My Mirror Image

Chapter 271

“It’s the contract from Blue Artifact,” Ryan explained. “There are a couple clauses that don’t make Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

sense to me. I can’t tell what’s wrong, but it appears as if they’re trying to exploit loopholes.” He took

out his phone, showing Candice the snapshot he took, and pointed out, “Look at the sections

I’ve highlighted.”

Candice considered for a moment, then suggested, “Let’s have a look at the actual contract.”

Ryan smacked his head and realized his oversight. He exclaimed, “Oh, I forgot! I was planning to send

it to you on WhatsApp because you hadn’t returned.” He promptly headed upstairs to retrieve

the contract.

Hanley asked gently, “How about breakfast first? Would you like milk or coffee? We should talk about

work after breakfast.” Hanley said before Candice could start on the contract.

Right after breakfast, Candice received a call from Sawyer. Her expression tensed when she saw the

caller ID. Reluctantly, she answered.

“Candice, it’s me.” Sawyer said courteously.

“What’s the matter?” Candice responded, her tone strained, a reflection of her residual frustration

from the previous day’s events.

Sawyer seemed hesitant but then asked, “We need you to come to the office this morning. We

have to discuss the project’s progress, the selection of materials, and site–related issues.”

As a major investor, Aether Corporation had the right to conduct such an audit.

Candice responded with a cold acknowledgment and quickly ended the call. The mere thought of

Aether Corporation brought back memories of Alex, darkening her mood.

“Was that from Aether Corporation?” Hanley asked.

Concealing her annoyance, Candice nodded. “They’ve scheduled a meeting to discuss issues with the

materials.”

Expressing his disdain, Ryan commented, “Typical of these pointless meetings.”

, always eager to hold

Candice remained silent, her thoughts turbulent. Resolutely, she declared. “I’ll take care of Aether

Corporation. You handle your own tasks.”

Despite her reluctance to revisit Aether Corporation and avoid any interactions related to Alex.

Candice knew it was part of her professional responsibilities. It was something she couldn’t

simply refuse. She couldn’t abandon her work due to her personal feelings.

+15 RONOS

Before Hanley could comment, Ryan added, “That’s okay. We have to sort out some wiring and lighting

issues today anyway.”

Candice nodded and accepted the documents from Ryan. “I’ll review these once I return.”

Hanley watched Candice with a thoughtful expression. His deep gaze fixed on her, his long. eyelashes

casting shadows across his face, rendering his thoughts unreadable.

Candice judged her arrival at Aether Corporation carefully and headed to the meeting room right on

time.

As she opened the door, she noticed Alex present in the room. His gaze was downcast, and he

occupied the seat in the middle of the meeting table.

Candice had only returned to Noxville last night, and she had no idea that Alex had also returned.

She pursed her lips. Her emotions stirred, still raw from their recent confrontation. However, before she

could compose herself, Alex looked up.

His dark eyes were chilly, and he looked at her with a scrutinizing and unpleasant gaze.

“You’re a minute late. If this lack of punctuality continues, don’t bother coming next time.” Alex

stated matter–of–factly.

Candice maintained a blank expression as she set the documents on the table and said, “Here are

the invoices for the material we’ve acquired, as well as quality certifications. If you have any doubts,

your firm can inspect them at any time.”

She was businesslike, her tone firm, and she caught even Sawyer off guard with her detachment.

In Sawyer’s memory, Candice had always shown the utmost compliance and consideration

toward Alex. Her current behavior, however, where she treated Alex as if he were a stranger, was

unprecedented.

Alex was known for his stern demeanor. He showed little alteration in his expression, but a trace of

arrogance emerged as he raised his eyes. “Quite defiant,” he commented in a deep, resonant tone. “I

never expected such assertiveness from a small studio. Do you intend to exploit my company?

Denying even basic inquiries, just expecting financial support?” His words were softly spoken yet

articulate.

Candice felt a sinking sensation. She looked up and replied coolly, “All the necessary documents are

right here, Mr. Elysian. How else would you propose we proceed?” Her stance was defensive.

+15 BONOS

Candice’s gaze filled with caution and vigilance as she confronted Alex.

Alex’s eyes slightly narrowed as he surveyed the documents on the table. “Just ink on paper. Can they

truly prove anything?”

Battling to maintain her composure, Candice asked, “Then, what do you suggest we do?”

Tension filled the meeting room.

Witnessing the exchange, Sawyer sighed softly. “You seem to have forgotten that Mr. Elysian is

particularly detail–oriented with construction projects.”

Candice’s eyes flickered.

Alex’s thoroughness in such matters was well known.

Previously, a project Alex had invested in faced issues due to the negligence of the business partner,

leading to construction worker injuries. This incident prompted Alex to personally

supervise any construction–related projects.

Regaining her composure, Candice suggested, “If Mr. Elysian has concerns, he’s welcome to

inspect the site himself.”

Alex’s expression remained impassive as he glanced at Candice. His dark eyes revealed little

emotion.

After the meeting, Candice called Hanley to update him.

Hanley responded without objection. “Let him visit if he wishes. Shaun and the team are already

there.”

“All right,” Candice concurred.

Hanley further advised, “After finishing at Aether Corporation, head back to the villa for some rest.

You looked quite tired this morning.”

Having had almost no sleep the previous night, Candice indeed felt exhausted. She ended her call

with Hanley and prepared to leave.

Alex intended to visit the location, but Candice didn’t think it was her place to accompany him.

However, her assumption was incorrect.

Sawyer approached her before Alex could, saying, “Candice, you need to accompany Mr. Elysian to

the project site. We’re short on staff in the Secretary’s Office, and I have to meet with Ms.

Andrus.”

+15 BONOS

Candice frowned at his natural approach to handing off the duty. “I’ve done my part,” she objected.

“The site is well–staffed. My presence there isn’t necessary.”

Caught off guard by her refusal, Sawyer instinctively glanced back.

Sawyer was really overloaded with work. The Secretary’s Office personnel wished they could

clone themselves; they were so busy. And, with Sonia out on leave today, he had reflexively

sought Candice’s assistance.

As he prepared to speak, footsteps echoed from behind.

Alex’s flat voice filled the empty hallway. “Is this how the head of Burning Star Studio manages

responsibility? Asking their business partner to conduct the site tour alone?” He gave a disapproving

click of his tongue. “If that’s the case, what’s the purpose of our partnership?*

Candice’s chest heaved. With Alex mentioning Burning Star Studio, she reluctantly realized she

couldn’t decline.