My Mirror Image

Chapter 139

Chapter 0139

Candice maintained eye contact with Alex, waiting for his verdict.

Alex’s gaze momentarily darkened before he looked at Candice with a frosty gaze, saying, “Proceed as

you

deem fit.”

His voice was nonchalant and devoid of emotion.

Yet Candice grasped his underlying message. If she chose to exclude Sonia based on her performance

and other metrics, Alex was likely to complicate matters for her.

Lowering her eyes to mask her thoughts, she acknowledged, “Understood, I’ll handle it.”

With that, she exited the office.

Outside, Sonia observed Candice’s composed demeanor, realizing her imminent promotion to a full–

tposition and dropped her earlier cautious attitude.

As Candice walked past, she briefly halted and gently reminded Sonia, “Ensure your application for

permanent status is submitted on time, or it’ll be too late.”

Sonia’s expression stiffened momentarily. Julie had informed her that her application had to go through

the Secretary’s Office.

She nodded promptly. “Yes, I’ll turn it in tomorrow.”

Without further comment, Candice left to get her things and go to the hospital.

The workload at Aether Corporation was enormous. When Candice got back to the Secretary’s Office,

most employees were still there, engrossed in overtwork.

Aware of Candice’s hospital visit, Kayla reassured her, “Don’t worry, we’re aware of your situation. Go

ahead.”

Candice hummed in acknowledgement. As she prepared to leave, she remembered something and

turned to Kayla. “Don’t overwork. Everyone can order coffee, it’s on me.”

co

Kayla responded with a hint of playfulness despite her complaining tone, “Why so formal, Candice?”

Her face,

however, bore a smile.

Exiting the company late, Candice headed straight to the hospital.

Upon arrival, she found Joe having his dinner, looking noticeably healthier.

Spotting Candice, he queried, “Why are you late? Haven’t you had dinner?”

J

“I’ll eat at home. How are you feeling oday?” Candice conversed as she placed her bag down and

reached for

Joe’s medical observation chart to c

-k his progress.

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The caregiver, a woman in her forties, was tidying up and shared with Candice, ‘The doctor’s quite

pleased with your grandpa’s recovery. He mentioned that, if he liked, discharge could be possible in the

next few days.”

In visibly better spirits, Joe said, “I’d like to leave the hospital as soon as possible. I feel trapped here.”

After reviewing Joe’s recent medical records and seeing no cause for concern, Candice decided, “I’ll

consult

with the doctor. If all is well, we’ll arrange for your discharge.”

Stunned, Joe broached a sensitive topic hesitantly, “Your mother called this afternoon. She mentioned

Ivor’s

release.”

At the mention of their names, Candice involuntarily tensed.

“She also said she wouldn’t need your help with Peach’s medical expenses anymore. Apparently, a

charity has

offered to cover them, considering Peach’s situation.”

“That’s good to hear,” Candice responded after a brief pause, her tone carrying a hint of detachment.

Her recent visit to Noxville had left her emotionally drained.

Switching topics, she casually asked, “Are you keeping up with your medication?”

Understanding Candice’s reluctance to dwell on Yvonne’s issues, Joe refrained from pressing the

matter

further.

Candice lingered at the hospital for stime, then checked with Joe’s doctor about the possibility of

his

discharge before departing.

As she was about to leave, she advised Joe. “Take care of yourself. If you have any issues with

Yvonne, direct

her to me.” Her words were delivered with a neutral tone.

Momentarily stunned, Joe gave a slight nod in response.

Candice made her way home, quickly ate dinner, and proceeded to her study with the documents she

had

brought along.

Around 10:30 p.m., as Candice was about to get swater, her phone rang: It was Hanley.

“Hello?”

There was background noise from Hanley’s side. After a brief pause, he inquired, “Are you

tied up at the moment?”

As Candice walked to fetch water, she asked, “What’s happening? Do you need anything?”

“I was wondering if you’re available this weekend. I’m returning to Dorrington City,” Hanley said calmly.

“We’re

discussing a project, and it would be beneficial for you to be involved. If you’re free, why not join us for

the

discussion?”

Candice readily agreed, she wouldn’t turn down such an opportunity. “Is there a particular collaboration

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She was aware of Hanley’s standing in their field. He led a group of young professionals on various

projects

all over the place, rather than operating a traditional studio.

His team of eight, including two of Hanley’s classmates and several friends, impressed Candice with

their free- spirited approach to work,

“Yeah, we’re celebrating Jackson’s mother’s birthday, and there’s also an interesting private exhibition

in town. I thought it would be a good idea to check it out,” Hanley’s voice, deep and clear, often instilled

a sense of comfort in those he spoke with.

Unlike Jackson’s gentle and erudite manner, Hanley exuded a sense of reliability.

The next day at the office, Candice noticed her colleagues appeared weary and fatigued.

She frowned slightly. “How late did everyone work last night?”

Kayla hadn’t even put on makeup today. She replied wearily, “Till past two in the morning. I managed to

complete the categorization for the Export Department, though.”

The five Interns, equally tired but still energetic enough, updated Candice on their work progress.

Impressed by their speed, Candice was about to comment when Kayla pulled at her sleeve, reminding

her, “It’s tfor the Quarterly Outstanding Employee nominations.”

The company recognized outstanding employees monthly, quarterly, and annually, offering progressive

bonuses.

Candice nodded in acknowledgment, not elaborating further.

The Interns remained around her and prompted, “Is there anything else we can help with?”

Queenie, always taking the lead, asked enthusiastically, “Can we assist you with anything else?”

Candice observed them, tapping on the desk thoughtfully. “Stay calm. The company values your daily

contributions. Concentrate on your responsibilities. There’s no need to worry unnecessarily..”

Kayla, who was close in age to the interns and shared a good rapport with them, playfully reassured

them.”

Candice has given her word, don’t worry. Everything’s fine.”

Suddenly, a gentle voice interjected, “Candice, I’ve cto submit my report.”

The room fell quiet as everyone turned their attention to Sonia, who had just arrived.

Maintaining a steady demeanor, Candice instructed, “Place it on the desk.”

Sonia complied, her lips pursed, then looked around the office with a mix of hesitation and concern.

In a carefully measured tone, she commented, “The atmosphere here seems a bit down. Could this

affect the company’s image, especially if seen by others?”

Her comment resembled that of a supervisor evaluating the workplace environment.