My Mirror Image

Chapter 182

Yana’s question briefly surprised Candice.

It seemed the idea of her being Alex’s sugar baby was how others saw their relationship.

However, it was unusual for a kept lady to find herself in such a precarious predicament.

She lowered her gaze, concealing the self–mockery in her eyes.

Yana thought she had spoken too bluntly after noticing Candice’s silence.

“I didn’t mean anything by that,” she said, smacked her forehead, and apologized. “Forget what I

asked. I’m an idiot. Sorry.”

Candice stayed deafeningly silent.

Yana then quieted down and turned her attention to her phone.

When Hanley pulled up with the car, Yana stowed her phone away and casually got into the back.

She noticed a suitcase and asked hesitatingly, “Hanley, are you moving?”

“It’s mine,” Candice answered, climbing into the front seat.

“Oh right, you’re moving,” Yana remembered, recalling their encounter at the hotel when Candice had

mentioned being tossed out of her house.

Yana was sensible enough to keep this to herself.

Arriving at the villa, they found Ryan and the others barbecuing using a small stove improvised as a

grill.

Nadia greeted them enthusiastically, “Boss, Candice, come over! The food’s almost ready!”

Yana, always lively, immediately joined the group.

“If you’re tired,” Hanley said quietly, offering Candice an exit. “You can rest in your room.”

Indeed, Candice had had an exhausting day.

“I’ll stay. I want to try Ryan’s cooking,” she decided, heading toward the barbecue.

She enjoyed the genuine, happy interactions between Nadia and the group in contrast to her own

limited social circle.

Nadia handed her a spicy beef skewer.

+15 BONOS

Candice hesitated as she was not used to barbecues. She took a small bite, and the spiciness

overwhelmed her, causing her to cough uncontrollably.

Someone pulled the skewer from her grip and handed her a tissue while she struggled.

Without checking who it was, Candice accepted the tissue and covered her mouth. It took her a while

to recover. She gratefully said. “Thank you.”

Hanley offered her a glass of water and asked, “Better now?”

“Yes. Candice replied.

“Not good with spicy food?”

She sipped the comforting warm water and admitted, “It’s a bit too spicy for me.”

Hanley was amused by her reaction, explaining, “Ryan’s from Crada City. He prefers strong flavors.

Candice was reluctant to give it another try.

The barbecue was more about having fun than eating. They began playing cards once they had

finished eating.

Candice left the game and went back to her room.

She discovered several missed calls and messages from Yvonne on her phone, all repetitively asking

for money. Candice emotionlessly deleted them, set down her phone, and prepared to go to

bed.

But then, as if Yvonne had some sixth sense, she called right at that moment.

Exhaling a sigh, Candice answered the phone.

Immediately after Candice answered the call, Yvonne’s anxious voice filled the line. “Why haven’t

you been picking up? I’ve been so worried!”

Candice masked her thoughts with a lowered gaze.

She responded with an icy tone, “I’ve already assured you that you’ll get the money. There’s no need to

remind me every day.”

Yvonne sounded increasingly desperate and urged, “Listen to me! Can you send the money sooner? I

know you’re delaying it because you’re upset with me. It’s fine to be angry at me, but Peach is

innocent! Those scums threatened they’d sell Peach if they didn’t get the money fast!”

Despite Yvonne’s evident panic, Candice couldn’t help but find the situation absurd.

+15 BONOS

She massaged her temples and asked pointedly, “Did Ivor threaten to sell Peach if you didn’t bring

the money?”

Yvonne’s weeping halted abruptly.

With a cold snort, Candice ended the call and switched off her phone.

At Club Eden, a crowd encircled Sieg. The private room was lively with the presence of several

models and internet celebrities.

Alex was the sole exception. He sat in solitude in a corner, radiating a ‘do not disturb‘ vibe.

Sieg was in high spirits. He toasted Alex from a distance and asked loudly, “Lex, you said you wouldn’t

go home sober tonight. Why are you all by yourself there?”

Alex replied coldly, “Not feeling it.”

Sieg was ready to speak when he overheard someone jokingly remark, “Lex must be pretty upset

now. Candice, after all, has moved on with Hanley.”

The speaker was clearly drunk and spoke without a filter.

“They say men are possessive by nature. Even if they no longer want something, they get upset if

someone else picks it up. That’s probably what Lex is feeling, seeing his woman, who once

revolved around him, now getting close to Hanley.”

Although the man continued to ramble, his words were largely ignored.

Curiosity rose, and someone asked, “How did you find out?”

“It’s all over Yana’s social media. They’re playing cards at Hanley’s house.”

“Can you shut up?” Sieg yelled angrily.

He slammed his wine bottle on the table, and his temper flared.

“It’s my birthday. I don’t want to hear another word about that woman, or you can leave.”

The group fell silent, recalling Candice’s recent confrontation with Sieg.

Sieg’s mood soured, and he joined Alex with a bottle of wine.

He filled two glasses and pushed one toward Alex. He prompted, “If we’re brothers, you’ll drink

with me.”

Alex gave him a brief glance and downed his glass in one go.

+15 BONOS

Sieg refilled the glass and placed it before Alex again.

This pattern continued. Sieg poured, and Alex drank.

After the third glass, Sieg pushed his glass aside, his impatience evident. He sat beside Alex, his

restlessness palpable.

Alex maintained his cool and said flatly. “Speak your mind.”

Sieg ruffled his hair nonchalantly before asking Alex. “Are you really thinking about getting serious

with Sonia?”

Alex’s hand paused on his knee, his reply devoid of emotion, “Time will tell.”

“Sonia’s a good woman. She’s gentle,” Sieg remarked. Then, turning to Alex with a trace of sarcasm,

he added, “Remember when we accidentally overheard Candice talking with your

dad?” Belongs to © n0velDrama.Org.

Alex’s gaze grew more intense, but he remained silent.

With a light scoff, Sieg continued, “Honestly, Sonia’s not a bad choice. I’ll be sure to give you a

generous wedding gift.”