My Mirror Image

Chapter 137

Helen’s remarks were biting and unkind.

Candice’s gaze darkened in response, but she chose not to engage in a dispute with Helen, instead

pressing her lips together.

In contrast, Helen’s scorn grew in response to Candice’s silence.

“I’ve already made it clear that I won’t approve of my son marrying someone from your background,”

she

declared disparagingly. “Since you’re now involved with the Baldwins, you should leave my son and

retain

some self–respect,”

Candice maintained her composed demeanor, and met Helen’s gaze, calmly responding, “That’s a

conversation you should have with Sonia.”

Helen scoffed mockingly, and was about to retort when Alex returned from the study.

Turning to Alex, Helen reminded him in a neutral tone, “Remember your dinner appointment with Ms.

Landor

this weekend.”

Alex paused momentarily, his face unreadable. “I haven’t given my consent,” he replied.

“I’m not seeking your consent, merely informing you,” Helen retorted.

Leaving Elysian Manor, Alex looked visibly upset.

Noticing the tension in him, Candice frowned slightly. She was reluctant to stay with him when he was

in such

a poor mood.

As she moved to the driver seat, Alex halted her. “Let me drive.”

Observing his still–icy demeanor, she cautioned, “Driving while upset isn’t wise.”

Alex’s stern gaze landed on her and challenged, “Are you in any state to drive?”

Feeling unsettled after Helen’s provocation and faced with Alex’s adamant attitude, Candice silently

handed

him the keys and settled into the passenger seat.

Her car, while not extravagant, was a practical, moderately priced vehicle. She was comfortable with it,

though.

Alex seemed less so.

He clicked his tongue and asked, “Did you give all your earnings to your mother? You can’t even afford

a better

car.”

Candice’s reply was straightforward, “It’s merely for transportation. I don’t require luxury.”

Alex refrained from further comments.

Rather than heading directly home, he diverted to a street opposite the fondue Candice had visited

earlier.

“What brings us here?” she asked, surprised.

“Picking someone up.” Alex replied succinctly.

415 BONIOS

Soon after, Alex neatly parked the car. Candice watched as Sonia stepped out of a nearby restaurant

Initially, Sonia didn’t notice them, but then Alex honked the hom and lowered the window.

Sonia spotted Candice in the passenger seat, her expression transforming into one of shock.

She froze briefly before regaining her composure, and when she spoke her voice was soft, but her

surprise was evident. “Lex, why are you two together?”

Although she addressed Alex, her focus was clearly on Candice, seeking an explanation from her.

Preoccupied on her phone, and in a less–than–ideal mood, Candice preferred not to delve into their

situation.

Alex maintained a calm demeanor as he explained. “I needed to retrieve some documents from my

family

home.*

Sonia bit her lip, unsure how to respond.

Alex looked up at her, suggesting gently, “Come on, I’ll drive you home.”

Sonia had been with Alex long enough to sense the dissatisfaction in his voice.

She took a moment to compose herself, quickly hiding her feelings, and nodded in agreement.

Energetically, she said, “You wouldn’t believe it. Julie and the rest had just left. They were waiting for

you

earlier.”

Her words came to an abrupt halt when she instinctively moved to open the passenger door and

caught

Candice’s quiet stare.

Pausing, she turned to Alex for guidance.

With her bag on her lap, Candice coldly informed Sonia, “This car is mine, I just lent it to Alex for the

time being.

She had no obligation to vacate her seat for Sonia.

Alex’s hand remained on the steering wheel. He turned to Candice and questioned, with a hint of

criticism,” Are you really going to nitpick?”

Candice firmly suggested, “You can drop us at the office, then use your own vehicle to return home.”

Her demeanor was notably more decisive that evening.

Alex observed her briefly before responding with a snicker.

Finally, Sonia settled in the back seat, eyeing the documents. “Lex, are you planning to take all these

files home?”

As she reached out for a file, Candice sharply commanded, “Don’t touch it.”

213. 213.

Sonia was startled and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“They’re in chronological order. Don’t mess them up.”

With an awkward apology, Sonia retracted her hand and said, “Sorry, Candice.”

Candice remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the flickering neon lights outside as Alex drove.

+15 BONOS

Ultimately, Alex drove them to the office. He nonchalantly threw the keys to Candice and exited with

Sonia.

The keys were heavy and landed on Candice’s thumbnail, which began to ache.

She remained seated for a moment, waiting for the discomfort to ease before driving home.

The detour with Alex meant she didn’t arrive home until eleven.

Entering her study with the documents, Candice was determined to stick to her evening plans and

complete

her organization.

As Alex’s car halted at the residence entrance, Sonia lingered inside, hesitantly saying, “Lex.”

Feeling somewhat disheartened, she managed to muster a calm demeanor. “You mentioned working

late at the office. Why did you suddenly need a document and to go with Candice?”

Turning to her, Alex displayed no signs of guilt or impatience. He simply stated, “I had to return to my Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

family’s

place.”

“So, you took Candice with you?”

The information deeply unsettled Sonia. Candice was always Alex’s first choice when it came to

problems concerning his family. He never considered taking her, no matter how much she hinted.

Regardless of Alex’s attitude toward his family, the habit made a significant difference.

Sonia bowed her head, revealing a part of her neck and earlobe.

She was aware that this was the sight that was most likely to make Alex soften, a fact she had only

found after great effort. Perhaps even Alex wasn’t aware of it.

Her voice was tender and filled with sorrow. “Do you see me as dumb and less competent than

Candice?” After a brief pause, she added with increasing distress, “Is that why you’re hesitant to let me

try to bond with

your parents?”