My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s)

Chapter 0346

Daniel's demeanor was commanding and forceful, while Alex remained impassive as he ended the call with a curt "understood".

Shawn raised an eyebrow, asking, "Your father?"

Alex offered no confirmation or denial.

Shawn scoffed, remarking, "He certainly knows how to put on airs. Am I dead to him?"

Alex silently finished his meal alongside Shawn without saying a word.

Once Shawn finished eating, he headed straight to his room. However, as he passed Alex, he paused momentarily, expressing regret, "I neglected to guide your father properly because I was busy with work. He's confused, but you shouldn't follow his lead."

Alex kept his gaze lowered, concealing his emotions, unwilling to reveal them.

The next morning, Daniel called Alex first thing in the morning to remind him to be there for lunch.

Alex icily hung up, and then his finger slid down to Candice's number.

In Alex's private phone, family members' numbers were seldom stored. He memorized the contacts of those close to him. It had been a habit instilled in him by Daniel since childhood. Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

During Daniel's initial years at the helm of the Elysian Group, he was constantly on guard against people around him.

Later, Alex picked up this trait from his father.

He had memorized Candice's number for years and could recognize it at a glance.

Pausing on the string of digits, Alex's brow furrowed subtly before relaxing. By the time he raised his eyes, the confusion in his eyes had dissipated.

He drove to his parents' home.

Upon entering, he found Helen and Daniel having breakfast.

The atmosphere was tense, with Helen engrossed in a magazine, and Daniel absorbed in a newspaper. It felt as though two strangers were sharing a table.

Alex cast a frigid glare at them before focusing on his father. His voice was dry and direct as he questioned, "I have a client meeting at noon. What's the matter?"

Daniel tossed the newspaper aside and fixed his piercing gaze on Alex.

After a moment, he stood up, displeased. "Is this how you speak to your father?"

Alex stood tall, the table separating him from Daniel. Their gazes locked in a silent confrontation.

Though Alex resembled Helen in appearance, the calm and cold demeanor in his eyes mirrored Daniel's. Neither was willing to yield.

Annoyed, Helen pushed her half-eaten sandwich aside, grumbling, "Can't we have a peaceful meal? Can't you two discuss whatever it is in your study?"

Daniel's voice was firm as he commanded, "Come with me."

Alex followed him into the study, where the heavy, oppressive atmosphere enveloped them. The cold decor and stacks of documents added to the sense of repression.

As soon as Alex entered, Daniel lowered his voice, sternly admonishing, "If you still want to enter the main company, you need to step up."

"The Sui family is becoming restless," Daniel continued, his gaze fixed on Alex.

Accustomed to giving orders from his high position, Daniel exuded an aura of authority.

Raising an eyebrow, Alex questioned, "Is that why you called me?"

Daniel squinted his eyes and awaited Alex's response.

His son smirked and continued, "Now that the Sui family is gaining power, do you believe you have lost control over them? Shouldn't you have considered these things when you kicked me out and let them in?"

Alex's tone was neutral and detached, almost as if he were talking about something unrelated to himself. However, the mockery in his eyes was clear.

To purge those on the board of directors who were unfavorable to him, Daniel had been willing to oust his own son from the company and bring in the cunning members of the Sui family.

Daniel's bravery in dealing with the wolves should be praised.

However, Alex's statements plainly infuriated Daniel.

He smashed his fist against the desk, glaring fiercely at Alex. He scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting? Do you believe the Sui family will live if they own all of the shares? And how do you think they gained power? Isn't it due to the mess created by your company?"

Daniel was pointing at Alex, his chest heaving with each breath.

Alex's expression remained impassive. In reality, there was minimal communication between father and son except for matters related to work.

In Daniel's eyes, interests came above all, even his own son.

Alex's tone was less harsh than Daniel's, but it still conveyed a strong sense of detachment.

He stated, "I will secure the Solaris cooperation and resolve the issues caused by Aether Corporation for the main company."

"You'd better!" Daniel bellowed before gradually cooling down and examining Alex.

After a moment, he restrained his feelings and nonchalantly asked, "I heard you and Greg sponsored a charity center together?"

Alex abruptly raised his gaze. His pupils had a chilling edge to them.

Daniel sneered, "I heard you sponsored a little girl. Giving to charities can help maintain a social image, but the recipients should be chosen with caution. I heard that Candice put this child's parents in jail."

He cast a meaningful glance toward Alex.

-

Candice's professional understanding grew in tandem with the studio's rising workload.

While she hadn't reached the level of a seasoned professional, she was able to provide useful feedback on certain professional concerns when interacting with clients.

Hanley gradually delegated all business responsibilities to her.

Candice spent the majority of her free time reading and researching.

Nadia and Yana were astounded by her diligence.

Yana jokingly remarked, "Those in the know see you're working, but those in the dark might think you're preparing for postgraduate exams."

Candice pondered for a moment and responded thoughtfully, "Part-time postgraduate study seems like a good idea. It allows for a more systematic approach to learning."

Yana was speechless and replied, "I'm joking. Why do you take it so seriously?"

Candice replied, "I just think it's a great idea."

Yana waved her hand dismissively, unwilling to continue the conversation.

After Hanley came in from the outside, he set a glass jar down in front of Candice.

"What's this?"

Hanley tilted his head and cleared his throat. He explained, "These are fruit candies that a buddy gave me. They're delicious, with a tangy and sweet flavor."

He had recently begun bringing Candice goodies like dried fruits, which he said were all from his buddies.

She became curious about which friend it was and how he had the leisure to make these snacks from time to time.

Candice blurted out, "I'm considering pursuing part-time postgraduate study to learn professional knowledge more seriously. Do you think it'll work?"

She thought Hanley would readily agree, but he paused for a little before answering, "It might not be a good idea."