My Mirror Image

Chapter 276

After assisting Candice with her coat, Hanley retracted his hand. He resumed his usual serious

expression as his shirt gently billowed in the soft breeze.

Candice caught the faint scent of mint and lemon emanating from Hanley, subtle yet comforting.

She had thought about giving the coat back to Hanley since she had brought her own blazer. However,

the arrival of a sleek silver–white sports car and a black Maybach derailed her plans.

Candice hesitated for a moment upon noticing the Maybach’s license plate.

As the sports car’s door swung open, Sieg emerged, clad in a floral shirt. He nonchalantly removed his

sunglasses and flung them back into the car before turning his attention to Candice

and the others.

He let out a whistle. Then, he eyed Hanley with a quizzical look and asked, “Hanley Baldwin?”

Hanley responded with a chilly gaze, “Hello, Sieg.”

“Caspian and I are on good terms these days. I’ve heard quite a lot about you,” Sieg commented

casually, his tone laced with a semblance of respect. “You’re quite courageous and admirable.

really.”

Sieg’s manner of speaking was characteristically sarcastic, often leaving others feeling uneasy.

He then turned to Candice, his voice laced with a sneer as he stated, “But you don’t have the best taste

in women. Maybe you could learn from your brother on that front.”

Knowing she and Sieg were not on friendly terms, Candice hadn’t anticipated any kind words from

him.

With a subtle adjustment of the coat on her shoulders, she retorted icily. “It seems like you’ve forgotten

your hospital visits again. Your symptoms of rabies appear to be worsening.”

Sieg’s expression tightened as he sharply replied, “You…”

Before he could finish his sentence, the door of the Maybach swung open.

Alex emerged from the car dressed in a dark, sharply tailored suit that accentuated his slender build,

broad shoulders, and narrow waist, presenting an impressive silhouette. His stern gaze and the depth

of his dark eyes appeared more profound in the fading light of the sky.

His eyes settled on Candice indifferently.

Undaunted, she held his gaze firmly.

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Their eyes met, sparking an unspoken intensity between them, both resolute and unwavering.

Sieg’s relaxed voice cut through the tension, his annoyance barely concealed. He mocked, “Lex. I

regret not leaving a bit later. My mood is completely spoiled now.”

Candice broke her gaze and suggested quietly. “Let’s head inside.”

Hanley agreed with a hum and followed her lead.

There was a dark stretch of road leading up to the lobby because of the way the Morinaga Estate’s

landscape was laid out.

Candice went carefully even though it wasn’t completely dark. She proceeded with caution in her high

heels by holding up the hem of her dress.

Approaching a corner, Hanley suddenly pulled her close to him.

His firm grip around her waist prevented her from falling into his arms.

Hanley warned her with a deep voice, “Be careful of the step ahead.”

There was a minor bump on the path. Had Hanley not intervened, Candice might have tripped over

1. it.

As he was still holding her, Candice’s heart raced a bit before she managed to say, “Thank you.”

Hanley let go of her hand shortly after, explaining, “I didn’t want to startle you, which might have

caused you to step on it. That’s why I acted quickly.”

Ryan came up to them shortly and jokingly said, “Look at you, Boss! Acting all charming. How come

you never catch me when I’m about to trip?”

Met with Hanley’s cool gaze, Ryan promptly quieted down.

Candice grasped onto her dress and stood silently at the side as she lowered her eyes.

Hanley’s quick movement astounded her. Because of this, her tone came across as somewhat.

protective.

Suddenly, a hand reached out to her, interrupting her intention to apologize to Hanley.

He said softly, “The route ahead is still dark. Keep your hand on my sleeve.”

Candice acknowledged him and reached for his sleeve.

Despite her initial intention to talk, Nadia skillfully chose to remain silent.

“Haha, Hanley is really thoughtful,” Sieg said, leaning against his sports car.

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He lit a cigarette and looked playfully at the group that was leaving. Following this, his attention shifted

to Alex, who remained still by his side.

“Are you still planning to work with them with your hand like that?” Sieg said as he studied his

bandaged hand.

Alex’s demeanor was cold.

“Blue Artifact and Burning Star Studio are currently my finest business partners,” he remarked, his eyes

betraying an indiscernible emotion.

With an arched eyebrow, Sieg replied, “Whatever. I don’t understand this business stuff, anyway.”

Alex’s hand had been wounded. His sleeve occasionally revealed the bandage covering his hand.

There was no way anyone paying close enough attention could miss it.

With his lips tightly pursed, he glanced down at his hand.

Attended by numerous influential figures in the industry, Blue Artifact’s annual gathering was a

spectacular affair.

As soon as Hanley and his colleagues stepped through the door, they were whisked away to have

business meetings.

It was clear that Candice had no business participating in such discussions, so she set out to find

Zane.

Zane oversaw a project at Blue Artifact. He was engaged in conversation with a middle–aged mant

when Candice went up to him.

Before approaching, Candice composed her facial expression and greeted, “Mr. Clark.”

Zane responded cheerfully, “Candice, I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show up.”

After a brief exchange of courteous remarks, Candice turned to the middle–aged man next to Zane and

asked, “May I know who this gentleman is?”

Zane said, “This is Mr. Binder from Blue Artifact, in charge of our publicity and communication.”

Presumably on purpose, Zane added, “He’s been coordinating with Aether Corporation lately. You two

might have crossed paths professionally.”

Candice responded with a smile, “It seems there could be chances for us to collaborate in the

future.”

Davy Binder questioned with a frown, “Were you previously with Aether Corporation?”

She confirmed it with a nod. Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

Davy looked at her intently and remarked, “Well, your ex–boss is also here. Perhaps you’d like to

reconnect.”

At this comment, Candice’s face tensed.

Then, she overheard Davy greet Alex, “Mr. Elysian, what a pleasure to see you.”

Alex’s calm, deep voice followed, “Did I hear my name from Mr. Binder?”

Davy went on to say. “We were chatting with a former employee of yours, so we naturally brought up

Mr. Elysian.”

Although Candice avoided looking up, she was aware of Alex’s scornful stare. She pursed her lips.

and slowly lifted her eyes.

She admonished herself for avoiding Alex. It was a fact that she was a previous employee of his

company.

Alex’s head tilted up, his features highlighted starkly by the bright lights above. After a pause, he

remarked disdainfully. “A former employee who was terminated?”

Maintaining her poise, she mirrored Alex’s tone and countered, “Mr. Elysian, are you trying to deny my

contributions at Aether Corporation with just a few words?”

Her gaze fixed on Alex, she calmly ridiculed, “Mr. Elysian indeed has a talent for quick and ruthless

decisions.”