My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s)

Chapter 0309

When Candice conveyed her concerns, Alex scoffed. His eyes gleamed in contempt as he replied, "Really, do you see yourself as the one in charge here?"

His mocking tone was clear enough for everyone around to hear.

Undeterred, Candice lifted her gaze slightly to meet Alex's. She calmly stated, "I'm just reminding you to avoid unnecessary risks."

Given Alex's desire to invite Sonia, he should have told Candice so that she did not take Sonia's spot as before. Such a precaution might have prevented the current discomfort.

Alex dismissively asked, "What risks? Be more specific."

He looked up, his eyes displaying a mixture of indifference and aloofness. After a pause, he speculated, "You don't consider yourself a risk that needs handling, do you?"

His laughter was soft, yet his stare became more intense toward Candice, his right eyebrow subtly raising as he complimented, "I must say, confidence suits you well."

Candice frowned. Her lips twitched, and she was ready to retort, but she was cut off by Shawn's cough.

Shawn fixed a stern look on Alex and sharply criticized, "Candy is my guest. If you're feeling out of place, feel free to leave—and take your secretary with you."

The old man coughed intermittently as he admonished Alex. His tone was angry, indicating that he was genuinely dissatisfied with Alex for bringing Sonia.

Alex, whom he had raised, was bearing Shawn's rage in silence. He chose not to respond.

Then he turned to Candice, reassuring her in a softer voice, "Don't worry, Candy. If that brat dares to bully you, let me know. I'll handle him for you."

Candice gave a smile and served Shawn some water, choosing not to continue the argument.

Upon returning in a new outfit and overhearing Shawn's protective words, Sonia's spirits were noticeably dampened.

She bit her lip as she sat down, her gaze drawn instinctively to Shawn.

Seeing Shawn cater to Candice made her clench her fork tighter. She felt an insane wrath rising inside her.

Despite being Alex's partner and, rightfully, his companion, why was Candice the center of attention? What right did that whore, of all people, have to be treated so?

Subtly frowning, Candice savored the dish Shawn had served. She had sensed a disapproving stare from behind. Without looking, she knew it was Sonia—who else could it be?

Candice believed Sonia's presence today, whether with or without Alex's permission, seemed to unnecessarily complicate things.

Sonia seemed eager to win Shawn's favor, but she appeared to have forgotten that the Elysians were not your typical family and would not respond to insignificant gestures.

Shawn had seen everything luxury could offer, so gestures like a baked cake would not impress someone on his level.

It seemed Sonia had let herself be swept up in the fantasy world of soap operas, overestimating the significance of her actions and allowing them to cloud her judgment.

Moreover, Sonia's disheveled arrival at Shawn's birthday celebration clearly exposed the nature of her relationship with Alex to any discerning observer.

While guests might refrain from making comments directly, they were most certainly gossiping behind her back.

Shawn was undoubtedly still furious by Sonia's blunder, feeling it reflected poorly on his family name.

Candice recognized the situation for what it was but preferred to keep her thoughts to herself.

She ignored Sonia's gaze and frankly enjoyed her time dining with Shawn.

Immediately after their meal, Bruno came over at the perfect moment, discreetly informing them, "Mr. Elysian, we're all set for the photography session."

A smile broke across Shawn's face as he gently took Candice's hand, inviting her, "Come with me. Let's go for the photo session."

Candice was about to decline, but she changed her mind at the sight of Shawn's genuine happiness.

Shawn had been so kind to her that she couldn't turn down such a simple wish. She decided to accompany him for the photo session as a gesture of goodwill.

Candice assisted Shawn to stand.

Sonia approached again with a pale complexion. She said to Alex, "Lex, my father just called. He's insisting I return home. Could you give me a ride?"

Just as Alex was about to answer, Shawn's harsh voice interrupted, "Alex, come take the family photo with us."

He then looked at Candice, adding, "You know, as one grows older, the desire to preserve memories grows. Candy, you need to stand beside me."

Candice nodded and followed Shawn, leaving Alex behind.

The shock was apparent on Sonia’s face as she questioned, "You're including Candice in the family photo?"

Alex's face flickered with displeasure, which he quickly concealed, replying in a composed manner, "I'll drive you home after this."

"I won't have it!" Sonia exclaimed, throwing herself at Alex and clinging to him desperately.

She clutched his waist tightly, her voice tinted with dread and fury as she yelled, "You can't have her in our family photo! Why does she deserve this? She is merely a slut with whom you have had your fill of fun. Lex, remember, I'm your girlfriend!"

Normally soft-spoken, Sonia's voice now sounded alarmingly loud, her outcry reverberating in the ensuing quiet. Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

Her usually gentle voice turned shrill, attracting silent stares from everyone present.

The room fell silent, with all eyes turning toward them.

With his brows knitted and a growing coldness in his eyes, Alex replied icily, "I said I'd take you home shortly."

"Now, Lex. I can't stand to be here any longer," Sonia implored.

Sonia's head became entirely muddled as soon as she pictured Candice assisting Shawn in walking away.

A wave of anxiety washed over her. Sonia’s thoughts became a tangled mess.

She was nervous and instinctively worried that if Alex went to them now, she would lose him forever.

The thought of losing Alex was unbearable.

Her anxiety manifested in a tighter grip on Alex.

"Enough," came a stern reprimand from above, and she looked up to see Alex.

Tears in her eyes, she begged meekly, "Can you not go over there, please?"

Alex's impatience was evident as he looked down at Sonia in annoyance, responding, "It's my grandfather's birthday today."

"It can wait until next year, or not at all. My grandfather has never celebrated his birthday," Sonia responded hastily.

Her main concern was to prevent Alex from joining Candice, further arguing, "And besides, your grandfather is trying to match you with Candice. You don't even like her, right? Why would you agree to a family photo with her, then?"

Alex's demeanor became stern. His eyes narrowed significantly at Sonia, his usual affection replaced by a noticeable coldness.

With a voice devoid of warmth, he questioned, "Do you even know what you're saying?"