My Mirror Image

Chapter 56

Candice had a mild allergic reaction, resulting in minor rashes on her chin.

This happened just as she had requested sick leave from Alex, so that she could avoid field

assignments.

By the time Candice’s rash subsided, Sonia was preparing to leave for Dorrington City, constrained by

her limited days off.

To Candice’s astonishment, Alex chose not to accompany Sonia, opting to stay behind instead.

Sonia appeared uncomfortable about leaving Alex and Candice alone, engaging in a lengthy

discussion with Alex before her departure.

She even approached Candice with a warning disguised as a polite request, “I’m grateful you’re

staying. Knowing Lex’s ways, I trust you to look out for him in my absence.”

After bidding Sonia farewell, Candice and Alex headed to a client meeting.

At this time, Alex was in the driver’s seat while Candice was busy going over the materials. The ride

was silent because she did not speak a word the whole time.

The abrupt ring of her phone disrupted the silence.

Candice answered the call with furrowed brows. It was her mother Yvonne, who had been calling her

frequently of late.

Yvonne, tearful on the call, informed Candice, “Candy, your sister has fallen ill again.”

Candice’s hold on her phone tightened as she said, “Didn’t I already send you ten thousand before

this?”

Yvonne lightly touched the subject and said, “Could you possibly send another twenty thousand for

Peach? She keeps asking for you.‘

Candice sensed something amiss, expressing her concern, “I’ve already sent money multiple times this

month, haven’t I?”

Yvonne’s sobbing persisted, and she evaded questions about why she needed the money. She

eventually hung up without saying anything.

The call deeply disturbed Candice, who was frowning.

Alex had overheard their exchange. He asked with a raised eyebrow, “Is there a

Candice, preferring not to divulge much about her interactions with Yvonne, simply pursed her lips and

remained silent.

Alex did not pursue more and lightly advised, “Try not to let it impact your work.”

Their client, Ava Goodman, a skilled middle–aged businesswoman, had roots in Dorrington City before

establishing her venture in Stugan City.

Greeting Alex warmly, Ava commented, “Alex, your mother and I were classmates.”

Acknowledging her statement, Alex responded, “Yes, my mother often spoke of you.”

Ava introduced her daughter, standing beside her.

“This is Nina, my daughter. Has your mother mentioned her?”

The young woman sized Alex up and shook his hand. “Hi, I’m Nina Burgess.”

Alex responded to the handshake politely.

Candice, who was trailing Alex, was first ignored until they began discussing business, at which point

she passed them the documents.

Ava’s attention shifted to Candice, asking Alex casually, “Is she your secretary?”

Alex clarified, “She’s going to manage some affairs for our Stugan branch office in the future.”

At the meeting’s conclusion, Ava, showing hospitality, extended a dinner invitation to Alex.

He accepted the invitation.

Ava stressed, “I’m an old friend of your mom’s, so think of this as a private.

dinner.” Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

She then addressed Candice dismissively, “Miss Secretary, you may head back to

the hotel to rest.”

Understanding the implication, Candice glanced at Alex who nodded and said, ‘ You may leave.”

Ava was a major client of theirs in Stugan and the key to the branch’s continued success. Her

satisfaction could ensure the office’s smooth operation.

Back at the hotel, Candice could not shake off her unease regarding Yvonne’s call. She

decided to contact her grandfather, hoping he could inform her of any dealings

with Yvonne.

Joe stopped speaking before she could finish.

He sighed and finally revealed, “She called me at noon, distraught over Peach’s illness and asking for

money.”

Sensing something amiss, Candice inquired, “Did you send her any?”

“Yes, twenty thousand,” he confirmed.

Ending the call, Candice remained worried, feeling Yvonne’s situation was more complicated than it

appeared. But being in Stugan City, she could not leave immediately.

Later that evening, Alex called Candice to pick him up.

Arriving at the private dining room, she found Alex and Nina alone.

Nina, seated opposite Alex, rose to help him as Candice walked in.

Alex was massaging his temples and motioned to Candice, “Come over here.”

Observing the situation, Nina noticed the scene and tried to help, but Candice stopped her coldly and

said, “Ms. Burgess, it’s late. You should head home. I’ll look after my boss.”

Nina showed displeasure when Candice intervened and prevented her from helping Alex.

Candice then assisted Alex to the car and noted that he smelled strongly of alcohol.

She rolled down the windows to allow some fresh air to enter and dissipate the smell.

Handing him a bottle of mineral water from her bag, Candice remarked, “Why didn’t you just reject Ms.

Burgess? Why do I have to be the bad guy?”

It had become a routine for them; whenever Alex overindulged at social gatherings and needed

Candice to fetch him, she would always bring a bottle of

water.

She had grown to understand his subtle cues to politely turn down someone’s company.

Alex accepted the water, unbuttoning his collar. The alcohol had given his eyes a deeper hue.

The wind ruffled his hair, lending a bit of ease to his appearance, though it could not mask the

weariness in his eyes.

He instructed, “Take me back to the hotel.”

Candice drove them back and assisted Alex in ascending the hotel stairs.

Once in his room, she started to help him change but paused, hesitating to proceed.

Alex caught her wrist, gazing at her questioningly, “Why aren’t you helping me undress?”

Candice tried to pull away but was unable to do so, stating, “This isn’t

appropriate.”

Alex scoffed coldly. “You’ve touched me everywhere before; why pretend to be innocent now?”

Unsure how to reply, Candice merely stared at him silently.

His look slowly turned to impatience.

After a brief pause, he released her hand, dismissing her coldly and saying, ” Leave.”

Candice momentarily hesitated, then turned and exited the room.

It appeared Ava harbored ulterior motives toward Alex. After their business discussions, she often sent

Candice away, leaving Alex by himself.

Although Alex avoided rejecting Ava’s company directly, he always called Candice

for a ride.

On this occasion, Candice arrived a bit early. Ava was still there, noticing Candice’s arrival.

She cast a peek toward Candice and stated nonchalantly to Alex, “Your secretary seems very

concerned about you.”

Alex responded matter–of–factly, “That’s part of her job.”

Ava then made a meaningful remark, looking at Candice, “Some secretaries certainly perform a wide

range of duties.”

Candice detected the scorn and sarcasm in Ava’s voice, choosing to stand by silently with her eyes

downcast.

Alex, unfazed, stated, “A secretary’s private affairs are not my business.”

Ava then shifted her attention.

She looked towards her daughter Nina, mentioning, “Helen called me last night. She’s hoping you

might bring Nina along when you go back to Dorrington City.” Nina, despite coyly calling out to her

mother, looked bashfully at Alex.

Alex was quite the catch, after all. It would be a godsend if this man was willing to take her back to

Dorrington City.

Nina’s eyes, which were glued to Alex’s, gave away her eagerness.