My Mirror Image

Chapter 213

Alex responded in a light tone but in a condescending manner.

Candice’s face stiffened slightly as she tried to stand tall in response to his biting remarks.

“I admit I didn’t handle the previous situation well,” she admitted, referring to the event in which Yvonne

had shown up at the company asking for money from her.

Candice avoided Alex’s attention by keeping her gaze downward, speaking hesitantly, “Regarding what

happened in Noxville-”

She paused abruptly.

Candice thought something was off as she remembered her last contact with Greg at the bank. Her

interaction with Greg was limited, and their connection began mainly because of Yvonne’s

medical bills.

Greg, on the other hand, was able to immediately inform her of Ivor’s recent activities, hinting that he

had been keeping an eye on the situation. Who else but Alex could give Greg such instructions?

Holding back her suspicions, she resumed, “The situation in Noxville isn’t what you think. I’ll

figure out how to deal with Ivor. Don’t worry about it.”

Alex’s look was anything but warm. He glanced at her casually, an eyebrow arched inquiringly.”

What exactly is your strategy? Do you rely on Hanley for help?”

His smirk was unreadable as he spoke in an icy tone, “Your judgment of people is questionable.

Hanley is estranged from his family. It’s wishful thinking to think you can utilize him to hang on to

the Baldwins.”

“I’m not dependent on him,” Candice countered, her brow furrowed.

Her patience thinning, she pressed, “Can you please stop bringing up Hanley all the time?”

Candice had told him this countless times, but he never seemed to take it seriously.

He raised his eyebrows slightly, his face emotionless. He questioned, “Does bringing him up bother

you?”

“Why do you have to be so difficult?” Candice complained.

She had gotten truly tired of his attitude and didn’t want to debate with him about it. Their argument

served no purpose.

Her remarks seemed to agitate Alex. The man, who had been seated calmly, suddenly stood up,

his imposing aura intensifying as he loomed over Candice.

He was silent initially, but then a scornful smirk crept onto his lips. He mocked, “Very well. You

don’t know how stupid you are.”

As she left the building, Candice was visibly upset.

She unlocked her phone absentmindedly, browsing through her messages. There was no word from

Dean Schmidt, suggesting the refund to Alex hadn’t been processed.

Left with no choice, she made her way back to the hospital.

In the office, shortly after Candice’s departure, Alex’s phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was Greg.

Alex narrowed his eyes slightly as he answered. Whatever Greg relayed seemed to instantly sour

his mood.

The call ended a few minutes later.

Sawyer walked in with some documents, informing him, “Mr. Elysian, the Solaris paperwork has

been delivered.”

With a grave expression, Alex accepted the documents and asked coldly. “How is the assignment I

gave you progressing?”

Sawyer responded, “All preparations are in place as instructed. We’re keeping a close watch on

the situation.”

Alex nodded, making no further remarks.

Sawyer stayed, speaking softly, “Mr. Elysian, you’re scheduled for dinner tonight with Blue Artifact’s

head and a meeting with Dream Search in two days.”

“Dream Search?” Alex’s brow furrowed slightly. Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

The Dream Search cooperation was not a minor project for Aether Corporation. A lower management

level had organized it, but Alex had not been personally in charge of it.

Previously, the incident with Blue Artifact had led Alex’s team to believe he was eyeing opportunities in

the art sector, prompting them to readily agree when Dream Search proposed a

meeting.

Alex didn’t personally oversee all projects. For smaller ones like Dream Search, a final review of

the contract and documents by him is enough.

“Dream Search is keen on a meeting with various partner companies for smoother future.

collaborations.” Sawyer noted.

In reality, everyone knew what Dream Search was up to. The corporation hoped to impress the officials

with its well–connected network. The event was an attempt to capitalize on Aether

Corporation’s reputation.

Meanwhile, Candice’s regular hospital visits to see Joe continued.

Despite his stay in the ICU, Joe’s health was visibly improving.

It gave Candice a lot of comfort. She spent about thirty minutes with him before departing.

Before she left, Joe gently held her hand, slowly advising. “Take care of yourself, don’t worry.”

Candice had been feeling down recently. She forced a smile and reassured Joe, “I’ve been busy

with tidying the house in Northdale. It’s nearly ready. We’ll move back once you’re out of the

hospital.”

Joe’s eyes weren’t as sharp as they used to be. It took him a moment to comprehend Candice’s

comments, and then he nodded gently, holding her hand. He agreed, “Good. Moving back to the

old house would be nice.”

Leaving the hospital around two in the afternoon, Candice grabbed a quick lunch. Her schedule had

been erratic recently. She ate only when she found the time.

As she prepared to drive back to the villa, Hanley called.

Candice felt she had pulled Hanley into her problem following her morning discussion with Alex.

She felt obligated to apologize to him.

“Are you still at the hospital?” Hanley asked straightforwardly.

Candice responded, “I’m just about to leave for the villa.”

“Would it be alright if Nadia and I visited your grandfather?” Hanley questioned.

Nadia’s voice then chimed in, “We’re near the hospital, we just finished a meeting. We’d like to see

your grandfather. Is that possible?”

Candice hesitated, explaining, “He’s still in the ICU. Doctors recommend no visitors for now.”

“Understood,” replied Nadia, pondering. “We’ll wait until he’s discharged, then.”

She laughed lightly, adding, “It’s too bad for the boss. He really wanted to use this chance to

impress-”

Candice missed the rest of Nadia’s words as Hanley’s voice emerged, “We’re close by. Do your want

us to wait for you?”

Hearing his voice stirred something in Candice. She softly agreed, “Yes. I’d like to discuss something

with you.”

Hanley was waiting for her in the nearby commercial district.

She arrived promptly and found only Hanley there. The others had left.

Candice paused briefly as she neared him, asking. “Why are you alone? Where’s Nadia?”

Hanley’s face was composed as he stated, “They had to leave for something else.”

Candice was stunned, and her brows furrowed slowly. She bit her lip and explained, “I thought

everyone was here. I’d like to ask you all to dinner.”

“What seems to be the matter?” Hanley asked.

“Nothing much,” she said calmly as she gazed up at him. “I just wanted to express my gratitude for your

support lately. Also, I’m moving back to Northdale.”

Hanley’s face was flushed with surprise, which he immediately concealed. He knitted his brows and

asked, “Why have you decided to move so suddenly?”