My Mirror Image

Chapter 270

The hospital corridor was a hive of activity.

A wave of fear washed over Sonia when she saw Alex’s stoic face, and she held back the words on the

verge of her lips. It was the first time she had witnessed such fury in Alex, his intimidating presence

keeping others at bay.

Her heart tightened when she remembered Candice’s words. She summoned the courage and said,

“Lex…”

Alex turned toward her, his stare plercing.

Sonia was unable to continue under such an unsettling glance. Soon after, she managed to add dryly,

“Please calm down.”

Alex’s gaze remained stern as he nodded solemnly, instructing in a deep voice, “The doctor has

advised a CT scan. Go ahead.”

Feeling the weight of his scrutiny. Sonia felt her heart was about to pop out of her chest. She left

for the scan, not daring to say more.

In her absence, Greg approached Alex.

Alex’s steely gaze met his and prompted, “What is it?”

Greg cautiously said. “The way you spoke to Candice earlier, wasn’t it too harsh?”

Alex had been blunt, and his words had made Candice’s eyes fill with pain.

Greg hesitated before continuing, “Candice is also injured. I saw her grasping her arm. I s she’s in pain.

You speak so harshly, and she is a girl after all.”

Before Greg could finish, Alex interrupted with a frosty tone, “Sympathizing with her?”

Greg hastily clarified, “No, just stating what’s fair.”

“No one needs you to be fair,” Alex sharply dismissed. His expression was icy, the darkness in his eyes

and the tightly pressed lips betrayed his foul mood. His attitude was unmistakably callous.

As the evening arrived, so did the results of the police investigation.

The thugs were street criminals from Noxville with strong connections to Ivor. One of them had

won several thousand dollars from Ivor in a card game, but Ivor never settled the debt.

When the man demanded payment, Ivor had boasted about his daughter in Dorrington, claiming

+15 BONOS

she was wealthy. He even mentioned her boyfriend, who owned a business, implying they could extract Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

the money from her.

The men had a history of committing minor offenses. They viewed this as a valid chance to make some

money. So they had begun hanging around the Aether Corporation branch office.

Upon identifying Candice, they had seen an opportunity to exploit her.

As the truth surfaced, Greg’s face showed a mixture of emotions.

He confronted Alex and said, “Lex, this time you were too harsh. Candice was another victim in this

situation. You’ve completely misjudged her, and it’s no surprise she ended up in tears.”

Greg refrained from mentioning Sonia, but her complexion had grown pallid.

In response, Alex maintained silence and lowered his gaze. His lips were tightly pressed together. and

his indifferent attitude was pronounced.

Candice was unaware of these revelations. After getting back, she immediately booked the first

available flight to Dorrington. She was now on her way back.

She arrived at Dorrington Airport past 10 PM, where Yana awaited her in the arrivals hall.

Having been informed of Candice’s return, Yana volunteered to pick her up. She motioned to Candice

and said, “Over here.”

Candice walked over with the suitcase in hand, still in a sour mood. Her makeup skillfully hid her

true feelings.

“You’ve returned at a perfect time,” Yana commented. “Today is Nadia’s birthday. She was regretting

your absence this morning. You’re just in time for the end of her celebration.”

Though Candice initially intended to head straight home for rest, she changed her plans and joined

Yana for Nadia’s birthday celebration at the villa.

The villa was still lively, with everyone awake and a cake waiting on the table.

Upon seeing Candice. Nadia’s face brightened and she urged, “Hurry! I’ve been waiting to cut the cake

until you all got here. I’ve also called the boss, he should be returning shortly.”

Candice recalled Yana mentioning over the phone about Hanley’s grandfather being in the hospital,

necessitating Hanley’s presence there.

Just after Nadia finished, the sound of the door announced Hanley’s arrival.

Vana exclaimed with everyone gathered. “Let’s cut the cake now!” She switched off the lights.

The sudden darkness sumised Candice, who briefly panicked. Soon, she detected a subtle.

scent nearby and heard Hanley’s low volce say, “When did you return?”

Feeling somewhat calmer, Candice answered, “I just got back. Is your grandfather really ill?”

“Yes, he’s currently in the ICU, Hanley confirmed..

The birthday song soon overpowered their quiet conversation, forcing them to stop talking.

Candice’s attention briefly settled on the flickering candle flames. Her thoughts drifted

momentarily before she refocused.

She found herself unsure about what was on her mind.

The adults at the party showed little interest in the cake. Once the cake–cutting ceremony was over,

they casually dispersed into smaller groups and went about their own business.

Stepping outside the villa, Hanley presented Candice with a slice of cake. He chuckled and said, ” It

looks like they’ve cleaned out all the food inside. This will have to suffice.”

Candice looked at him attentively.

“You flew back this afternoon. You probably missed dinner, didn’t you?” Hanley remarked. “You seem a

bit off. Is something troubling you?” Hanley’s perceptiveness was evident.

Candice asked with a hint of distress, “Is it obvious?”

“It’s in the eyes,” Hanley said. “You can’t hide things in your eyes.”

Candice had cried earlier in her emotional turmoil and was still feeling unsettled.

Although her makeup masked it somewhat, Yana hadn’t picked up on it, but Hanley had.

Quietly holding the cake, Candice gently bit her lower lip and said nothing.

As it grew late, Candice and Yana decided to stay overnight at the villa. However, Candice found.

herself restless and unable to sleep throughout the night.

In the morning. Yana noticed the dark circles under Candice’s eyes. “You didn’t sleep well?” she

asked in surprise.

Hanley was engrossed on his tablet downstairs. He glanced up as they came down.

+15 BONOS

His concern showed as he queried. “Rough night?”

“My shoulder’s been aching.” Candice explained. “I couldn’t find a comfortable sleeping position.”

This was indeed true. The spot where she had been Injured hadn’t been checked at the hospital

and was painful.

“If it hurts, you should get it checked out,” Hanley advised after a quick check of her shoulder.

At that moment, Ryan came from the kitchen with a worried look on his face. “Is your shoulder

still bothering you?” he asked.

“What’s the matter?” Candice asked.

Scratching his head, Ryan explained, “There’s a contract I was hoping you could handle today. Since

you’re not feeling well, I’ll take care of it.”

“Which contract is it?” Candice asked, curious.