My Mirror Image

Chapter 277

Candice maintained a composed facade, but her expression bore a hint of frostiness.

The strained atmosphere between her and Alex was evident to all around them.

Noticing the tension, Zane attempted to diffuse it. He remarked, “Come on, we’re all friends

here. No need for such biting remarks, right?”

Candice smiled and replied smoothly, “I’m actually commending Mr. Elysian. Everyone in Dorrington’s

finance circle knows about the meteoric rise of his company in recent years. That’s a testament to Mr.

Elysian’s achievement, isn’t it?”

After subtly provoking Alex, she casually took a cocktail from a waiter and sipped it. Throughout.

she maintained an air of sincerity.

Zane then attempted to steer the conversation away. He chuckled and then noticed Alex’s bandaged

hand, asking. “What’s the story behind Mr. Elysian’s hand?”

Candice briefly softened her guarded expression and stole a glance at Alex’s hand. She had seen. the

injury before and was aware of its severity.

With a slight purse on her lips, she listened as Alex casually remarked, “It was just an accident at

the construction site.”

Davy interjected, “An injury at the construction site? That raises questions about safety. If basic

precautions aren’t in place, the project’s reliability is questionable.”

Candice’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She then looked up and unexpectedly locked eyes with Alex.

His dark eyes held a misty depth, and his lips were pressed together. As he gazed at Candice, he

radiated an unmistakable aura of aristocracy.

Candice felt an involuntary flutter in her heart under his gaze.

The way Alex’s construction site injury was handled could either be exaggerated or downplayed. If Alex

chose not to make a big deal of it, things would be fine. However, if he did, Blue Artifact might be the

first to back out of their partnership.

That’s why, on the day of the incident, Candice had instinctively bowed to Alex and assured him that

she was open to any reasonable compensation he might request.

After a brief pause, he gave a sardonic laugh and conceded, “Well, it does seem rather unpromising.”

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The abrupt ring of his phone cut off his speech.

Alex took the call, his face a mask of stoicism, a hint of a frown creasing his forehead.

Shortly, he spoke flatly. “Ask Sieg to bring you here.

He ended the call, and his expression remained calm, but Candice noticed a newfound iciness in his

eyes.

Fortunately, they didn’t circle back to the earlier topic. Alex briefly checked his phone.

Zane redirected the conversation to a recent launch of new products.

Candice contributed to the conversation now and then, ensuring a pleasant ambiance.

Upon Sieg’s arrival with Sonia, Candice understood the reason behind Alex’s earlier distant demeanor.

He was likely worried about Sonia seeing him with her, possibly upsetting his girlfriend.

Being observant. Candice politely excused herself from Zane and wandered off to a different area.

Sonia only saw Candice’s departure.

Candice’s tall stature and adept manner gave her a distinct presence. She effortlessly wore the

rich purple dress and lent it an air of refined coolness.

Sonia whispered to Sieg, “What’s Candice doing here?”

“She’s here with Hanley. Their studio is collaborating with both Aether Corporation and Blue

Artifact,” Sieg informed her.

Despite not being directly involved in business, Sieg was well aware of corporate news.

Sonia nodded, her bangs momentarily covering her eyes.

Sieg escorted her to Alex. Casually, he tapped Alex’s arm, teasing. “Sonia traveled all the way

from Northdale and you didn’t bother to pick her up? What gives?”

Alex simply responded, “Caught up with work.”

Sonia stayed quiet. She had only learned about Alex’s attendance at the dinner through a conversation

she had accidentally overheard from Sawyer.

Unsure of Alex’s reasons for attending, she hesitantly asked Sieg, who then extended an invitation Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

to her.

She felt awkward when she realized Alex hadn’t mentioned the dinner to her, which led her to

attend on her own initiative.

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Reflecting on Alex’s usual aloofness, she suppressed her discomfort.

Sieg chuckled. He playfully nudged Alex’s arm, teasing. “You’re just being lazy, aren’t you? Indeed,

you’re not obligated to bring a date, but you do have a girlfriend, remember?”

Alex shot Sieg a mildly annoyed look, replying in a low tone, “It seems you recall my relationship status

better than I do.”

Sonia interjected gently, “Lex, don’t be mad at Sieg. I chose to come here. If I’m intruding, I can

leave.”

Sieg made a tsk sound, trying to ease the situation. He teased, “Hey, Lex, don’t be like that. She

made the effort to come here. It would be cruel to send her away now.”

Unemotional. Alex stated plainly, “I never asked her to leave, did 1?”

Sonia hesitated before asking. “So, is it alright if I stay with you?*

“Of course.”

Sieg soon excused himself. His presence at such events was often for more than just socializing.

Adapting to the situation, Sonia stayed near Alex. She exhibited a supportive and agreeable

attitude.

In a lighthearted manner, Zane commented, “Mr. Elysian’s girlfriend appears to be very

understanding.”

With a coy smile, Sonia lightly clarified, “At the moment, I’m his secretary, not his girlfriend. Just

Sonia is fine.”

Her playful and slightly coquettish response was akin to a young girl playfully sulking as if waiting for

someone to appease her.

Zane laughed heartily and said, “Mr. Elysian, it looks like your secretary is feeling a bit neglected. Why

didn’t you bring her along?”

Pausing briefly, he glanced at Sonia and then looked away.

Alex deftly steered the conversation elsewhere, asking. “I’ve heard some rumors about your

company’s dealings with Oakridge Capital.”

Zane was momentarily taken aback. He responded, “Mr. Elysian is always well–informed. However,

that matter isn’t within my scope. You should ask Davy about that.”

In his usual eloquent manner, he added, “As businessmen, it’s natural to network. You understand

that, don’t you, Mr. Elysian?”

Alex nodded slightly and concurred, “Indeed.”

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Right after his response, Sonia suddenly looked concerned and interjected. “Is this about forming

alliances or seeking new partnerships?”

Sonia seemed harmless at first glance because she was young and fresh out of college.

When she thought of Candice’s confident departure, so poised and independent. Sonia felt inspired. If

Candice could do it, why couldn’t she?

Sonia sought to imitate Candice’s calm demeanor, so she turned to Davy and asked, “Isn’t trust

the most crucial element in a partnership? Approaching Oakridge Capital behind Aether

Corporation’s back does bring up some concerns.”

Surprisingly, Davy didn’t show any embarrassment but looked visibly annoyed.

Sonia was about to continue when Davy cut her off with a frosty tone, “If Mr. Elysian is

curious about our dealings with Oakridge Capital, why send a secretary to pry instead of asking

directly?”

He scoffed, “While our companies are collaborating, there is no law against searching out

new business partners. I was skeptical earlier, but after hearing Mr. Elysian’s concerns, it appears that

my company should reconsider our alternatives following this partnership. After all, cooperation based

on mistrust will lead nowhere.”