartment with her parents. Did Alex not know about her living situation?

The darkness in Sonia’s eyes deepened. Her lips quivered as her face contorted with emotion.

Candice went straight to the hospital after leaving the office.

Hanley called her while she was driving.

Hanley and Jackson had sent her countless texts since the incident, each attempting to console her.

She had barely answered due to her bad mood.

Now her mind was in turmoil due to Joe’s health, leaving her with no time to attend to other

concerns.

Candice’s phone continued to ring while she drove, so she linked it to the car’s Bluetooth and

answered it.

Hanley asked, “Where are you?”

“In the car. I’m on my way to the hospital.”

Jackson’s worried voice could be heard in the background, asking. “Are you sick? Don’t worry. Candy.

First and foremost, take care of yourself. Everything else will be fine.” he promised.

+15 BONOS

Given the current online buzz in which internet users claim to champion justice, resolving the matter

was not easy. The more they tried to suppress the subject, the more people grew interested.

Jackson had sought assistance from a number of people, but it just seemed to fuel their celto fight the

corporate narrative, producing constant spikes of attention online.

Candice simply hummed back. “I’m visiting my grandfather.”

The doctor had just left Joe’s room when she arrived at the hospital.

When the doctor saw Candice, he asked, “Are you a family member? Please drop by the office. His

situation is worse than we anticipated.

“The patient’s brain isn’t receiving enough blood and oxygen. The stroke he’s suffered is quite severe.

We’re planning to conduct more detailed tests, but it’s important for the family to consider if they want

to proceed with surgery.

“He’s old and the surgery involves substantial risks. However, considering his current state, with both

ischemia and hemorrhaging, we can’t guarantee anything unless we remove the clot. Naturally, we

respect the decision of the patient and the family,” the doctor finished.

As Candice made her way back to Joe’s room, the doctor’s words resonated in her mind.

The caregiver was wiping Joe’s face. He was still sleeping.

Candice sat beside the bed, took the cloth from the caretaker, and gently wiped his face.

She felt lonely as she fought back tears while holding her grandfather’s frail hand. She couldn’t cry

since she didn’t want to wake him.

She exited the room after cleaning his face and hands and arranging his bedding.

Her grandfather had frequently said that when people aged, they should die with dignity.

But Candice realized she couldn’t come to terms with that notion just yet. For once, she wished to be

selfish, yearning to keep her grandfather alive, right by her side.

She was uncertain about how to confront the world if she were to lose Joe, the sole remaining person

who loved her.

After lingering outside the hospital for an extended period, Candice finally succumbed to her

+15 BONOS

Her hands trembled as she attempted to light a cigarette, her lack of experience evident in her struggle

with the lighter.

Awkwardly squatting near the stand, Candice persistently tried to light her cigarette. Each time she

succeeded, her tears would extinguish it.

By the time she managed to keep it lit, the cigarette had already burned down to half its length.

The following day, Candice got a call from Helen, who had rarely been in touch since Sonia and Alex

became a couple.

Candice picked up, only to hear Helen demand a meeting.

Feeling burdened, Candice responded, “I’m not in a good mood right now. Let’s talk on the phone.”

Helen responded with a cold sneer. “Given the trouble you’ve caused the company, you’re right to feel

bad about it. Let’s cut the chase. I’m not keen on meeting either, but we need to talk about the house

Alex got for you. We’re not in the business of charity or taking in beggars.”

Helen’s razor–sharp remarks made Candice’s headache worse.

She had visions of Joe in surgery and was suffering from insomnia.

“I’ll handle the matter with Alex directly,” Candice said.

“What’s there to discuss? You’ve left the company and have no ties to my son anymore. I used to

see the house as a staff benefit, but what are you now?” Helen’s scorn was evident. “Are you looking

for compensation? That’s bold. You’ve damaged the company’s reputation, and yet we haven’t pursued

damages from you. And now you want compensation?” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Candice, feeling overwhelmed, placed the phone down on the coffee table.

As the call ended, Helen warned, “Move out quickly, or I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.

Candice was puzzled by Helen’s triumphant demeanor, as if she had been wronged by Candice.

The end of the call brought a sense of peace, but it took Candice some time to recover and step

out.

She didn’t have time to pay attention to the online chatter, depending instead on Kayla to give her

screenshots of colleagues speaking up for her.

+15 BONOS

The findings of Joe’s examination were out today, and they confirmed what the doctor said yesterday.

The optimal treatment involved a risky procedure to remove blood clots and perform a bypass.

Candice, trembling, asked, “What if the surgery isn’t done?”

The doctor replied, “The patient’s condition will remain unstable and uncertain.”

Candice’s complexion paled.

“All surgeries have risks,” the doctor sought to console her, adding, “but doctors will strive to minimize

them. Furthermore, the famous neurosurgeon Dr. Sui will be in Dorrington City in a few days. You might

wish to speak with him if you have any concerns.”

Candice barely registered the doctor’s words.

She stayed in the hospital until the evening before heading home, only to find a seal on her door. Her

heart raced as she tried to open it, but the password was incorrect.