My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 301

Candice lowered her eyes, pausing briefly before answering the call.

Almost instantly, Shawn's concerned voice came through. "Candy, are you still out?"

As she observed the heavy rainfall, Candice detected the concern in Shawn's voice and softly confirmed, "Yes, I'm still out."

Shawn was quick to offer, asking, "Where are you now? Let Alex come and get you. It's not safe to drive in such weather."

Candice bit her lip, reluctant to let Shawn know she was in Alex's company. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Alex's indifferent gaze, laced with a touch of disdain.

She hesitated. She intended to reassure old Mr. Elysian that she didn't need Alex's help, when she heard him coughing harshly through the phone, along with the background noise of Bruno comforting him and bringing him medicine.

"Are you all right?" she asked, worried.

Between coughs, old Mr. Elysian’s weakened and hoarse voice replied. "I'm all right. It's pouring out there, just look after yourself and don't act rashly because of that jerk."

Shawn's words came with difficulty, and Candice was about to respond when Bruno abruptly cut off the call.

Raising her eyes, she encountered Alex's impatient gaze.

In a deep tone laced with sarcasm, he challenged her. "Aren't you sick of playing the obedient and sensible one with Grandfather?" His eyes were cold and probing, pressed further. "Do I really need to beg to get a simple yes to be allowed to give you a ride?"

Candice's uncertainty due to old Mr. Elysian’s concern vanished in an instant. She stared at Alex unflinchingly and confronted him. "What have you begged me for? You seem to enjoy presenting your thoughts as if they're some benevolent gift to the rest of us." She fixed her gaze at him. Candice seemed kinder as her piercing eyes grew more tender in the warm light. She smiled scornfully. "It's pointless, really."

She had never lied to Alex or needed anyone to beg on her. Why should she put up with his repeated, unfounded accusations?

Candice collected her belongings and stood up smoothly, bypassing Alex without so much as a glance. She had come for business. Since this was a formal occasion, she wore professional attire and let her long hair fall loosely over her shoulders.

As Candice's figure receded, Jessica couldn't resist commenting to Alex, "You definitely got that sharp tongue of yours from your mother."

-

Candice hadn't planned on leaving so quickly. Upon reaching the lobby by the main entrance, the roar of the torrential rain caught her attention, sounding as though it was being poured out by the bucketful.

The severe rainfall made the thought of walking to the nearby hotel on her own seem like an overwhelming challenge. The streets were deserted, with not a car in sight, and the relentless rain showed no sign of easing.

Candice frowned as she held her phone and peered outdoors.

A person walked past her into the building as she called Hanley, bringing the chilly wind and rain from outside inside. Some of the wetness brushed Candice's arm, leaving a chilly, lingering sensation.

With thunder rumbling gently in the background, Hanley's deep and captivating voice came through. "Are you out and about?"

"I'm still at the mall," she informed him.

After a brief silence, Hanley said, "It's pouring out there. It's risky to go out. I can come get you."

Candice quickly declined. "I don't think so. Don't bother yourself. I'll wait for the rain to ease up. If it doesn't, I'll just check into a hotel close by for the night."

Just as Hanley was about to respond, a sudden burst of thunder cut him off.