My Mirror Image

Chapter 0278
Following this exchange. Davy stormed off angrily.
Zane had hoped to defuse the situation, but he was at a loss for words when he saw Davy storm
out. He could only say a few words before leaving.
These sudden developments caught Sonia off guard. She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her.
She instinctively sought out Alex. Her voice was tinged with worry as she asked, “Lex, did I say
something wrong?”
Alex remained largely unemotional, unsurprised by Davy’s outburst.
It seemed likely that Davy had been covertly in touch with Oakridge Capital, and Sonia’s blunt
words had merely struck a raw nerve, provoking a pretense of anger.
As Sonia awaited a response, her eyes began to redden. Her fear was growing, and she couldn’t help but reach for Alex’s
clothing, murmuring apologetically. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.
I just thought...”
She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence and began to internally chastise herself for
believing she could be on par with or even surpass Candice.
Eventually, Alex gazed down at her, his voice deep as he said, “There’s a dessert table over there.
Why don’t you get some rest?”
Seeking reassurance, Sonia questioned, “You aren’t upset with me?”
After a brief pause,
uttered a soft hum.

A smile broke across Sonia’s face. She leaned in for a kiss, but Alex turned his head, causing her
lips to brush his chin instead.
Unfazed, Alex suggested, “Go on, take a break.”
As Sonia walked away, her nerves calmed somewhat. She glanced around, looking for Candice, but in her search, she
inadvertently collided with someone else.
The man’s strong cologne wafted through the air.
Sonia abruptly halted and swiftly apologized, “I’m sorry, it was unintentional.”
Adjusting his glasses, Xavier surveyed Sonia with the grace of a cultured gentleman. His voice was warm and amiable, asking.
“My apologies. Did I cause you any harm?”
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As Sonia raised her head, she was met by Xavier’s distinguished and scholarly appearance.
When that man saw Sonia’s face, he was stunned by her beauty, and a hint of admiration flickered in his eyes.
Xavier cleared his throat. His tone grew even softer as he queried. “Are you okay? I hope I didn’t injure you.”
Sonia gingerly held her arm and retreated a few steps. She eyed Xavier cautiously and assured him. “I’m fine, thank you.
Xavier introduced himself, “Hi, I’m Xavier Green, the General Manager at Horizon Holdings.” He offered her a business card with
a friendly gesture and added, “Should you feel any discomfort later, please contact me.”

His attempt at initiating a dialogue with Sonia was quite apparent.
Sonia was hesitant to receive the card. Horizon Holdings was a name she somewhat remembered. She had heard it was a
financial giant.
Xavier observed Sonia’s receding figure. Subtly removing his spectacles, he fiddled with them for a while before putting them on
and resuming his scholarly demeanor.
Upon locating her colleagues, Candice found them deeply engaged with an influential industry figure.
Hanley was attentively absorbing the industry expert’s guidance.
Choosing not to disturb them, Candice settled into a nearby spot.
The way Hanley was acting piqued Candice’s interest. His remarkable flair for creativity didn’t translate into arrogance. Instead,
this man exuded humility.
She remembered witnessing Hanley in a phone conversation with his mentor, where his dedication and sincerity were evident.
Hanley’s work ethic was also notably strong.
In a conversation with Yana, Candice expressed her admiration for Hanley’s character. She found individuals like him to be truly
impressive. He remained humble and focused without succumbing to arrogance or complacency, and he always maintained his
initial viewpoint.
Not long after, Hanley noticed Candice.
He politely wrapped up his discussion with the industry expert he was speaking to.
He found her in a quiet, dimly illuminated corner, away from the main activity. Approaching Candice, he asked, “What brings you
to sit over here?”

She justified her choice of spot and remarked. “I’ve been on my feet for quite a while, so I decided to rest here while waiting for
everyone.
Hanley assured her. “We won’t be much longer.”
Candice nodded with a smile.
As Hanley rejoined the discussion, Candice felt an unsettling sense of being watched. She
glanced back uneasily, yet there was nobody there.
After twenty minutes, the conversation with the industry figure concluded. At the same time, a
lucky draw was underway on stage, with attendees having picked numbers upon arrival.
A few numbers were called out, and Ryan was the lucky winner of a third prize. He had won a set
of valuable cultural memorabilia.
Nadia eyed the prize with envy. She half–jokingly teased. “You’re not into these, right? How about
giving it to me?”
With a sly smile, Ryan playfully declined, “Seems like some with ill luck aren’t destined to own it.
“Boss, Candice, Ryan’s calling you guys with ill luck.” Nadia joked.
Candice and Hanley observed their conversation with amusement and didn’t say anything but instead, they started to leave.

At that moment, a voice called out, “Ms. Renault.”
Xavier was smartly dressed. He stood before Candice with a friendly smile and asked. “Ms. Secretary, I heard you’ve left Aether
Corporation?”
*If you’re aware I’ve left Aether Corporation, you shouldn’t call me Ms. Secretary,” Candice replied. keeping her distance.
Xavier attempted to engage further. He suggested, “Have you thought about joining Horizon Holdings? We’d be glad to have
you.”
Without a second glance, Candice walked past him and decisively stated, “I’m not interested.”
A short distance away, Nadia’s curiosity was piqued. She rarely observed Candice being so distant with anyone, the last time
being with Francis from Webrews Group.
Curious, she wondered, “Who was that gentleman?”
Candice replied dismissively. “Not someone commendable. He’s known for his lowly tactics.”
As the General Manager of Horizon Holdings, Xavier had been a competitor of Candice’s former
company. Especially in its early phase, his company had a history of overshadowing Aether Corporation and often resorted to
questionable tactics.
Candice had personally experienced the brunt of Horizon Holdings‘ unethical strategies.
Their ways were as disgusting and covert as a rodent in the gutter. While business required strategy and tactics, she detested
using such dishonest means.
Resolved never to engage with such individuals again, Candice was determined to steer clear of
them regardless of potential collaboration opportunities.
When Nadia noticed that Candice was hesitant to discuss any gossip, she stopped being
interested in it.
As Nadia looked back, she noticed Sonia approaching Xavier.

Sonia appeared hesitant, having just witnessed Xavier’s interaction with Candice.
Upon seeing Sonia, Xavier greeted her with a smile and asked, “Is there a problem? Are you
feeling ill?”
Seeking clarification, she questioned, “Do you know Candice? I just saw you two talking. She’s actually a friend of mine, so I
thought I would ask.”
Xavier’s eyes momentarily betrayed his cunning before he masked it with a feigned sadness.
He lamented, “Yes, I know Candice. We were business associates once. I heard she left Aether Corporation and thought of
inviting her to Horizon Holdings. Unfortunately, she wasn’t interested.”
He sighed, then added. “She believes my company is too minor, and she sees no future in joining
us.”
Taken aback, Sonia wondered, “Really? Why would she say that?”
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