My Mirror Image

Chapter 275

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Sensing Jackson’s hesitation to discuss the matter further, Candice wisely chose not to pursue the

topic.

They proceeded to the motel where Yvonne had been staying.

Upon their arrival and request for surveillance footage, the front desk staff promptly rebuffed them.

“Surveillance? We don’t have anything like that here!”

The motel was a converted residential building near a hospital. It was far from luxurious. The absence

of a valid business license was something Candice observed as well.

With a shake of his head, Jackson concluded, “No luck here. We need to look elsewhere.”

Hiding her disappointment, Candice agreed with a nod. She wasn’t ready to give up yet.

Yvonne had mentioned a few other locations, and her insistence on speaking well of Sonia only added

layers to the puzzle.

A brief expression of frustration flickered across Candice’s face, her eyes darkening for a moment.

Jackson picked up on her mood and reassured her gently. “Don’t worry, I’m with you in this.”

After spending a night at home to rest, Candice returned to the villa the next day. She was still

contemplating how to approach the issue of Alex’s injury.

En route, she unexpectedly encountered Jessica.

Candice’s memories of Jessica were faint, mostly recalling a birthday party for Jessica’s husband that

Alex had brought her to a few years ago. Their interactions had been minimal.

save for a recent meeting involving her and Helen.

Jessica was dressed in a gorgeous designer gown with flawless makeup. She acknowledged

Candice with a smile and a nod.

Candice responded with a slight nod.

Jessica suddenly spoke up as they were about to walk past each other, “Candice, right?”

Candice paused and said, “Ms. Kane.”

“Don’t let Helen’s words bother you,” Jessica advised. “That’s just her way.

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Candice was astonished that Jessica had brought it up. “I’m well aware of Mrs. Elysian’s temperament.

There’s no need for me to take it to heart. Keeping up with her would be a challenge

in itself.”

Jessica’s eyes flickered with astonishment as Candice’s statements hinted at Helen’s difficult

nature.

“If there’s nothing else, I must go,” Candice said, maintaining her composure.

They weren’t particularly close. Given their distant relationship and Jessica’s ties to the Elysians,

Candice saw little reason to prolong the conversation.

As Candice walked away. Jessica’s expression shifted to a slight frown.

Helen had mentioned in passing that her son had ended things with Candice, a claim Jessica

had doubted. Now, it appeared to be true.

Candice swiftly forgot the minor encounter.

Arriving at the villa, she found it unusually quiet. Nadia and Ryan were seated on the sofa, both

silent. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Recalling the previous day’s events, Candice asked, “Where’s Hanley?”

“He’s in the study, on a call,” Nadia informed, lifting her head.

“Is the mood about yesterday?” Candice asked.

Nadia shook her head. “No, Aether Corporation is still deciding how to handle the incident. We’ve been

told to await their decision. The boss is preoccupied with something else.”

“What is it?”

Nadia offered no further details. “You might want to ask him directly. I don’t fully understand it

myself.”

Candice felt a pang of anxiety. As Hanley finally emerged from the study, she immediately asked, ”

How did your conversation with Alex go yesterday? What was his reaction?”

Hanley appeared visibly exhausted. The dark circles under his eyes were more pronounced than usual,

indicating he hadn’t rested well.

“It’s complicated,” he admitted. “Alex rejected the idea of compensation when I brought it up.”

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Candice lowered her gaze. She was aware of Alex’s temperament and knew that he wasn’t the sort of

person to let money influence him.

After a moment of reflection, she broached another subject. “Nadia mentioned you’re dealing with

something else?”

Hanley confirmed with a slight nod and sat down across from Candice, his bright, almond–shaped

eyes betraying his tiredness. In a deep voice, he revealed, “I wanted to discuss a matter with you

today.”

Candice listened intently as Hanley explained.

“Burning Star Studio is expanding our business in Dorrington. We’re not just working with Aether

Corporation and Blue Artifact. We’ve actually received several new business offers.” Hanley’s

work ethic was evident in his serious demeanor and focused gaze. “We’re considering

establishing a dedicated business department for these ventures. Are you

interested?”

“Yes, Candice, this is something we need from you,” Ryan added. He seemed disturbed as he

continued. “Each to their own expertise. I’m not cut out for this kind of work. Those contracts are

too complex for me.”

“It’s fine if you’re not up to it,” Hanley said.

“I’m willing.” Candice agreed immediately, without a second thought.

She was aware that Hanley was offering her a good chance, and she had no reason to turn it down.

Hanley’s assistance had also helped her land her first break at Burning Star Studio.

Without it, as a newcomer, she likely wouldn’t have had the chance to join such a prestigious

studio.

Candice understood her situation very well. “I’ve had success in handling business liaisons previously,”

she said confidently.

Noticing her assurance, Hanley slightly raised his eyebrows. “Very well. You have a lot of

confidence.”

Candice embraced Hanley’s offer and rapidly accepted her new responsibilities.

The ambiguous position of Aether Corporation caused Shaun to grow restless. He frequently sought

updates from Candice.

Candice shared his concerns. If Alex decided to take action against them, they would be in a

precarious position. She resolved that if there was no response from Aether Corporation by Friday, she

would personally visit the office to check on the issue to keep everyone at ease and the project moving

forward.

That afternoon, Hanley briefed her about an upcoming dinner on Friday evening.

“Blue Artifact’s anniversary?” Candice pondered, checking her phone for an unread message from

Zane on WhatsApp.

Zane had extended an invitation, which she had overlooked due to her busy schedule.

“Blue Artifact is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It’s a significant event with many attendees. As

their new partner, we should definitely be there,” Hanley explained.

He hesitated for a moment before nonchalantly adding, “Aether Corporation will most likely send

someone too.”

Candice understood what he left unsaid. Given the alliance between Aether Corporation and Blue

Artifact, Alex would most likely be the one in attendance to demonstrate respect for the importance of

the relationship.

Her attitude remained steady as she stated. “The invitation has already been given to me. therefore, I

must go. And, as you mentioned, there will be a lot of people there, it’ll be an excellent opportunity for

business networking.”

Candice had swiftly adapted to her role as Commerce Director.

The afternoon of the event, Candice joined Hanley, Ryan, and Nadia in the car to the venue.

Blue Artifact had invested extensively in the event and held it at Morinaga Estate.

Due to her injury, Candice chose a strapless purple mermaid gown. Her hair was elegantly styled,

accentuating her graceful neck.

Stepping out into the cool mountain breeze at Morinaga Estate, she briefly frowned.

The estate was situated on a mountain, and the night breeze was cold.

Almost immediately, Hanley offered his warm coat, draping it over her shoulders. His usual

demeanor softened as he gently advised, “Don’t let yourself get cold.”

Candice lowered her gaze to escape his. She pressed her lips together gently.