My Mirror Image

Chapter 212

Helen was known for her difficult temperament, always exuding arrogance and speaking in a manner

that was both harsh and unpleasant.

Candice was not surprised. Helen caught her eye as she turned away and entered the office.

The annoyance on her face hardened further as she sneered, “Good things rarely come alone, while

misfortunes tend to cluster.”

Sonia saw Candice and understood that she had heard what Helen had just said. Her expression grew

rigid with discomfort.

Candice was the only one who remained calm in the embarrassing scenario. She marched straight into

the office, pretending she hadn’t heard Helen’s mockery.

Dr. Brooks welcomed her warmly, saying, “Your grandfather is recovering well, but surgery is certainly

taxing on the body, so rest is essential. Given his particular situation, we believe it is preferable for him

to remain in the ICU for another two weeks. What are your thoughts?”

The expense of the ICU was exorbitant, and family approval was essential.

She consented and received several forms from Dr. Brooks for the necessary payments and

procedures.

Exiting the office, she was intercepted by someone.

Once a novice, Sonia now stood in a professional suit. Her hair was curled and draped over her

shoulders, radiating the confidence of a seasoned urban professional.

Contrastingly, Candice had been busy with hospital visits and had had little time for personal upkeep.

She was clad in a plain shirt and trousers, her long hair tied back simply..

Sonia averted her gaze and smiled gently. “It’s really you,” she said, her voice tinted with pride. “I

hardly recognized you at a glance.”

With a hint of surprise, she added, “You’ve changed quite a bit since leaving the company.”

Candice detected mockery in her remarks.

She stood taller than Sonia, but Sonia’s high heels today gave her a taller appearance, while Candice

had opted for practical flat shoes.

When Sonia spoke to Candice, she deliberately looked down on her and exuded an air of

superiority.

+15 BONOS

Expressionless, Candice briefly appraised Sonia and replied coolly, “You didn’t change much.”

Sonia’s face tensed as she pondered what Candice’s remarks meant. She instantly regained her calm

and realized she had nothing to be terrified of.

Candice had gotten herself into such a mess. She wasn’t likely to return to Aether Corporation. There

was no serious rivalry.

Sonia’s smile widened subtly, and she casually mentioned, “I heard someone in your family is

hospitalized, right? What a coincidence! Lex asked me to accompany his mother for an

examination.”

Candice’s response was a pointed look and a simple, “Coincidence?”

Sonia paused.

Candice gave her an icy stare before turning to go.

Sonia was only there to brag, stressing her close relationships with Alex and Helen. Candice was

uninterested in her theatrics.

“It’s my birthday next week,” Sonia said as Candice walked away. “Lex is throwing a party for me. Are

you coming?”

Candice remained silent, recognizing the lack of a genuine invitation.

Yet, thoughts of Alex lingered. Her expression darkened slightly, acknowledging the need for a

conversation with him.

After paying at the reception, Candice tried calling Alex, only to receive no answer.

Frowning, she briefly hesitated before heading directly to Aether Corporation.

En route, she reached out to Kayla for Alex’s whereabouts.

Kayla informed her, “Mr. Elysian is in the office but is engaged in discussions with a foreign

company regarding a partnership.” Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

With this information, Candice proceeded straight to the office, determined to resolve her matters.

Initially, Candice intended to wait on the ground floor, but then she received a message from Kayla

indicating that the visitors from the foreign enterprise had departed and she could proceed

upstairs.

Understanding Alex’s busy schedule, Candice had just one issue to discuss with him and didn’t

wish to prolong it.

+15 BONOS

She made her way directly to the CEO’s office, where she found only Sawyer.

Candice gave him a brief side glance. Previously, Sawyer was often out on field assignments, but it

appeared he now spent more time in close proximity to Alex.

Upon her arrival, Sawyer wasn’t surprised. He greeted her and then proceeded to acquire Alex’s

signature on some documents.

Candice followed him into the office.

Alex was engrossed in some paperwork. He looked up as Candice entered, his gaze cold and piercing.

He questioned, “Who allowed you to enter?”

Candice disregarded the document he was working on and spoke in a soft tone, “I need a moment

with you.

“Do you have an appointment?”

She hesitated briefly before responding. “It will only take five minutes.”

Alex responded with a cold scoff, “Why should I waste five minutes on you?”

After completing the signature, he passed the document to Sawyer, who then exited the office.

Alex nonchalantly tossed his pen onto the desk and leisurely eyed Candice, questioning. “What gives

you such audacity?”

Tightly clutching her hand, Candice faced Alex and said, “Apologies, Mr. Elysian. I just have one

question. Were you the one who paid for my grandfather’s nursing home expenses?”

Alex cast his gaze downward, lightly drumming his fingers on the desk, his tone detached.

“He was good to me.”

Candice acknowledged with a nod, “I’ve arranged for a refund from Dean Schmidt. The funds will revert

to Aether Corporation. Please notify your finance staff so that they can look at it.”

The rhythmic tapping of Alex’s finger ceased. He glanced at Candice, his voice flat yet edged with

sarcasm, saying, “So, refusing handouts, I see. It shows you have a spirit.”

His tone then took on a sarcastic twist, remarking, “Regrettably, it’s pointless and foolish.”

Candice stood still and processed Alex’s candid remarks, recalling how Alex had been a huge help

in making Joe’s surgery a success.

She briefly closed her eyes, then said, “I appreciate your help, but I’ll manage my family issues myself.”

+15 BONOS

Alex emitted an enigmatic, chilly chuckle, its meaning unclear.

Soon after, he spoke with a cold, mocking tone, “Years pass, yet your naivety remains. It’s

incurable.”

Candice’s gaze fell, and she softly stated, “I won’t trouble you any further.”

Alex’s initially icy demeanor transitioned to one of annoyance amid a swirl of emotions. He fixed his

stare on Candice and remarked, “Have you been in touch with Greg?”

At the mention of Greg, Candice’s face clouded over, recalling that Greg had mentioned Alex’s interest

in Ivor. Why?

Before she could express her confusion, Alex’s tone became harsh as he mocked, “You said you’d

handle your family issues. Does that involve sending them to my company for money? You’re doing a

great job. Are you involving Greg in bringing Ivor into my company as well? You’re playing a smart

game.”

He spoke with a light, almost dismissive tone.