My Mirror Image

Chapter 283

During the meal, when Yana’s friends arrived, they greeted them politely and then called Yana

away. Nadia glanced in the direction where she had just seen Sonia, then gossiped with Candice,” How Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

come Sonia is having a meal with Xavier? Didn’t you say that he’s not a good person?”

Candice casually replied, “Perhaps, It’s been four or five years since the cooperation between Brisco

Corporation and Aether Corporation.”

“Even if we don’t know about that, the rest is hard to say. Didn’t you see Xavier holding flowers in his

hands?” Nadia gloated, “I think Alex should feel threatened by now.”

Candice remained silent. She didn’t have much concern for Alex’s love life.

When Yana returned, her expression was somewhat stiff. Candice looked at her, and Yana forced a

smile as she asked, “Did you enjoy your meal?”

Candice furrowed her brows when she saw the expression on Yana’s face. “What happened?”

“Nothing, just a friend’s birthday party. She invited me to join.”

Nadia said, “Isn’t that nice?”

“I declined because we’re not close.” They didn’t press Yana for details, but it was evident that her

mood was not great.

The atmosphere during the meal became somewhat dull toward the end. Yana mentioned feeling tired

and wanting to go back to sleep. Candice and Nadia accompanied her back to the villa.

Hanley was also there. When he saw Candice return, he asked, “How was it at Aether Corporation?

“It’s complicated.” Candice said, “When I went there, Alex’s mother was also present, but judging by

Alex’s expression, he probably won’t pursue the matter. I’m not sure if Sonia will show up. though.”

Alex deliberately avoided this topic in front of Helen today, indicating that he didn’t intend to make a big

deal out of it. However, he was still waiting for a response from Burning Star Studio.

Hanley spoke calmly. “Aether Corporation won’t terminate the contract with Burning Star Studio. Let

them contact us when they’re ready.”

Candice nodded. “Alright.”

He then picked up a document from the table and handed it to her. “It’s from a company that

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contacted me earlier. Take a look.”

She took it, and he provided her with the information, indicating that the company should be

trustworthy.

Once they finished discussing business matters, Nadia couldn’t wait to share the details of

encountering Sonia and Xavier today.

She looked regretful. “I wanted to take a couple more photos, but Candice wouldn’t allow it.”

Hanley looked at Candice, who remained expressionless, and said, “It’s not necessary. We’re not

that familiar with them.”

Nadia gave them a speechless look and then went to torment Ryan.

Only Hanley and Candice were left in the living room.

Hanley lowered his head, his voice slightly hoarse. “Aren’t you supposed to be happy?”

Candice raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Happy about what?”

“Sonia.” His dark eyes stared at her. After considering his words, he continued, “Don’t you dislike

her?”

She paused and retorted. “If I dislike her, why should I care about what she does?”

He was taken aback, a hint of warmth flickering in his affectionate eyes. He chuckled. “You’re right.

The scorching summer was coming to an end. There was a slight chill in the air during the evening.

The windows were open, allowing a cool breeze to enter. The pleasant scent of Hanley’s mint cologne

wafted toward Candice, and she coughed softly, “It’s late. I should head back.”

She turned and walked away, but her upright figure seemed to convey a sense of fleeing.

A barely perceptible smile crossed Hanley’s eyes. His voice sounded a bit gentler as he said, “It’s late.

Stay here tonight; it’s more convenient for tomorrow’s client meeting.”

Indeed, it was quite late. Candice’s earlier words were probably just a thoughtless remark.

She

turned around with a strained face, intending to explain her sudden behavior, but before she could utter

a word, she met Hanley’s eyes.

The corners of her lips tightened further as she walked straight past him.

Upstairs, the laughter of Nadia and Ryan could still be faintly heard. Candice quickly freshened up and

went to sleep.

It had been a tiring day of running around.

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Hanley had scheduled a meeting for her with a client the next afternoon at a coffee shop in the

city center.

Candice arrived ten minutes earlier than the agreed–upon time.

However, the person who came surprised her.

Jessica, carrying a handbag and wearing a faint smile, sat down in front of her with an air of elegance

and nobility.

“Ms. Renault.” Jessica spoke softly. “I’m a bit surprised that the person discussing cooperation with me

is you. It seems you’re doing quite well at Burning Star Studio.”

Candice was also somewhat surprised, but then she remembered that when she went to meet Jessica

with Alex back then, she had heard someone mention that Jessica’s family company was funded by the

Kane family. Her husband was a son–in–law, so most of the company’s major decisions were made by

Jessica.

Unlike wealthy housewives like Helen, she was more of a female entrepreneur.

Candice lowered her eyelids, her voice cold, “I am currently in charge of Burning Star Studio’s external

business affairs. Ms. Kane can discuss any ideas directly with me.”

“Alex made a foolish move to dismiss you from Aether Corporation. He should be grateful that there

won’t be any competition between Burning Star Studio and Aether Corporation.” Jessica maintained a

calm expression, but her eyes betrayed a shrewdness that couldn’t be hidden.

Candice remained expressionless, casually saying, “If there were competition between Aether

Corporation and Burning Star Studio, I wouldn’t have joined Burning Star Studio. I have a non-

competition agreement with Aether Corporation.”

Jessica nodded. “Then, he’s somewhat clever.”

Candice didn’t know how to respond to that. She didn’t want to delve into discussions about the

past with Jessica.

Unfortunately, Jessica seemed oblivious to her resistance. With composure, she picked up her coffee.

“I still remember when Alex brought you to my husband’s birthday banquet, he specifically asked if I

would mind.”

Jessica squinted her eyes. “To be honest, Alex is rarely so considerate.”

She looked at Candice again, and a hint of profound meaning appeared on her face. “So, I have a deep

impression of you.”

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Listening to Jessica’s obviously probing words, Candice’s expression remained almost unchanged. Her

tone was calm as she said. “I regret that I was remembered under such circumstances.”

She looked into Jessica’s eyes, clean and devoid of any emotion, as if genuinely regretful for being

remembered in that way.

Under the gaze of Candice’s clear eyes, Jessica suddenly found it difficult to speak. The attempts to

probe, which weren’t particularly concealed, to begin with, now seemed rather laughable. After a

moment of silence, Jessica said, “I apologize. I was somewhat presumptuous.”