My Mirror Image

Chapter 32

“Candice, you’re responsible for this document, aren’t you?”

Candice recognized it as one she had edited.

Sonia expressed her disappointment. “There’s an error in the data, and it was submitted late.

This led to the client withdrawing their cooperation. This project has suffered because of this.”

Several co–workers had not left far away; they overheard their conversation and turned their inquisitive

eyes toward Candice.

Candice was a long–standing employee at Aether Corporation. No matter how many disliked her, no

one questioned her ability.

She gazed at Sonia, who was giving her a regretful look.

Candice went to see Alex at noon, as he had a client meeting later in the afternoon.

He had been in the middle of going over a contract when she walked in.

Alex raised an eyebrow and asked, “You didn’t think to knock first?”

“I needed to discuss something urgent.” Candice laid a document on his desk, asserting. “These aren’t

the files I submitted. They’ve been

tampered with.”

Alex stopped, glanced up, and inquired. “Do you have proof?”

“I’ve kept backups of the originals,” Candice replied.

Alex had always advised her to be cautious and prepared, especially given the numerous underhanded

tactics in their line of work.

He drummed his fingers on the table and said, “Hmm, I believe you.”

Alex’s answer moved Candice. She was about to respond when Alex shifted the conversation,

remarking. “But it’s irrelevant now. The

client has already pulled out.”

He raised his eyes to meet her gaze, stating matter–of–factly, “You were late in submitting those

documents. That’s on you.”

Candice attempted to justify. “I was dealing with an emergency that day.”

*The company cannot be held accountable for your personal emergencies.”

Looking at him, Candice had to question, “What about Sonia? Does the company make exceptions for

her?”

Alex’s rhythmic tapping on the desk ceased. He idly nudged a new toy on his desk and responded

nonchalantly. “The company might not

but I do.”

Candice was left momentarily speechless, and then realization dawned on her. Sonia had Alex’s

backing her. He was ready to defend her, which was why she was fearless.

With a wry chuckle, Candice shut her eyes briefly.

Looking at Alex, she inquired, “Is this project valued at five million?”

Alex, without any emotion, stated, “You know the rules; three months of your salary will be deducted.”

Despite her high income, she did not have much in the bank because of Joe’s high nursing care costs.

Most of her monthly earnings went

there.

After a moment of silent contemplation, she proposed, “What if I can fix this?”

Alex responded, “Then you still get your commission.”

Before she left the office, Candice acquired the contact information of the client and humbly invited him

out for dinner, which he finally agreed to after several rejections.

The dinner was arranged at a high–end hotel downtown.

He was there waiting for Candice when she got there. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

The client was a middle–aged man in his fifties. He displayed surprise upon seeing Candice, his

irritation swiftly changing to a pleasant

smile.

In the adjoining private room, Sieg boasted to Alex.

He pointed at a wine bottle, remarking, “Lex, this wine is a gem from my father’s collection. I’m sure

you’ll love it. It’s unusual for us to get together these days. We have to drink to our heart’s content.”

Alex pushed the wine glass aside, stating flatly, “Not for me. I have things to deal with later.”

Sieg, teasing, said, “What commitments? Looking after your sweetheart?” He continued, “You’ve never

been this devoted to anyone else. Why are you so smitten with her?”

His questions took Alex by surprise.

Just as Alex was ready to respond, another person poked fun at him, saying. “What do you know? He

just likes her. Do you recall how sweet and innocent Candice seemed while she was with him?