My Mirror Image

Chapter 279

Candice regarded her brief interaction with Xavier as nothing more than a passing incident. With her

recent new responsibility to manage the business affairs of Burning Star Studio, her schedule was

packed.

The studio had already enjoyed some international recognition and had become more prominent in

Dorrington due to its partnerships with both the government and Blue Artifact.

This prominence led to an influx of potential collaborators, keeping Candice busy with proposal

evaluations.

In the meantime, Alex’s position on the situation remained unclear.

Following Shaun’s replacement by Hanley, Ryan took over the on–site responsibilities.

Candice needed to take a series of photographs on the first day of work. She escorted Ryan to the

spot.

En route, Ryan reflected on the situation, speculating, “Based on what the boss said, I believe

Shaun might be let go. Safety accidents are serious.”

The building site was being monitored to avoid material theft. The footage plainly demonstrated that

Alex’s injury was Shaun’s responsibility.

Candice did not have a strong view of this.

As a design firm, the Burning Star Studio was required to maintain basic safety requirements. If All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

they didn’t, no one would want to work with them.

Furthermore, she vividly recalled the danger she had encountered that day. If it hadn’t been for Alex,

she would have been crushed by the falling materials, presumably suffering worse injuries

than Alex had.

Responding promptly, Hanley ensured that by the time Candice returned from the photo shoot, Shaun

had already collected his belongings and left the company.

Frowning, Candice expressed her concern cautiously, “Has the dismissal been finalized? Shaun surely

has a plethora of designs from Burning Star Studio. Is that okay?

In the world of design, the risk of leaking creative concepts had always been a pressing worry. Candice

knew little about Shaun or his personality, having only heard from Ryan that he was a loner who

favored working on sites over socializing.

Hanley clarified the situation, “Our original agreement included clauses for handling safety

incidents. It was his mistake that led to this outcome.”

Feeling reassured by Hanley’s explanation, Candice nodded, emphasizing. “As long as everything. is

managed correctly, we need to avoid any further complications.”

Hanley’s attitude softened when he observed Candice’s stern demeanor. Hanley’s tone was light. as he

teased, “Sometimes, I think someone of your caliber is underutilized here.”

Looking up sincerely, Candice expressed, “I’m truly grateful to you all for taking a chance on

someone as green as me and offering so much guidance.”

Her sincerity briefly caught Hanley off guard, but then a subtle smile appeared in his eyes. He softly

chuckled, “Well then, I’ll ensure we fully utilize the potential of our most promising new member. We will

work hard to grow and fortify the studio so that no one else can lure you away.

Candice’s initial comment about Shaun had been a simple reminder, and she hadn’t anticipated such

an encouraging response from Hanley, which would ironically turn out to be true in the

future.

On Wednesday morning, soon after Ryan’s departure, he contacted Hanley.

His voice was laden with concern as he reported, “Boss, representatives from Aether Corporation have

arrived. They’re alleging that we don’t meet construction standards and are pushing to

terminate our contract while also seeking compensation.”

Candice was in the middle of a business conversation with Hanley.

When she heard Ryan’s report, her expression turned to one of concern. She asked, “Why is Aether

Corporation raising these issues at this point?”

Hanley’s face grew serious, and he resolved, “Let’s go there and handle this matter directly.”

If Aether Corporation demanded the end of their collaboration at this time, it would reflect poorly on

Burning Star Studio. It could even cause other companies that were interested in working to

withdraw.

Throughout the journey, Candice was quiet. Her thoughts centered on strategizing a discussion

with Alex.

Typically reserved, Shaun seemed particularly reserved next to Sonia.

Noticing Hanley’s approach, he instinctively diverted his gaze, avoiding interaction.

Ryan approached and spoke in a hushed tone, “She refuses to let us work, claiming the safety issue at

the site remains unresolved and is demanding a clear explanation.”

Candice’s eyes met Sonia’s. She noticed Sonia eyeing her back, and the latter wore a smug, self-

satisfied smile on her face.

After a moment of reflection, Candice addressed Shaun, “Did you ask her to come here?”

Shaun’s face was pale as he responded, “I went to Mr. Elysian’s office, hoping to apologize and ask for

his forgiveness. I didn’t want to leave Burning Star Studio.”

Speaking with a bit of arrogance, Sonia countered, “You’re focusing on the wrong thing. Lex’s injury at

your site is a fact. It’s not something that can be ignored just because it hasn’t been openly discussed.”

Her voice sounded triumphant. She even elevated her chin to mimic Alex’s dominant demeanor.

Sonia seemed pleased with herself, believing that Candice would have to surrender to her for the

sake of maintaining the collaboration..

Sonia’s eyes flickered with mockery as she remembered Xavier’s claims regarding Candice. She was

convinced of Candice’s hypocrisy as she rationalized Alex’s breakup with her.

With a smirk, Sonia confronted Candice, “Back at Aether Corporation, you used to say that anyone

who can’t own up to their errors doesn’t deserve to be part of the team.”

She confronted Candice with a triumphant attitude and asked, “Do you recall saying that?”

Candice quickly discerned the true motive behind Sonia’s actions, recognizing that she was the real

target, not Burning Star Studio.

Unperturbed by this, she answered, “We’re prepared to take full responsibility for the incident involving

Mr. Elysian and will comply with any reasonable demands.”

Sonia scolded with disdain. “And what do you consider reasonable? In my opinion, ending our

partnership seems the most reasonable. If safety can’t be guaranteed, what else can you possibly

manage?”

Candice and Hanley exchanged a glance.

Hanley replied with a calm demeanor, “While contract termination is an option, I doubt it’s within Ms.

Summers‘ jurisdiction to make that call. Perhaps I should discuss this directly with Mr.

Elysian?”

Sonia’s face betrayed a hint of surprise. She had shown up at the site without Alex’s knowledge, going

on her own initiative after conversing with Sawyer.

Hanley scoffed in mockery as he read her expression. His tone was calm and disdainful as he replied,

“Although Burning Star Studio is only a studio, we’re not used to allowing a secretary who lacks the

authority to terminate contracts deal with us. The way Aether Corporation handles

situations is genuinely eye–opening.”

“You!”

Caught off guard, Sonia hadn’t expected Hanley to step in, her initial aim being to embarrass

Candice.

Watching Sonia leave. Candice turned to Hanley and commented in awe. “I didn’t realize you had such

a sharp tongue.”

“It’s merely the truth.” Hanley responded casually.

Then he addressed Shaun, who still stood on the side. Hanley asked coldly. “Do you resent us for what

happened?”

Shaun’s complexion was pale as he replied, “No. I only wanted to apologize to Mr. Elysian, hoping for

forgiveness. I didn’t think I’d encounter her.”

Ryan pointed out coldly. “You revealed everything to her, knowing well about Sonia’s animosity toward

Candice. Didn’t you just want to get back at her?”

Candice’s pupils flickered briefly when she heard Ryan’s comments.

It was obvious to Ryan that Sonia was going after her. Why would Sonia pass up this opportunity

so easily?

Resolute, Candice looked up at Hanley and declared, “I need to visit Aether Corporation.”