My Mirror Image

Chapter 0063

The unexpected encounter took Hanley by surprise. Raising his eyebrows, he approached her and inquired, “You seem quite taken with artistic planning, don’t you?”

Responding with a smile, Candice remarked, “It’s quite the coincidence running into you here.”

Hanley, maintaining his cool demeanor, clarified, “It’s not so much a coincidence. I’m overseeing this exhibition.”

He gestured toward the painting behind Candice and explained, “Today marks the opening of the exhibition, and you happen to be the first guest. We have to close the gallery, though. I need to make some adjustments to the positioning of this artwork.”

Candice looked at the indicated painting but could not identify any issues. Curious, she asked, “What adjustments are necessary?”

“The lighting,” Hanley glanced at her. “Different lighting can evoke varied emotions from the artwork.”

Candice, intrigued by this concept, repeated thoughtfully, “So, even objects can embody emotions?”

Not wanting to interfere with Hanley’s task, she decided to leave.

However, Hanley stopped her, saying, “Hey, you can keep exploring. I just need to adjust this particular piece.”

She took another round inside.

As Candice made another round through the gallery, Hanley was done with the alterations.

She discovered that the painting indeed felt different from before. The shift was slight yet evident–a very subtle sensation.

Exiting the exhibition hall around 7 p.m., night had already enveloped the sky.

She checked her phone, finding no messages from Alex. Apparently, her employer did not care where she went. She tucked her phone back into her bag. “Do you live nearby? I can give you a lift,” Hanley said, interrupting her daze.

Candice politely declined, “No, thank you. I’ll just hail a cab.”

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Hanley noted, “Cabs are hard to come by in this area at this hour.”

He insisted on driving Candice back to the hotel.

Upon arriving, Candice recalled her unfulfilled promise to take him out to supper, but he had to be elsewhere.

time,” she responded rather regretfully.

as she stepped out of the car, she saw Nina exiting another vehicle, with Alex

comment followed, “Ms. Renault, it was quite bold of you to

and gave her a cold look before continuing on his way.

to her senses when Hanley’s soft voice called

in hushed tones.

wheel, glanced at Candice with a furrowed brow and offered, “If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call me. Jackson asked me to keep an eye on you.”

to Jackson’s request, she gratefully declined

was surprised to find Alex

emotionlessly instructed, “Open the door.”

Candice quietly obeyed.

to enter the

maintaining his silence, Candice broke the ice, “Is there something

and piercing eyes met hers as he questioned her sharply, “Have I been too soft on you?”

tone and the icy gaze caused

of contract fee?” Alex mocked her after a brief

responded hoarsely, “I

out if you can’t

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her back

obliging her to remain submissively

to him. After all, if Alex thought she was acting

fell silent when the conversation concluded. She

leave.

to unbutton his shirt, showing no

stayed on the bed for a time, unable to urge him to leave due to the recent reminder about the

the bathroom with her nightgown, secretly hoping Alex

that he was still there

damp and unkempt as she wrapped it in the hotel

seemed relaxed and casually asked, “Have you slept

was taken aback, “What did you

or the

been intimate with any of them?”

was left in shock by his accusations, as if all her blood had turned

pressed on emotionlessly, “Answer me.”

find the right term and finally asked in a shaking voice, “Do you really think of me that way?”