My Mirror Image

Chapter 211

The next morning, Candice came downstairs to find her team having breakfast.

Everyone looked surprised when they saw her.

“Candice, you look like you didn’t get much sleep. Are you okay?”

Candice had noticed her pale complexion in the mirror when she washed up. She’d been up all night. It

was surprising that her appearance reflected her lack of sleep.

Observing everyone’s formal wear, she shifted the topic and asked, “Do you have any plans today?

“We’re going to meet with the department heads. Hanley arranged for a small meeting,” they explained.

Candice’s brow furrowed slightly, and she asked, “Why wasn’t I informed?”

She concluded that Hanley probably didn’t want to burden her considering her recent hospital

stays.

“It’s just a minor discussion,” Ryan added. “Hanley suggested you focus on your personal matters

instead.”

Candice had not seen Hanley and asked, “Where’s Hanley?”

Ryan looked around unconcernedly, saying, “He might have stepped out.”

Candice said no more. She greeted everyone and was about to leave.

The door opened from the outside as she grabbed it.

Hanley entered, his expression calm. “Heading out so soon?”

“I have a few things to handle.” Candice replied.

Hanley nodded, making way for her to pass, and followed her toward the garage.

Reaching the garage, Candice paused and asked, “Is there something you need from me?”

Hanley’s face reflected a mix of emotions. He looked neat and polished with a white shirt and

trousers.

“If there’s anything you need, I’m here to help,” he offered in a deep voice.

For a split second, Candice didn’t understand Hanley’s motive, but she could see the complexity

In his eyes.

“Did Jackson mention anything to you?” She asked, delicately biting her lip. “My grandpa is in good

health. The doctors have confirmed that there are no problems.”

Hanley’s lips trembled, almost as if he wanted to say anything else, but he finally remarked, “Don’t

worry about work now. Jackson invited us to dinner tomorrow. Will you join?”

After Candice’s affirmation, Hanley turned to leave, but she stopped him.

She said calmly. “There’s no need for special work arrangements for me. Just keep me in the loop. I

can’t always rely on you for food and shelter.”

Internally, Candice sighed. She knew she couldn’t keep focusing solely on Joe’s situation. She was

currently unable to participate fully, but she needed to meet her responsibilities as soon as possible.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

She drove out of the garage after saying her goodbyes to Hanley. After rounding a corner, stopped the

car and dialed Yvonne’s number with a stoic expression.

she

Yvonne quickly answered, eager in tone, “Candy?”

Candice could picture Yvonne’s phony manner. She got right to the point, asking. “Are you still

with Ivor?”

Yvonne hesitated before responding with bitterness, “He didn’t return last night, scared of debt

collectors. Can you send the money quickly? You did promise me before.”

Her voice, though low, was clearly fixated on the money.

Candice then asked pointedly. “Did he hit you again?”

Yvonne remained silent, offering no response.

Not expecting an answer, Candice pressed on, “Despite everything, you’re still unwilling to

consider divorce?”

Yvonne stuttered, conflicted, “…”

She waited patiently for her to speak in silence.

Eventually, Yvonne weakly justified, “He’s been good to me. He hasn’t done anything wrong. Why

would I consider divorce?”

Candice’s heart remained unmoved. This was Yvonne’s path to choose, and she had repeatedly

questioned her choice. Persuasion seemed futile. Yvonne was the architect of her own fate.

+15 RONOS

With an unemotional tone, Candice declared, “I will send the money. Remember your promise. Stay out

of my way from now on, and don’t contact me again.”

Candice believed that people who chose to drown in their problems were beyond help. They had

already become one with their issues. Trying to pull them out would just cause you pain.

The phone call left Candice in an unexpected state of tranquility.

It was strange. If it had been a long time ago, Yvonne’s words would have enraged her, but she had let

go today. Maybe she was too tired to cling to things that weren’t hers. One could not save those

determined to self–destruct.

Her mind flashed back to Peach’s face. Candice prayed Yvonne wouldn’t make the mistake of

letting Ivor sell Peach.

Sitting in her car for a while, Candice then made her way to the nearest bank.

The amount was significant, necessitating a bank transfer.

A transfer from Aether Corporation boosted Candice’s account. After deducting the five hundred

thousand, it had enough to finance Yvonne and Joe’s continuous medical care.

After handling the bank transaction, Candice proceeded to the hospital.

Her grandfather’s condition was stable. Dr. Brooks provided her with sterile attire, permitting her

to visit.

Joe was conscious, with only a nurse in attendance.

Surgery had taken its toll. Observing Joe’s pale face, she felt a pang of sorrow.

She sat by his bed, softly addressing him, “Grandpa, it’s Candy.”

Joe’s gaze slowly shifted toward her. His facial features, once contorted, gradually improved. His voice

was raspy as he attempted to speak, “C…”

Candice softly reassured him not to exert himself and shared recent updates with him–her house. work,

and Chad–focusing on the positives to put his mind at ease.

Joe was drained from the surgery, and he fell asleep during her recount.

Candice stayed there calmly for a long time, staring at his aged visage. She was relieved that Joe

was okay.

She went to Dr. Brooks after changing her clothing.

+15 BONDS

As she neared the office, she overheard a mocking and disapproving voice.

“What gives you the right to pose as Alex’s wife? You’re not even fit to be a maid in my house.

You’re such an idiot!”

Candice stopped. She looked in the direction of the corner to see Helen disdainfully scold Sonia,

who was standing there with her head bowed.