My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s)

Chapter 0416

Shawn spoke gently. Candice hesitated for a moment before replying, “There’s no rush. When are you going for the check-up? I'll accompany you."

"It’s just a small check-up, nothing serious." Shawn waved his hand, then he couldn't help but glance at Alex, saying, "It would be great if this brat here could annoy me less in the future."

Seeing Shawn lively and looking relatively healthy, Candice felt a bit relieved. She then looked at Alex, who had a conspicuous water stain on his shoulder; his eyes drooped, and he didn’t bother to argue with Shawn.

Candice, who came here at the last minute, didn’t inform the organizers. As the event approached its end and seeing that Shawn was okay, she intended to return to the meeting hall.

Shawn wanted her to join them for lunch, but Candice politely declined, mentioning her pending work.

Unable to reject the old man further, and with Bruno reminding him about taking medication, Candice promised to join him for dinner later.

The weather had been gloomy these days, with a dark view from the window.

Candice packed her things and prepared to leave. Just as she walked out of the room, Alex followed her, holding a jacket.

He calmly said, "I'll take you there. There's something I need to discuss with you about Redshade Corporation and Blue Artifact."

Candice, looking composed, didn't refuse. After changing into a different outfit, Alex led Candice downstairs.

Sawyer was still the one driving, so they waited in the hotel lobby.

Outside, pedestrians had bundled up in winter wear. Candice, observing the dark and overcast sky, asked, "What do you need to talk to me about?"

"It’s about the documents Zane sent me last night. Hanley made some last-minute changes to certain designs, and the cost estimates will exceed the budget again. When can you give me the details?" Alex said casually, not lifting his eyes from his phone.

Candice responded, "I'll contact Hanley tonight to sort it out as soon as possible."

Alex chuckled lightly, his tone giving away little emotion.

Right then, someone entered the hotel, bringing in a gust of cold air, which caused Candice to shiver slightly.

Fortunately, Sawyer arrived promptly, and the car's heating made her feel warm as soon as she got in.

Quentin had been making some moves behind the scenes, particularly in the Dorrington area, so Candice wasn't surprised when Alex brought up this topic.

"However," Alex shifted the topic while saying slowly, "Jensen is coming back."

Jensen Bruce was Quentin's uncle and the actual head of Redshade Corporation, as Abel had informed her earlier.

Candice raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of worry showing. "When is he coming back? Quentin will surely spread many biased rumors then."

Everyone had noticed the recent targeting by Quentin, and he needed a valid reason for his actions.

Once absorbed in her work, Candice tended to be overly serious. She stared at her fingertips absentmindedly.

Looking up, Alex captured her expression through the rearview mirror.

His pitch-black pupils flickered, and a trace of casual helplessness surfaced but was quickly suppressed. He restrained his emotions while saying lightly, "Don't worry. Even if Jensen is upset, he'll go after Aether Corporation first."

While he sounded indifferent, his choice of words reminded Candice that Burning Star Studio was currently linked with Aether Corporation, and Aether Corporation would back them up in all matters.

Due to being caught up and bad traffic, Candice arrived at the meeting hall nearly late. She had planned to grab a quick lunch nearby but didn't have time anymore.

As she entered, she noticed Angela walking out with an unhappy expression. Candice asked, "Who upset you?"

"Sonia is here," Angela grumbled. "She's been criticizing me since she arrived, making snide remarks. It's really annoying."

Candice observed Angela with growing bewilderment. Angela wasn't someone with a soft temperament; if Sonia crossed the line with her, Angela would surely hit back.

Candice was about to go inside when she spotted Sonia, with Quentin and Angela's boss by her side.

No wonder Angela was upset.

Candice glanced at the scene, then she turned around to look for Angela.

Angela's expression was grim. "She's really good at flattery. She even hinted to Mr. Osmond that our studio's matters haven't been finalized."

Candice had a hunch that Sonia's targeting of Angela was likely because of her.

Trying to comfort her, Candice said, "I heard Jensen is coming back."

Angela's expression brightened momentarily, but soon it fell again. "Mr. Bruce is not easy to deal with. He's notoriously strict, and none of us here are to his liking."

Angela sighed and was about to continue venting when a voice interrupted them.

Alex held a small food container and, without looking at Candice, gazed at the container in his hand for a moment before saying, "It's from Grandpa."

Candice looked at the contents and realized it was bought from a nearby restaurant. She didn’t take it from him right away.

Alex looked up, his eyes calm like a quiet lake. He explained in a deep voice while looking at Candice, “He’s worried that you’re skipping lunch. It’s bad for your body.”

Recalling Shawn’s invite for her to stay for lunch earlier, Candice hesitated for a while before taking the food container from Alex, saying, “Thank you.”

Alex's slightly furrowed brows relaxed imperceptibly. He hummed in acknowledgment and left without saying anything more.

Watching him leave, Angela couldn't help but make a teasing remark. "If I didn’t know better, I would’ve taken him as your boyfriend. He treats you so well."

Candice, holding the container, said, "Don't make such jokes."

Angela raised an eyebrow and cast a glance at Candice. She then put her arm around Candice, saying seriously, "I'm telling you the truth. People like Alex are good at pretending. Think about what happened between him and Sonia—don't let these small favors sway you."

Candice's eyes showed little emotion. She understood this truth even better than Angela did. However, the reasons behind it were not easy to explain to Angela.

Carrying the food, Candice was about to enter the meeting room when she met Sonia's gaze.

Sonia stared straight at Candice, her eyes slowly moving down to the bag in Candice's hand, clear hostility evident on her unnaturally pale face.

Although Candice was accustomed to Sonia's glares, she still felt uncomfortable being stared at like this. Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Her expression slightly darkened, and she was about to avoid Sonia when Sonia looked away first.

Then, in the next moment, Candice heard her saying, "Mr. Howles, when do we inform Burning Star Studio that their participation is rejected?"