My Mirror Image

Chapter 192

Candice’s thoughts were in disarray. When she arrived at the villa gate, she took a deep breath

and suppressed her emotions.

But as soon as she got out of the car, she coincidentally met Hanley returning..

There was a trace of weariness around his eyes and brows. He seemed taken aback when he saw

her.

Realizing the situation, he furrowed his brow and asked, “How is your grandfather? Any updates?”

“I’ll find another way,” she replied.

“It’s my fault, sorry,” he sighed softly.

Hanley hadn’t been back to the Baldwin family for many years. He returned this time due to work

reasons and hadn’t been in contact with the family for a long time. He vaguely remembered that his

younger aunt had some connections with the Sui family, so he had called her to ask for help.

Unexpectedly, Chad had refused decisively.

“I appreciate your willingness to help, but it’s my own issue. I’ll think of another way.” Candice said

Originally, her grandfather’s matter had nothing to do with Hanley. She appreciated him for being willing

to help, so she couldn’t blame him for anything.

Candice pursed her lips, remembering what Nadia mentioned. Her expression turned serious as she

asked Hanley, “Nadia mentioned the cancellation of cooperation for the financial exhibition?”

Bringing up the matter, Hanley’s expression became somewhat unpleasant.

He had been called for a sudden meeting on his way to the hospital today specifically about this matter.

They were on the brink of signing the contract for the exhibition, but suddenly, the other party wanted to

replace their studio.

Seeing Hanley’s expression, Candice’s heart sank even further. “Did they mention the reason?”

“It’s complicated to explain,” Hanley was troubled. “Another studio wants to get involved and has

secured intentions from several companies in Dorrington City. So, there’s a bit of a standoff now.”

As soon as he said this, Candice understood. The financial exhibition was a decision related to the

department’s push for economic development and socialization. If they could engage multiple

companies in the collaboration, the preference would naturally lean toward that.

However, doing so would mean directly pushing Hanley and his team aside.

+15 BONOS

When they returned to the villa, both Nadia and Yana were in the living room.

These people knew a bit more or less about Candice’s family situation. Seeing Candice’s gloomy face,

Nadia poured her a glass of water and handed It to her. “Candice, take a break.”

Ryan then looked at Hanley. “Boss, what’s the situation?”

They had received news in the afternoon but couldn’t contact Hanley, so they were in the dark.

“Another studio wants to take over and has secured cooperation intentions from several companies in

Dorrington City. So, the department thinks they’re the better choice,” Hanley calmly repeated what he

had just said.

Hearing this, Ryan felt something was amiss. “Our plan is already done and submitted. Isn’t it

inappropriate to change now?”

“So, they want the two studios to collaborate,” Hanley explained. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

As soon as Hanley’s words fell, someone immediately protested, “What do you mean by a

collaboration? It’s clearly a robbery! Are they expecting us to present our plan and then slap their name

on it?!”

The exhibition planning involved signing and authorship. Having your name on it or being the

secondary contributor had different implications, affecting recognition and reputation.

Everyone wanted to be the lead planner, especially since Hanley and his team had developed the plan.

But with the other party aggressively approaching, it seemed challenging.

And this collaboration was with the higher department. If successful, it would greatly benefit any studio,

making it impossible for them to simply give up.

Hanley fell silent too. Meanwhile, Candice, who was watching, suddenly asked, “Is Aether Corporation

among the collaborating companies?”

After a brief silence, Hanley raised his eyes to look at Candice and nodded slightly.

Seeing this, she nodded and didn’t say much. Her expression became a bit more unpleasant than

before.

She didn’t know if Alex had intentionally planned this, but based on what she knew about him, he was

always meticulous in his actions. That meant he would definitely find a way to make Hanley and his

team abandon this collaboration.

The conversation in the living room revolved around the planning, all sounding rather disheartened.

+15 BONOS

It wasn’t until nearly midnight that Hanley forcefully sent everyone back to rest.

Candice stayed behind, sitting still and watching Hanley with a hesitant look. “Would giving up this

collaboration have a significant impact on you?”

Hanley was collecting the documents on the table. Upon hearing her question, he paused. “It’s not too

significant. After all, it’s a collaboration with the department, so there will definitely be better

opportunities for cooperation.”

Understanding his implication, Candice lowered her eyelids. “Does Aether Corporation’s decision

have a significant impact on this?”

Hanley’s brow slowly furrowed, and in his usually calm eyes, there was an emotion that was hard

to decipher. “Aether Corporation’s decision is their affair. Candice, don’t be foolish. You’ve already

left Aether Corporation.”

As if he had guessed Candice’s intentions, his tone was unusually heavy.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly, “I’m just afraid of causing trouble for you.”

She was in a mental mess right now, worrying whether Alex might be intentionally targeting Hanley

because of her. Although she didn’t believe she held that much importance in Alex’s mind,

she was aware of his current desire to humiliate her.

However, in reality, Candice herself wasn’t sure how she had offended him. Was it because she had

confronted Sonia a few times? She cynically tugged at her lips, feeling a bit self–deprecating.

The next morning, there was a thunderstorm that showed no sign of stopping. Candice checked

the weather forecast, stating the rain would persist for two to three days.

She had an idea and messaged Dr. Brooks on WhatsApp. His reply was prompt, stating that due to the

weather, Chad probably wouldn’t be able to leave Dorrington City!

As she headed downstairs, she found Ryan and the others sitting together working on their

proposal.

Candice was surprised; she had thought they’d be downhearted for a few days due to the financial

exhibition issue, but they seemed fine now.

Seeing her about to leave, Yana expressed concern. “Candice, are you going out? The rain outside is

heavy. Maybe wait for a while?”

Considering the time, Candice shook her head. “I’m going to the hospital.”

As long as Chad was in Dorrington City, she wouldn’t give up. Her grandfather’s illness came first.

+15 BONOS

However, she didn’t expect to receive a call from Kayla just as she was halfway there.

Kayla sounded awkward. “Candice, can you come to the company? Your mother is here again.”

Candice hadn’t had time to deal with Yvonne these past few days. Frowning in disbelief, she

asked, “What is she doing at Aether Corporation?”

“She came to the company early in the morning and went straight to see Mr. Elysian. I don’t know

what’s going on, but I was worried there might be an issue, so I called you immediately.”

Yvonne went directly to see Alex?

Candice furrowed her brow tightly, feeling incredibly distressed and agitated. She didn’t notice the

obscured fence ahead due to the heavy rain and mist.