My Mirror Image

Chapter 0136

Julie was only brought out of her thoughts after Sonia called her name a few times.

She looked at Sonia again, feeling a sense of boredom. Settling for a salad, Julie spent her time engrossed in

her phone.

In the fondue restaurant, Candice showed a rare enthusiasm for the dinner.

She wore her hair in a ponytail and rolled up her sleeves to her elbows after taking inspiration from the

younger intern. It was a departure from her usual demeanor.

Kayla encouraged everyone to make the most of the dinner, reminding them, “Candice is treating, so don’t hold

back.”

Despite Candice’s image as reserved and aloof at work, after having worked with her, Kayla knew she was approachable and friendly.

“Would you like to have anything in particular?” Kayla asked.

“I’m fine with anything.” Candice said.

The interns, after some hesitation, approached Candice while the table buzzed with activity.

Sitting beside Candice, Kayla noticed them. “Queenie, do you need to speak with Candice? Should I give you

some space?”

“No, it’s alright,” Queenie awkwardly replied, her cheeks turning red as she addressed Candice. “We just want

to express our gratitude for your mentorship and propose a toast, hoping for your continued support.”

Candice perceived their implicit hope for permanent roles and advised, “Focus on your work.”

Queenie was young and somewhat timid, and didn’t insist further. After exchanging some small talk, she

withdrew.

Candice disliked food with too much dairy. She barely touched her meal.

Later in the evening, she retreated to a sofa in the private room they were eating in.

sent work updates. Candice was reviewing a document when she received

from Joe.

her absence from the hospital, he had called to express his

stepped into a quieter area to speak. She explained, “I

anxious because of Yvonne’s condition, which often made him

that’s

in the direction of the Aether Corporation building, visible outside the restaurant, she

1/3.

+15 BONOS

the time was past eight, Candice pondered her

for hospital visits.

entrance before

most had finished their meals.

left since you

and asked, “Is everyone done eating? If so, let’s

you get home? We can

“I have to stop

work. “You’re not going back to work now,

need to retrieve something.”

goodbye to Kayla, Candice went directly to the

for a

a proper bag, Candice carried the files to the

opened,

but quickly regained composure and asked with a concerned look, “You

left yet?”

the elevator and softly said, “I just came back

remained pushed up to her elbows, exposing her forearms and a crystal bracelet adorning her

wrist.

could see her reflection in the

the meal, she looked more vibrant than her usual professional air, more akin to a fresh recruit than an experienced executive.

the elevator made Candice tighten her hold on the documents.

bowed her head, her ponytail swung

his expression darkening, and his hand subtly twitched.

ascent seemed unusually slow to Candice, her lips pursed as she watched the floor numbers change.

Alex broke the silence as they approached the lobby.

with a

2/3