My Mirror Image

Chapter 129

Sieg’s stare at Candice was loaded with scorn. He rested his hand on Rolf’s shoulder, voicing his

displeasure. Lex is in there. Aren’t you able to behave yourself?”

In the past, Candice would have defended herself against Sieg’s misunderstandings. Now she felt too

drained to exert effort in countering him.

She cast a quick glance at Sieg before addressing Rolf, “You wanted me to fetch your coat, right?”

Rolf Langstaff, as he accepted the coat, appeared perplexed. Unacquainted with Sieg and his crowd,

he had come to the event primarily because of his close ties with Marc.

Despite this, witnessing Sieg’s demeaning behavior towards Candice, Rolf easily surmised their tense

relationship.

Coming from a family that ran a business, Rolf was keen not to upset Sieg. He clicked his tongue in

Candice’s direction, chastising her. “Sure, I requested the coat, but I didn’t anticipate you’d soil it. Have

you stained my

coat?”

Candice replied icily, “If you think it is filthy, there’s a garbage bin right there.”

Taken aback by her comeback, Rolf frowned, annoyed that she had belittled him in front of Sieg.

Rolf scrutinized Candice and remarked coldly. “Walking around in such dirty clothes, you’d be mistaken

for a

beggar.”

The smears of dirt on Candice’s clothes from Sonia were minor, but they stood out against the light–

colored

garments.

She glanced at her clothing and, opting not to prolong the interaction, turned to leave.

Rolf felt she had insulted him. He seized Candice’s arm, his voice stern. “Who said you

could go?”

Her demeanor turned frostier. She opened her mouth to reply, a sharp retort on her tongue, but Sonia’s

faint cry echoed from the billiards room.

“Lex, it’s painful.”

Candice’s eyes flickered in the direction.

Sieg noticed her distraction. “If you’re curious, why don’t you go inside and check it out?” he taunted.

No longer restraining herself, Candice snapped. “If I didn’t know about Alex’s preferences, I might

suspect you

two were a couple.”

Sieg’s face darkened, his eyes narrowing for the fight.

Alex emerged before Sieg could speak. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows, and he carried a band–

aid box.

+15 BONOS

His expression was stolc as he briefly surveyed Candice, then addressed Sleg. “Where’s the item you

were

looking for?”

Sieg clicked his tongue and explained, “The first ald’s lodine is expired, where else am I supposed to

find it? Marc’s already asked someone to fetch it. Tell Sonia to wait.”

Alex acknowledged and returned inside, but not before his gaze fleetingly rested on Candice’s arm in

Roll’s grip.

He arched an eyebrow and emitted a barely audible, cool snort.

Snapping out of it, Candice wriggled free from Roll’s hold and headed to her secluded spot.

Marc’s requested iodine arrived quickly, as did Jackson.

The weather was still storming outside, and Jackson was drenched. He spotted Candice in the corner

and approached.

“I had to get something for my mom nearby. Sorry for making you wait,” Jackson apologized, aware of

the tension between Candice and Sieg.

Watching the downpour outside. Candice asked, “With the rain this heavy, will it stop tonight?”

Her concern was evident. She was reluctant to spend the night at Marc’s.

“According to the weather report, it should clear up in about two hours,” Jackson replied.

He noticed the marks on Candice’s clothes and frowned. “What happened here?”

Candice explained indifferently. “Sonia had a fall, and I assisted her. It seems I got the marks from

that.”

Jackson rose to his feet, removed his coat and offered it to Candice. “Use this for now.”

She responded reflexively. “There’s no need, I’ll just change once I’m home.”

“It’s uncomfortable to wear dirty clothes,” Jackson insisted, his face serious. “Plus, staying in damp

clothes. too long could make you unwell. You wouldn’t want your grandfather to worry, right?”

Candice couldn’t argue with him when he mentioned Joe.

She accepted the coat, thanked Jackson, and wrapped it around her shoulders.

It was, indeed, a little chilly. The air conditioning was at a cool temperature, and her damp clothes

made her feel uneasy, so much so that she had tried to avoid the cold air by sitting in a corner.

Jackson’s expression softened when she put on the coat. He went and fetched a glass of warm water

for her.

Candice took the cup, and they sat, chatting.

Laughter suddenly burst from the billiards room, followed by Sleg’s annoyed voice. “Are you mocking

me for not bringing a model today?”

Sieg’s playboy image was well–known in their social circle, as were his escapades with models and

internet celebrities.

Candice wasn’t interested in such gossip. She leisurely drank her warm water.

+15 BONOS

Marc appeared, greeting Jackson as he returned. “Jake, come on in. We’re placing bets and could use

more players.”

Jackson seemed keen. Candice noticed. “Go enjoy yourself, I’ll stay here a bit longer,” she said.

*Join us, Candice. It’s really fun,” urged Marc.

She had no interest in joining Alex’s game and declined with a head shake.

Respecting her decision, Marc took Jackson into the billiards room.

Before entering, Jackson quietly told Candice. “Let me know if you need anything.”

He then disappeared into the room with Marc.

With most people in the living room now in the billiards room, the area was left to strangers engrossed

in their phones, creating a tranquil atmosphere with only the sound of the rain outside and intermittent

laughter from the billiards room.

Sieg was holding a billiard cue. He looked around. “Anyone up for a game with me?”

Alex was the first to decline with a mocking comment. “Your skills are too poor. It’s no fun.”

Annoyed, Sieg turned to Jackson. “Jake, how about a game with me?”

Jackson, ever–amiable, agreed with a nod. “Of course.” Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Without his coat and only in a white shirt, Jackson’s demeanor appeared even more gentle and refined.

Rolf returned from fetching water and stood by Marc. He looked at Jackson, and quietly spoke to Marc.

“Is that his girlfriend outside?”

Marc paused for a moment before realizing Rolf was speaking about Candice. His look was strange.

“Why do you ask that?”

“Isn’t that Jackson’s coat she’s wearing? What’s her name? Candice, right?”

Rolf thought he was speaking quietly, and did not realize the others were listening to every word.

Sonia tugged at Alex’s sleeve. “Are Candice and Mr. Shyan an item?”

Alex paused, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a moment, he lowered his eyes and responded in

a cool tone, “I have no idea.”