My Mirror Image

Chapter 280

Candice expressed her concern, saying, “Sonia now has leverage against me. I doubt she’ll let it slide

easily. Rather than waiting and allowing her to cause more problems, we should be

proactive and discuss this with Alex.*

Ryan agreed, remarking. “Absolutely. We can’t risk another stab in the back. It would be catastrophic.”

Lost in thought, Hanley remained mostly silent.

After a brief reflection, Candice gently suggested, “If we can’t reach an understanding. I’ll have no

choice but to leave.”

Hanley then raised his head and spoke in a firm tone, “Let me know if you need anything.”

Soon after, Hanley received a phone call, and he had to leave due to prior engagements.

Candice informed Ryan and then took a taxi to Aether Corporation, understanding the importance

of getting a clear position from Alex to avoid future situations like Sonia’s.

At Aether Corporation, Candice unexpectedly met Kayla in the elevator.

Kayla asked in surprise. “Why are you here?”

Feeling that something was off, Candice asked, “What’s going on?”

“Mrs. Elysian is in the office. She caught Sonia arriving late. Sonia’s being scolded upstairs now. Mr.

Elysian is out on business, and nobody is stepping in to help,” Kayla shared gloatingly.

Hearing this, Candice was visibly troubled.

It seemed Sonia’s visit to Burning Star Studio was her own decision. With Helen there. Candice chose

not to go forward. An encounter with Helen would probably be unpleasant.

Candice unexpectedly confronted Helen and Sonia as the elevator doors opened.

Helen was impeccably dressed as usual, but the brooding expression on her face made it clear

she was seething with anger.

Standing behind her, Sonia’s face showed signs of defeat, projecting an image of timidity.

Helen was taken aback when the elevator doors opened unexpectedly. She scowled and glanced over,

her irritation visibly increasing upon seeing Candice.

Her voice was sharp and cutting as she demanded, “Why are you here?”

115 ΠΟΝΟΣ

Nearby, Kayla nervously fidgeted with Candice’s clothes before quickly excusing herself with her

documents.

Confronted with Helen’s anger, Candice remained calm. Familiar with Helen’s temperament, she

responded coolly, “I’m here for a work discussion.”

“What work do you have to discuss?” Helen sneered disdainfully and raised her eyebrows in scorn.

“I hear you’re collaborating with Hanley’s little studio now? Desperately looking for business every day?

Candice, know your place. Don’t aim for what’s not yours. You can’t turn into Cinderella in real life!”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Candice observed Helen silently. Such demeaning remarks were typical of their interactions. While

Helen’s vocabulary was repetitive, her intention to belittle was unmistakable.

By choosing silence, Candice knew that arguing with Helen would be pointless and time-

consuming.

Meanwhile, Sonia looked pale. Seeing Candice’s composure, she couldn’t help but taunt. “Unless

I’m mistaken, you don’t have an appointment, do you? Mr. Elysian’s office isn’t open to just anyone.

She assumed her and Helen’s mutual dislike for Candice would unite them.

However, upon hearing Sonia, Helen turned sharply toward her and reprimanded her. “What are

you implying? This isn’t a place for just anyone. Should I report to you every time I visit?”

Panicked, Sonia quickly backtracked, “No, no, certainly not.”

Helen retorted, “Struggling to speak now, are you? My son’s biggest error was hiring you. Alex

must have been blind to let someone like you in.

Despite her privileged status, Helen never hesitated to deliver sharp criticism.

Having interacted with the Elysians for years, Candice somewhat grasped the current dynamics.

With Alex absent, she chose to leave. She ignored Helen and Sonia and stepped back into the

elevator.

As she was leaving the building’s main entrance, she encountered Alex.

Alex entered the office with a neutral expression, followed by a slightly anxious Sawyer.

His gaze briefly landed on Candice before shifting away, signaling his foul mood.

Sawyer stopped and asked, “Did you come to see Mr. Elysian?”

Candice confirmed, explaining. “I intended to talk to Mr. Elysian about the Burning Star Studio incident

and our readiness to offer compensation.”

Sawyer looked concerned and hesitated as he glanced at Alex, suggesting. “Today may not be the

ideal time. Mr. Elysian has other business to attend to.”

Candice understood, noting the unwelcoming vibe from Alex.

As she prepared to depart, she saw Alex, who had walked ahead. He paused abruptly.

He turned around, his gaze sharply focused on Candice, and questioned accusingly.” Compensation?

What are you proposing to offer, a hundred or two hundred million?”

Candice maintained her composure, calmly replying, “We aim to fulfill your expectations, provided

they are reasonable.”

“Is this to appease me or to rescue your failing business?”

Alex’s intense stare bore into Candice, his expression cold and detached as if he were regarding a

stranger.

It was evident that Alex was not in the right frame of mind for this discussion.

Candice hesitated for a moment before saying. “I’ll return on another day to discuss this. As business

partners, Burning Star Studio and Aether Corporation should aim to keep our collaboration amicable.”

Earlier in the day. Alex had been in negotiations over a business deal with Sawyer. Initially, the terms

seemed agreeable, but then the other party unexpectedly increased their price by eight percent. Given

the scale of the deal, it was no wonder Alex was in a bad mood.

As Candice mentioned maintaining a friendly partnership, Alex let out a scornful chuckle, questioning,

“Friendly cooperation? Isn’t your partnership supposed to be with Hanley?”

Candice frowned slightly, responding, “I am here on behalf of Burning Star Studio.”

“And what if I don’t agree?” Alex’s gaze was deep and probing, almost as though he was trying to

delve into her thoughts.

Pausing, Candice finally asked, “What are your terms?”

Her eyes lowered, her tone soft yet noticeably devoid of warmth.

Alex regarded her for a moment before masking his previously visible emotions. He then asked coldly,

“What can you possibly offer as a bargaining chip?”

+15 BONOS

He continued. “You seem to have forgotten about the 1.5 million. Your promises are always unfulfilled.

Do you really think I’m a fool?”

Candice’s eyes trembled slightly at the mention of the debt. It was an amount she had not forgotten.

Being in debt to Alex always made her feel at a disadvantage.

With a tight expression, Candice answered in a strained voice, “Don’t worry. I will repay that debt,

no matter what.”