Chapter 0216
Candice regained her balance. Her expression, which was directed toward Alex, was also
dissatisfying.
Her arm was still aching from the grasp, and she was now being accused of instigating trouble. She was overcome with a wave of indignation, her features etched with venomous mockery.
Just as she was about to speak, the sound of footsteps interrupted her, followed by Hanley’s calm, deep voice, “What’s going on?”
Turning toward him, she asked, “Why are you here?”
“We were waiting for you, and when you didn’t return, I came looking,” Hanley responded,
maintaining his usual impassive demeanor.
He cast a brief glance at Alex and Sieg in the distance and commented dryly. “This place Jackson
chose isn’t terrific. We shouldn’t come back here.”
With Hanley’s presence, Candice decided to avoid further confrontation with Alex and Sieg. She
murmured, “Let’s leave. It’s time to head back.”
Hanley agreed with a nod.
As they were about to depart, Sieg’s menacing voice echoed from behind, “You’ll regret this.
Candice.”
Pausing momentarily, Candice shot a cold look at Sieg and retorted sharply, “Have you ever trained a dog? The disobedient ones deserve to be disciplined.”
Sieg’s expression darkened menacingly as he gazed at Candice, almost as if he hoped he could.
pull her back with him.
Observing Sieg’s hostile attitude, Hanley subtly stepped in front of Candice, shielding her from Sieg’s intimidating stare. He addressed Candice with a calm tone. “Let’s head back to the car.”
His voice was audible enough for the others to hear.
Alex’s gaze intensified, focusing on Candice.
She bowed her head slightly, gracefully exposing her neck. Despite sensing Alex’s scrutinizing
eyes, she chose to disregard them.
Together with Hanley, Candice rejoined Jackson.
Jackson’s expression turned to concern upon seeing their solemn faces. He asked, “What’s
+15 BONOS
wrong?”
“Nothing. Let’s go home.” Candice replied briefly.
“Are you not staying at Hanley’s? You should ride home together.”
Candice had moved back to Northdale, something Jackson was unaware of. Thus, she had to explain herself once more.
Expressing his concern, Jackson cautioned, “That old neighborhood isn’t very secure, and it’s quite a distance. The commute will take up so much of your time.
Candice calmly responded, “It’s still my home, and Joe has been wanting to return.”
After further discussion and seeing Candice’s resolved stance, Jackson didn’t insist anymore.
Candice then left for Northdale alone, finalizing plans with Jackson for the following day. They planned to meet at the villa first and then proceed to meet with potential collaborators.
Despite his time away from Dorrington, Hanley had secured several promising clients with Yana’s assistance. Their success here could give them a considerable edge over Dream Search.
Upon arriving home, Candice found the residents‘ committee busy with maintenance. They greeted her warmly.
With no pressing matters at home, Candice turned off her phone after freshening up. She settled. in with an art book, seeking a peaceful end to her day.
After a good night’s rest, she headed to the villa early the next morning, bringing breakfast for
everyone.
Nadia greeted her first, curious, “You’re here early. Aren’t we meeting partners today? I’ve been doing this job for a long time, but this is the first time I’m dealing with business plans and
negotiations.”
“It’s not a bad thing,” Candice said, “We are just exploring another path.”
While conversing, Hanley descended the stairs, dressed more formally than usual.
He acknowledged Candice’s presence with a nod.
The hastily convened meeting was called to discuss the precise task distribution.
Hanley stressed the importance of maintaining momentum on the project proposal while also following up with potential partners.
“I’ll come with you to follow up with the partners,” offered Candice. “While I’m not a specialist in
+15 BONOS
designing proposals, I do have extensive knowledge of the companies in Dorrington.”
Hanley acknowledged this with a nod and said, “Sounds good.”
Candice accompanied Hanley as the others worked on the project proposal.
Throughout their drive, Hanley maintained a stern demeanor, prompting Candice to grow increasingly concerned as she examined the information he had given her.
She noted, “These companies have rarely been involved in any art or exhibition activities. This
might be quite challenging.”
Hanley did not dispute, but instead pointed out. “That’s exactly why securing their collaboration would be beneficial.”
Candice saw the reasoning, but she knew it would be easier said than done.
She attentively read through the documents, pausing on a page about Webrews Group.
“Isn’t the Webrews Group where Francis is employed? They’ve already agreed to a partnership
with Dream Search. Why are they included here?”
As he drove, Hanley clarified, “Their agreement with Dream Search isn’t finalized yet. Francis is
just liaising with them, but no contract has been signed.”
“So, you plan to steal this project away from Francis?” Candice wondered.
Of course, she wasn’t foolish enough to believe they were only looking to work with Francis. He
was not the only manager in that big corporation.
With a knowing smile in his eyes, Hanley steered the wheel single–handedly and smoothly parked
the car. His tone was casual and laid–back, “We’re aiming for collaboration. We don’t need to
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s)