My Mirror Image

Chapter 135

Candice was not surprised to learn of Sonia’s promotion to full–time employment, given that her

internship was coming to an end. Looking at Alex, she asked, “Hasn’t Julie retrieved her file yet?”

“The file remains in the Secretary’s Office. It’s not been moved,” Alex replied, detached.

Candice frowned slightly. She remembered Sonia starting in the Secretary’s Office before Alex

transferred her

to the President’s Office.

She had thought Sonia would have joined their team by now, particularly with Alex’s apparent

favoritism. The

episode with Sonia’s internship report also came to mind.

Candice’s gaze briefly betrayed her thoughts, but she quickly composed herself.

Sonia’s job transfer wasn’t her main concern, so she concentrated on her own tasks.

Exiting Alex’s office, Candice overheard Sonia cheerfully say, “I’m treating everyone to dinner tonight.”

As Candice passed, Sonia offered her a friendly smile. “Candice, would you like to come? You were my

first

mentor here.”

Candice remained stoic and declined. “No thanks. Have a good time.”

Sonia gently insisted. “You might not be aware, but I’ve just been confirmed as permanent.” Her voice

held a subtle pride. She clasped Candice’s arm, boasting, “Lex said I got permanent status faster than

anyone, even quicker than you.”

The remark highlighted Sonia’s newfound status, and Candice pondered the implications of

‘permanent.’

Candice simply said, “Well done.”

The indifferent response made Sonia’s attempt to impress Candice fall flat.

Disheartened, Sonia asked, “Are you upset? You don’t seem happy.”

Candice offered her a brief look, disinterested in Sonia’s tactics. “Make sure your report for permanent

status

is handed to me,” she replied neutrally.

Sonia looked confused. “Why?”

Candice explained plainly, “Because your transfer isn’t complete yet.”

She turned and left Sonia behind, missing the swift shift in the other woman’s expression.

Back at her desk, Kayla handed Candice a stack of papers, saying. “Here’s the export department’s

data for the

past six months.”

Candice nodded, realizing an evening of extra work was imminent.

The mood of the office was solemn, and all faces were serious.

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Reflecting on this, Candice asked Kayla, “Would you guys prefer fondue or barbecue tonight?”

Somewhat downcast. Kayla replied, “Fondue, It’s more engaging.”

“Then fondue it is. I’ll treat everyone tonight,” Candice decided.

Kayla looked up, surprised. “Is this for a promotion or a salary increase?”

Candice sorted the documents, maintaining her usual demeanor. “It’s to recognize our hard work for

the next few days. Let’s enjoy fondue tonight to lift our spirits.”

The gesture noticeably boosted the office morale and efficiency.

Leaning over, Kayla remarked, “That’s very generous of you.”

Candice handed a document to Kayla. “First revise this and then forward it to the finance department.”

Kayla had worked as an intern in the batch before Sonia. She was still quite inexperienced.

As she accepted it, she curiously asked, “With the internship for our group almost over, will the intern in

our

department get to stay?”

In the Secretary’s Office, there were five interns, all showing good performance.

“We should wait and see their final reports,” Candice replied.

Reflecting on her own experience, Kayla shared, “I remember working tirelessly and following Lisa

everywhere

for business meetings to secure my position.”

Candice was mindful of the firm’s stringent policies, where only the most capable interns were retained,

and

nodded in understanding.

With their increased workload, they did stay late that night.

The Secretary’s Office team, comprising around twenty people, decided on a nearby fondue restaurant.

There was a street directly opposite the fondue restaurant styled in Laspulia fashion, filled with high–

end

dining places.

Julie arrived, surveying the Laspulia restaurant that Sonia had chosen with disdain in her eyes. She

had been

invited to Sonia’s celebration.

She silently critiqued Sonia’s feigned sophistication, sensing her naivety as she tried to mimic being a

corporate elite.

Oblivious to Julie’s internal critique, Sonia greeted her warmly, “Glad you could come, Julie.”

Julie nodded, then asked, “Is Mr. Elysian not here?”

Her interest in the venue was minimal, only piqued by the possibility of Alex’s attendance.

Upon hearing Alex’s name, Sonia momentarily tensed, then calmly explained, “Lex had something

urgent and

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Julie’s demeanor cooled as she questioned, “Mr. Elysian missed such a crucial event as your

promotion?”

She had assumed Alex would be there to support Sonia on this Important day,

Detecting Julie’s change in mood, Sonia quickly came up with an excuse, “You know how busy Lex is.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Sawyer, the office’s only male secretary, known for NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

his

affable nature.

Sawyer explained, “Sorry for being late. I was just outside greeting Candice and her group.”

Curious, Sonia questioned, “Candice is nearby?”

“Yes, their group chose to dine at the fondue place.” Sawyer confirmed.

Hearing this, Julie remarked, “Candice’s taste has declined, opting for fondue for a team meal.”

Her statement was subtly critical, not just of Candice but also of Sonia’s choice of restaurant.

Feeling awkward, Sonia lowered her head, staying silent.

Julie’s thoughts drifted to the past.

She had joined Aether Corporation before Candice and watched her progress from an intern to Alex’s

secretary.

Julie thought back to when Candice was promoted and how Alex had celebrated by inviting the entire

Secretary’s Office to dine.

Though there were others promoted with Candice, Julie remembered seeking her out with

congratulatory

intent, only to inadvertently see Candice and Alex secretly share an intimate moment. He grabbed

Candice tightly in a hidden spot and kissed her passionately.