My Mirror Image

Chapter 185

Alex’s words were laden with an icy chill.

Candice confronted him, her emotions held tightly in check as she retorted, “My personal life is

not your business.”

She spoke in a neutral tone, showing no emotion.

Alex scoffed, his face expressionless. His voice was deep and cold, asking, “It’s not my concern?

Didn’t you come here for Joe?”

At this, Candice tensed. Her gaze locked on him as she demanded clarification. “What are you

implying?”

His eyes were penetrating. Because of his height, he had to lower his eyes when gazing at

Candice. It gave him an air of aloofness and detachedness.

In a matter–of–fact tone, he reminded her, “Remember, he’s only in Dorrington for a short two–day

visit.”

He was clearly talking about Chad.

Candice gradually regained her composure. She realized that Chad was Alex’s uncle.

She rapidly processed this new information.

Her knowledge of Chad was limited. She recalled Helen’s strained ties with her family, whereas Alex

maintained good relations with them.

While Chad might be reluctant to meet her, Alex could potentially take her to meet him.

Candice’s visage darkened briefly. She quickly regained her composure and asked, “What do you want

in exchange?”

She was well aware of his character. He wouldn’t engage in meaningless talk.

A trace of sarcasm briefly crossed Alex’s eyes. He glanced down, Candice’s reflection caught in

his deep gaze.

After a pause, he replied coolly. “You’re overthinking it. What does your business have to do with

me?”

With that, he looked away and made his way inside the venue.

Candice hesitated for a moment, preparing to follow him, when a petite woman suddenly blocked

+15 BONOS

Sonia’s smile had disappeared, and her gaze was unwelcoming as she advised, “You heard him.

He doesn’t want you here. Maybe it’s best If you leave now?”

Sonia’s irritation stemmed from Helen’s mockery and Alex’s disregard for her upon his arrival,

which she now directed at Candice.

“I need to accompany the directors,” she replied with a strained smile, “so I won’t escort you out.”

Observing Sonia’s arrogant attitude, Candice looked down and responded in a calm voice, “Ms.

Summers, remember, you’re employed as a secretary at Aether Corporation, not as a receptionist at

the Southern Gin Hotel.”

She glanced at Sonia from head to toe. Her gaze eventually settled on the V–neck top hidden beneath

Sonia’s jacket.

Candice reminded her in a mocking tone, “Even hotel receptionists are expected to adhere to a dress

code.”

Sonia’s expression stiffened. She was ready to retort, but Candice had already departed.

Candice walked out of the ballroom, but she was not in a hurry to leave.

Chad was only going to stay in Dorrington City for two days. The clock was ticking.

Her brow wrinkled, her thoughts complicated as she stood at the hotel entryway.

At that moment, Hanley called.

Candice answered the phone, but the voice she heard was Yana’s.

She asked, “When are you coming back? We’re planning to go for roasted duck.”

Glancing at the time, which showed half past eight, Candice responded, “Go ahead without me.

I’ve got matters to attend to.”

“Still busy?” Hanley’s voice came through, likely after taking the phone from Yana.

Yana’s murmurs were faintly audible in the background.

“It’s impossible to clean up the old house in one day,” stated Hanley. “Go slowly.”

Candice responded, gazing at the neon lights across the street with a sigh of resignation, “I know. I’m

waiting for someone.”

Truthfully, she felt overwhelmed. The idea of Joe’s issue being connected to Alex was something she

hadn’t anticipated.

*15 BONOS

Detecting something amiss in her voice, Hanley moved away from the group and asked, “Is something

wrong?”

After a moment of hesitation, Candice explained. “I’m at the Southern Gin Hotel, hoping to meet Dr.

Sul. Dr. Brooks has referred to him as a renowned neurologist, but it turns out he’s Alex’s uncle,

Hearing this, Hanley’s brows subtly furrowed.

At that moment. Yana approached, noticing Hanley’s solemn look, and questioned, “What’s going

“Nothing to worry about,” he answered before heading back inside.

Candice lingered outside the hotel briefly, gathering her thoughts before finally deciding to leave.

Everyone was still up when she arrived at the villa. They gathered around the coffee table and

talked to one another. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Yana enjoyed the company. She had met Nadia the night before and decided to stay overnight.

She was playing games by herself at the time.

Candice brought the fish soup with her and offered, “Does anyone want fish soup? I picked it up from

Northdale. It just needs reheating.”

Curious, Yana set her phone aside and stood up to assist Candice, asking, “Why did you go back

to Northdale?”

“To sort out a property there.”

“You own a place in Northdale?” Yana inquired.

“It’s an old family house, Candice clarified, placing the fish soup in the microwave.

As the scent of the soup began to waft through the air, Nadia appeared at the kitchen doorway. her

nose twitching as she remarked, “That smells delicious.”

Candice asked, “Could you find out who else wants some lish soup?”

Nadia nodded and headed toward the living room.

Meanwhile, Yana’s phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID, her previously cheerful expression

dimming slightly. She murmured something to Candice before stepping out with her phone.

Candice was alone in the kitchen, staring at the microwave’s lights and lost in her thoughts.

“Don’t worry.” A deep, compelling voice comforted Candice and brought her back to the present.

+15 BONOS

She turned around to see Hanley standing at the door. His expression was as calm as it had always

been.

“Chad will be in Dorrington for two days. I might be able to help you connect with him,” he offered.

Surprised, Candice asked, “You’re acquainted with him?”

Hanley answered vaguely, “My family is.”

Although Candice had known Hanley for a long time, he seldom spoke of his family. Still, she was

aware that his connections, particularly with Jackson, implied significant influence.

With a grateful smile, she said, “Thank you.”

His gaze briefly paused on her, then shifted away as he nonchalantly added, “If you need anything. just

tell me. After all, Jackson entrusted me to take care of you.”

The mention of Jackson reminded Candice that she hadn’t seen him recently, but she understood that

his family obligations often required him to travel.

Just then, the microwave beeped, indicating the fish soup was ready.

As Candice was about to ask Hanley if he’d like some, Yana burst in, holding Candice’s phone.

“There’s a call for you.”

Candice looked down to see Helen’s name on the screen.

Unsure of Helen’s reason for calling, she simply stared at the blinking screen, motionless.