My Mirror Image

Chapter 0280

Candice expressed her concern, saying, “Sonia now has leverage against me. I doubt she’ll let it slide easily. Rather than waiting and allowing her to cause more problems, we should be

proactive and discuss this with Alex.*

Ryan agreed, remarking. “Absolutely. We can’t risk another stab in the back. It would be catastrophic.”

Lost in thought, Hanley remained mostly silent.

After a brief reflection, Candice gently suggested, “If we can’t reach an understanding. I’ll have no

choice but to leave.”

Hanley then raised his head and spoke in a firm tone, “Let me know if you need anything.”

Soon after, Hanley received a phone call, and he had to leave due to prior engagements.

Candice informed Ryan and then took a taxi to Aether Corporation, understanding the importance

of getting a clear position from Alex to avoid future situations like Sonia’s.

At Aether Corporation, Candice unexpectedly met Kayla in the elevator.

Kayla asked in surprise. “Why are you here?”

Feeling that something was off, Candice asked, “What’s going on?”

“Mrs. Elysian is in the office. She caught Sonia arriving late. Sonia’s being scolded upstairs now. Mr. Elysian is out on business, and nobody is stepping in to help,” Kayla shared gloatingly.

Hearing this, Candice was visibly troubled.

It seemed Sonia’s visit to Burning Star Studio was her own decision. With Helen there. Candice chose not to go forward. An encounter with Helen would probably be unpleasant.

Candice unexpectedly confronted Helen and Sonia as the elevator doors opened.

Helen was impeccably dressed as usual, but the brooding expression on her face made it clear

was seething

showed signs of defeat, projecting an image

taken aback when the elevator doors opened unexpectedly. She scowled and glanced over, her irritation

as she

115 ΠΟΝΟΣ

nervously fidgeted with Candice’s clothes before quickly excusing herself with her

calm. Familiar with Helen’s temperament, she responded coolly, “I’m here for a work

you have to discuss?” Helen sneered disdainfully and raised her eyebrows in

Hanley’s little studio now? Desperately looking for business every day? Candice, know your place. Don’t aim for what’s not yours. You can’t turn into Cinderella in

typical of their interactions. While Helen’s vocabulary was repetitive,

with Helen

consuming.

composure, she couldn’t help but

appointment, do you?

and Helen’s mutual dislike for Candice would unite

hearing Sonia, Helen turned sharply toward her and

Should I report to you every time

Sonia quickly backtracked, “No, no, certainly

to speak now, are you? My son’s biggest error was hiring you.

let someone like you

her privileged status, Helen never hesitated to deliver sharp criticism.

with the Elysians for years, Candice somewhat grasped the

she chose to leave. She ignored Helen and Sonia and stepped back into the

elevator.

the building’s main entrance, she encountered Alex.

office with a neutral expression,

on Candice before shifting away, signaling

“Did you

Mr. Elysian about the Burning Star Studio incident

“Today may not be the ideal

the unwelcoming vibe from

she prepared to depart, she saw Alex, who had walked ahead. He paused

on Candice, and questioned accusingly.” Compensation? What