My Mirror Image

Chapter 0279
Candice regarded her brief interaction with Xavier as nothing more than a passing incident. With her recent new responsibility to
manage the business affairs of Burning Star Studio, her schedule was packed.
The studio had already enjoyed some international recognition and had become more prominent in Dorrington due to its
partnerships with both the government and Blue Artifact.
This prominence led to an influx of potential collaborators, keeping Candice busy with proposal evaluations.
In the meantime, Alex’s position on the situation remained unclear.
Following Shaun’s replacement by Hanley, Ryan took over the on–site responsibilities.
Candice needed to take a series of photographs on the first day of work. She escorted Ryan to the spot.
En route, Ryan reflected on the situation, speculating, “Based on what the boss said, I believe
Shaun might be let go. Safety accidents are serious.”
The building site was being monitored to avoid material theft. The footage plainly demonstrated that Alex’s injury was Shaun’s
responsibility.
Candice did not have a strong view of this.
As a design firm, the Burning Star Studio was required to maintain basic safety requirements. If
they didn’t, no one would want to work with them.
Furthermore, she vividly recalled the danger she had encountered that day. If it hadn’t been for Alex, she would have been
crushed by the falling materials, presumably suffering worse injuries
than Alex had.
Responding promptly, Hanley ensured that by the time Candice returned from the photo shoot, Shaun had already collected his
belongings and left the company.

Frowning, Candice expressed her concern cautiously, “Has the dismissal been finalized? Shaun surely has a plethora of designs
from Burning Star Studio. Is that okay?
In the world of design, the risk of leaking creative concepts had always been a pressing worry. Candice knew little about Shaun
or his personality, having only heard from Ryan that he was a loner who favored working on sites over socializing.
Hanley clarified the situation, “Our original agreement included clauses for handling safety
incidents. It was his mistake that led to this outcome.”
Feeling reassured by Hanley’s explanation, Candice nodded, emphasizing. “As long as everything. is managed correctly, we
need to avoid any further complications.”
Hanley’s attitude softened when he observed Candice’s stern demeanor. Hanley’s tone was light. as he teased, “Sometimes, I
think someone of your caliber is underutilized here.”
Looking up sincerely, Candice expressed, “I’m truly grateful to you all for taking a chance on
someone as green as me and offering so much guidance.”
Her sincerity briefly caught Hanley off guard, but then a subtle smile appeared in his eyes. He softly chuckled, “Well then, I’ll
ensure we fully utilize the potential of our most promising new member. We will work hard to grow and fortify the studio so that
no one else can lure you away.
Candice’s initial comment about Shaun had been a simple reminder, and she hadn’t anticipated such an encouraging response
from Hanley, which would ironically turn out to be true in the
future.

On Wednesday morning, soon after Ryan’s departure, he contacted Hanley.
His voice was laden with concern as he reported, “Boss, representatives from Aether Corporation have arrived. They’re alleging
that we don’t meet construction standards and are pushing to
terminate our contract while also seeking compensation.”
Candice was in the middle of a business conversation with Hanley.
When she heard Ryan’s report, her expression turned to one of concern. She asked, “Why is Aether Corporation raising these
issues at this point?”
Hanley’s face grew serious, and he resolved, “Let’s go there and handle this matter directly.”
If Aether Corporation demanded the end of their collaboration at this time, it would reflect poorly on Burning Star Studio. It could
even cause other companies that were interested in working to
withdraw.
Throughout the journey, Candice was quiet. Her thoughts centered on strategizing a discussion
with Alex.
Typically reserved, Shaun seemed particularly reserved next to Sonia.
Noticing Hanley’s approach, he instinctively diverted his gaze, avoiding interaction.

Ryan approached and spoke in a hushed tone, “She refuses to let us work, claiming the safety issue at the site remains
unresolved and is demanding a clear explanation.”
Candice’s eyes met Sonia’s. She noticed Sonia eyeing her back, and the latter wore a smug, self-
satisfied smile on her face.
After a moment of reflection, Candice addressed Shaun, “Did you ask her to come here?”
Shaun’s face was pale as he responded, “I went to Mr. Elysian’s office, hoping to apologize and ask for his forgiveness. I didn’t
want to leave Burning Star Studio.”
Speaking with a bit of arrogance, Sonia countered, “You’re focusing on the wrong thing. Lex’s injury at your site is a fact. It’s not
something that can be ignored just because it hasn’t been openly discussed.”
Her voice sounded triumphant. She even elevated her chin to mimic Alex’s dominant demeanor.
Sonia seemed pleased with herself, believing that Candice would have to surrender to her for the
sake of maintaining the collaboration..
Sonia’s eyes flickered with mockery as she remembered Xavier’s claims regarding Candice. She was convinced of Candice’s
hypocrisy as she rationalized Alex’s breakup with her.
With a smirk, Sonia confronted Candice, “Back at Aether Corporation, you used to say that anyone
who can’t own up to their errors doesn’t deserve to be part of the team.”
She confronted Candice with a triumphant attitude and asked, “Do you recall saying that?”
Candice quickly discerned the true motive behind Sonia’s actions, recognizing that she was the real target, not Burning Star
Studio.
Unperturbed by this, she answered, “We’re prepared to take full responsibility for the incident involving Mr. Elysian and will
comply with any reasonable demands.”

Sonia scolded with disdain. “And what do you consider reasonable? In my opinion, ending our partnership seems the most
reasonable. If safety can’t be guaranteed, what else can you possibly
manage?”
Candice and Hanley exchanged a glance.
Hanley replied with a calm demeanor, “While contract termination is an option, I doubt it’s within Ms. Summers‘ jurisdiction to
make that call. Perhaps I should discuss this directly with Mr.
Elysian?”
Sonia’s face betrayed a hint of surprise. She had shown up at the site without Alex’s knowledge, going on her own initiative after
conversing with Sawyer.
Hanley scoffed in mockery as he read her expression. His tone was calm and disdainful as he replied, “Although Burning Star
Studio is only a studio, we’re not used to allowing a secretary who lacks the authority to terminate contracts deal with us. The
way Aether Corporation handles
situations is genuinely eye–opening.”
“You!”
Caught off guard, Sonia hadn’t expected Hanley to step in, her initial aim being to embarrass
Candice.
Watching Sonia leave. Candice turned to Hanley and commented in awe. “I didn’t realize you had such a sharp tongue.”
“It’s merely the truth.” Hanley responded casually.
Then he addressed Shaun, who still stood on the side. Hanley asked coldly. “Do you resent us for what happened?”
Shaun’s complexion was pale as he replied, “No. I only wanted to apologize to Mr. Elysian, hoping for forgiveness. I didn’t think
I’d encounter her.”
Ryan pointed out coldly. “You revealed everything to her, knowing well about Sonia’s animosity toward Candice. Didn’t you just
want to get back at her?”

Candice’s pupils flickered briefly when she heard Ryan’s comments.
It was obvious to Ryan that Sonia was going after her. Why would Sonia pass up this opportunity
so easily?
Resolute, Candice looked up at Hanley and declared, “I need to visit Aether Corporation.”