My Mirror Image

Chapter 0269
Things happened abruptly. Sonia was taken to the hospital for treatment after her clothes were torn and the thug left multiple
scratches on her hand.
Given the situation, Candice felt compelled to stay. She accompanied them to the emergency room, where Alex accompanied
Sonia inside the examination room while Candice remained
outside.
Candice experienced discomfort at her shoulder where she was bumped.
Just as she was about to head out, Greg asked, uncertainly, “Where are you heading?”
Gently moving her arm, Candice replied, “I’m going to the orthopedic department.”
Unaware of her injury. Greg questioned, “Are you injured too? Why didn’t you mention it earlier?”
Candice’s gaze dropped as she contemplated whether she could have spoken up. Who would she have told? Sonia was
preoccupied with her tears, and Alex was busy consoling her. Would her speaking up have made any difference?
Noting Candice’s silence, Greg sighed softly and said, “Lex and I were just leaving the hospital when we heard the sirens. Lex
seemed very upset.”
Candice finally responded, “So he suspects that I had a hand in this?”
Greg appeared slightly embarrassed but countered, “Not necessarily.”
However, Alex’s reaction was extremely clear.
Candice internally scoffed at herself, recognizing that even Greg could perceive Alex’s suspicion
of her.
As the examination room door swung open, Candice’s train of thought was disrupted.
Greg quickly stepped forward and asked, concerned, “Is everything all right? How are you feeling?”

Wearing Alex’s jacket and appearing visibly shaken, Sonia shook her head in response. Then she turned to Candice, hesitant to
meet her stare. The tension in the room escalated, creating an
uneasy atmosphere.
Greg glanced between Candice and Alex and began, “Now that everything seems fine, we cant relax. Candice, you should...” He
was about to advise Candice to inspect her injuries when he was interrupted before he could finish.
Alex stood protectively by Sonia’s side. He had a harsh, frigid countenance. Alex looked down and
spoke with uncharacteristic coolness, “The cop will arrive shortly to investigate the issue. Those involved are not permitted to
leave.”
It was obvious his comment was aimed at Candice.
Candice clenched her jaw and frowned, questioning, “Is that a warning?”
Alex’s gaze swept toward her. His dark eyes radiated a cold, stern air as he retorted, “Are you
feeling targeted?”
Candice gritted her teeth, suppressing the growing frustration in her chest.
The police arrived promptly, and after questioning both Candice and Sonia they declared, got a clear picture of the situation.
We’ll proceed with our investigation and take appropriate
action against those responsible.”

Sonia asked in a soft voice, “What kind of action will be taken against them?”
“We’ve
“The response will depend on the severity of the situation, ranging from detention to possible
sentencing.”
Sonia was surprised at the answer. She then gave Candice a fleeting, hesitant glance before quickly averting her eyes. Her look
was revealing enough.
Candice confronted Sonia harshly after the cop had left, “What’s with your expression? What are
you suggesting?”
“I, I...” Sonia stammered and automatically turned to gaze at Alex. She said quietly, “I didn’t mean anything. I’m just feeling a bit
anxious after hearing from the police.”
Candice laughed. Though her eyes still held an unyielding chill, she probed further. “Anxious?
About what, exactly?”
Sonia’s reluctance only further implied that she had accused Candice of something.
From the moment Candice left the hospital after her encounter with the thugs, she had been seething with anger inside. Sonia’s
unwarranted interference only intensified Candice’s anger.

Reaching her limit, Candice’s voice became icy and stern as she addressed Sonia, “You’re fully aware of what just transpired.
You’re free to play the victim, and I won’t contest that. However, if you’re attempting to use your act to falsely accuse me, know
that I won’t stand for it.”
Sonia had been wronged. Candice didn’t want to argue with her at first, but Sonia had standered her with untrue charges, and if
she didn’t speak up, others would see her as an easy target to
bully.
Having stated her piece, Candice’s growing frustration led her to confront Alex directly. Her eyes. typically calm, now
unmistakably conveyed her anger. With a firm and clear tone, she told Alex. Mr. Elysian, before you defend your girlfriend, make
sure you’re fully aware of the situation. Don’t just use this as a chance to flaunt your authority.”
Throughout her time as the Chief Secretary, Candice had mastered the art of emotional control, and it had been a considerable
time since she last lost her composure. Her face reddened slightly due to her wrath, and her chest heaved gently with heavy
breaths.
Alex’s intense and penetrating gaze eventually settled on Candice. Known for his reserved demeanor, he rarely expressed his
emotions, with only a tinge of pride showing on his face. His towering presence exerted significant pressure on Candice,
particularly as he peered down at her with his commanding presence.
“Grasp the entire situation?” he retorted. A scornful laugh escaped him. His eyes held a dark, furious glint. “You’ve been
comfortable for far too long.” Alex admonished. “Have you forgotten about the perks you got from my company? The rewards
you’ve gained are far beyond anything you could earn elsewhere.
“And what about your parasitic parents? The damage they inflicted on the company? And now you
dare lecture me on understanding the situation?” His voice grew stern and cutting as he
continued. “I should have grasped the situation back then before bringing you into my company.”
Candice quivered as she stood tall before Alex. Because of her height, she had to lift her chin up to look into his eyes.
Her eyes reddened and welled up, confusion in her face as she questioned, “Have I ever wronged you? In what ways have I
failed you? Whether in professional matters or dealing with your family. haven’t I always complied with your requests without any
complaint?” As she spoke these words, something that had been lodged in her heart for years was instantly

freed.
Alex’s sudden change had always perplexed Candice. The years of suppressed hurt and confusion came flooding out, nearly
overwhelming her. Fighting back tears, Candice struggled to see Alex’s face clearly, her heart heavy with the weight of long–
standing grievances.
“Do you really believe that I should be forever indebted and work tirelessly for you because of your charity?” she asked.
Candice’s voice faded to a whisper, laden with fatigue and a sense of numbness. “Can’t you be a bit kinder to me? I’m suffering
as well.”
The day before, Noxville had been drenched in rain, but today it greeted the citizens with clear
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skles and bright sunshine.
Sitting numbly in a taxi, Candice watched as billboards passed by in a blur.
The unexpected outpouring of her long–buried emotions sapped her strength, leaving her completely vulnerable.
She raised her hand to her forehead, shielding her eyes with it.
How absurd, she thought. All these years, she had been merely a joke. A thorough and complete
joke.