My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 304

Old Mr. Elysian spoke with a tone of command.

Alex's eyes darkened somewhat at that. He took a moment to collect himself before saying, "I've got a lot on my plate and I’d rather not waste time."

Alex’s grandfather’s expression quickly became sour, a tinge of dissatisfaction across his wrinkled face. "Is having breakfast really such a waste of time?" he asked, annoyed.

Candice leisurely sat down at the dining table after washing her hands. She quietly assisted Bruno in setting the utensils while avoiding eye contact. She didn't feel it was her place to comment on Shawn and Alex's conflict, nor did it appear right to do so.

The weariness on Alex's face appeared real, his eyes reflecting a deep, contemplative look. After a brief period of silence, he took his seat at the table.

Shawn's expression softened slightly, and he positioned himself at the head of the table, with Alex and Candice facing each other.

A glass of beetroot juice was placed before Candice.

"It's beneficial for women, good for beauty and wellness," old Mr. Elysian remarked.

Candice acknowledged it with a nod. Shawn's concern warmed her.

Alex was somewhat sidelined by his grandfather. He stayed quiet, simply concentrating on his meal.

The breakfast was quiet, with Shawn trying to initiate conversation a few times, but Alex and

Candice quietly closed down any attempts at prolonged dialogue.

The rain that had started the previous evening persisted. It had briefly subsided at midnight but now appeared to be ramping up again.

Alex seemed in a rush to leave. His sense of urgency was obvious. Candice was ready to head out too.

Observing the dreary weather, Shawn remarked, "The sky's still cloudy. Wait until it clears a bit more."

Candice was on the verge of declining when old Mr. Elysian’s sigh stopped her.

"Candy, I hope you don't find me troublesome,” he said. “I'm getting on in years, and I don't know how much time I have left. Lex worries me the most. He's headstrong, overthinks things, and doesn't take advice well."

Candice remained silent, her eyes downcast. It had been clear to her that old Mr. Elysian had been trying to mend her relationship with Alex over the past few days. With due respect for her elder, she couldn't be too harsh with him.

"Alex is now the head of a corporation,” she said. “He knows what he’s doing. You shouldn't stress over him and focus on your health instead."

Shawn seemed to contemplate saying more but sighed heavily instead, indicating he was letting the matter go.

Candice lingered until the rain eased around seven. She said farewell to old Mr. Elysian and was ready to depart.

Something crossed Shawn's mind, he called out to her. "My birthday is next Friday. Don't forget to come."

Hesitating, Candice knew the old man’s birthday would mean a gathering of the Elysians—a prospect she wasn't thrilled about. However, as she met Shawn's adoring look, she couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang with a call from Alex.

Candice debated internally whether she should answer. Since becoming involved with Sonia, Alex has reduced his interactions with her. He even advised Candice to direct all essential communications to his work number, presumably to avoid upsetting Sonia.

With a frown, she took the call.

Neither spoke. There was no immediate response from Alex's side.

Candice suspected he dialed her number by accident. Right before she hung up, he asked in a deep voice, "Are you still at Grandfather's?"

"I was just leaving," she responded quietly, under the impression that Alex had called to remind her to leave old Mr. Elysian’s place earlier.

Then, after a brief pause, he requested, "I need a document delivered to my office."