My Mirror Image

Chapter 205

Over the next two days, Candice’s routine revolved around trips between the hospital, Northdale,

and the villa.

Meanwhile, Hanley and his team were engrossed in work–related matters.

Candice learned from Ryan that their dealings with Dream Search were proving difficult, as the

company was actively liaising with various departments.

Although she was eager to assist, everyone discouraged her involvement, knowing she was already

occupied with her grandfather’s issues.

Nadia reassured her, “Don’t worry, it’s a minor issue. Our boss will take care of it.”

Recognizing her current constraints, Candice refrained from commenting further.

She hadn’t been in touch with Alex lately, not out of a lack of desire to approach him but because she

didn’t know what to say.

Candice had workers in Northdale fixing the pipes when Dr. Brooks summoned her to see him in

the hospital.

The old neighborhood suffered from inadequate infrastructure and poor management due to a

dwindling resident population.

Work during the day was manageable, but the evenings were challenging, particularly since the

streetlight at the building entrance was broken and the area was dimly lit.

Before heading to the hospital, Candice obtained the property manager’s contact information from

the community office. NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

At the hospital she had to finalize the details of her grandfather’s surgery.

After mutual agreement on the surgery, Dr. Brooks had coordinated with Chad, setting the surgery to

be carried out on Friday.

Chad and other doctors, including two of his students who had flown in from other cities, were waiting

for her in Dr. Brooks’s office when she arrived.

She quickly masked her expression and apologized for her late arrival due to traffic congestion.

Chad’s expression was stern as he scanned Candice briefly but he didn’t express any displeasure.

“The patient’s medical report is ready. His age and the unclear blood clot in his brain present a

challenge,” he said bluntly.

Candice listened attentively. She knew Dr. Sul was an expert, but she wanted to make sure that

everything had been done to assure her grandfather’s safety.

“I understand,” she stated solemnly. “I simply hope you can give it your all.”

“Do you think I need reminding?” Chad responded curtly. “I’ll fulfill my responsibilities, but let’s be

realistic. Every surgery bears a risk of failure or complications. No one can guarantee absolute

success.”

Candice knew she had to be mentally ready. Brain surgery was a major undertaking, especially given

Joe’s complicated condition and advanced age.

She pressed her lips together and said sincerely, “Dr. Sui, I appreciate your help.”

Chad remained quiet as the discussion continued, and only offered a few words. He then

summoned Dr. Brooks to talk over specific safety measures. Candice was allowed to leave.

Upon returning to Joe’s ward, Candice discovered him comfortably propped up in bed and immersed in

an audiobook about a historical figure.

Joe had always been interested in history books.

Reflecting on Chad’s remarks, Candice glanced downward. She tidied up Joe’s blanket and spent

some time talking with him.

After the hospital visit concluded, Candice headed directly back to the villa.

She arrived to find everyone in the living room, deeply engrossed in a serious discussion.

After setting her bags down, she asked in a low voice, “What’s happening?”

Yana, the bored socialite who had recently taken to accompanying Nadia and the group, noticed

Candice and blurted out, “Isn’t she the ideal person for this?”

Hanley quickly dismissed the suggestion. “She’s not suitable.”

Undeterred, Yana challenged, “Why not? Has anyone else here been in business? Candy has

experience from Aether Corporation!”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Candice asked cautiously, puzzled.

“Absolutely.” Yana quickly confirmed. “The problem came from Mr. Moreno,” she explained.

Dream Search is now actively seeking new partners, and I bet this Jerk’s the one recommending other

companies to them. The department has begun engaging Hanley, advising him to look at the big

picture and stop competing.”

Hanley maintained his cool as Yana spoke.

Candice swiftly digested this information. “This isn’t about looking at the larger picture. It’s them trying

to make us compromise our own interests.”

“But what can we do?” Ryan asked solemnly, tapping on the table before speaking with

displeasure. “Dorrington is too domineering. If my family did business here, we’d surely stand up to

them.”

“It’s pointless for you to take them on alone,” Yana said, raising an eyebrow. “They have several

enterprises working together.”

Grasping the situation, Candice asked. “So, securing more business partnerships could prevent us

from losing this chance?”

As a woman in business, she understood how rare and valuable it was to collaborate on a project with

the government and obtain official recognition.

“It’s not certain, but at least we won’t be as defenseless as we are now.”

Candice paused for a moment. She was going to say something, but Hanley cut her off.

“You shouldn’t worry about this.”

“What? She shouldn’t worry about this. That jerk wants to meet you tomorrow,” Yana grumbled. ” God

only knows what he’s scheming.”

“Francis has requested a meeting?” Candice asked.

Hanley confirmed with a nod.

Candice’s eyes flashed with emotion. She said firmly, “I’m coming with you.”

Francis was vile in every way, both personally and professionally. Additionally, based on his

previous comments. Candice suspected that he was making things difficult for Hanley as a way

to get back at her.

Hanley hesitated. “You’re busy.”

Candice remembered she hadn’t yet informed him about her grandfather’s surgery due to her irregular

hours. She reassured him with a smile. “It’s fine. Joe’s surgery is set for Friday.”

Hanley’s eyes darkened briefly before returning to normal. “Good to hear.”

Dream Search is now actively seeking new partners, and I bet this jerk’s the one recommending

other companies to them. The department has begun engaging Hanley, advising him to look at the big

picture and stop competing.”

Hanley maintained his cool as Yana spoke.

Candice swiftly digested this information. “This isn’t about looking at the larger picture. It’s them

trying to make us compromise our own interests.”

“But what can we do?” Ryan asked solemnly, tapping on the table before speaking with

displeasure. “Dorrington is too domineering. If my family did business here, we’d surely stand up

to them.”

“It’s pointless for you to take them on alone,” Yana said, raising an eyebrow. “They have several

enterprises working together.”

Grasping the situation, Candice asked, “So, securing more business partnerships could prevent us

from losing this chance?”

As a woman in business, she understood how rare and valuable it was to collaborate on a project

with the government and obtain official recognition.

“It’s not certain, but at least we won’t be as defenseless as we are now.”

Candice paused for a moment. She was going to say something, but Hanley cut her off.

“You shouldn’t worry about this.”

“What? She shouldn’t worry about this. That jerk wants to meet you tomorrow.” Yana grumbled.”

God only knows what he’s scheming.”

“Francis has requested a meeting?” Candice asked.

Hanley confirmed with a nod.

Candice’s eyes flashed with emotion. She said firmly, “I’m coming with you.”

Francis was vile in every way, both personally and professionally. Additionally, based on his

previous comments. Candice suspected that he was making things difficult for Hanley as a way

to get back at her.

Hanley hesitated. “You’re busy.”

Candice remembered she hadn’t yet informed him about her grandfather’s surgery due to her irregular

hours. She reassured him with a smile. “It’s fine. Joe’s surgery is set for Friday.”

Hanley’s eyes darkened briefly before returning to normal. “Good to hear.”

The decision to confront Francis was settled.

Candice went upstairs to rest. After freshening up, she received an anonymous call.

She quickly answered, but the line remained silent except for a sharp, crackling noise in the

background.

After several futile attempts at conversation, Candice noticed the call was from Noxville.

Suspecting it was Ivor, she immediately hung up and blocked the number.

+15 BONOS

A man enveloped in the stench of alcohol heard the call disconnect. His face twisted with fury. and he

vented his anger by kicking the little girl in front of him.