My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 337

Hanley's gaze was intense and impossible for Alex to ignore.

Alex stood outside the fence. Meeting Hanley's gaze, the look in his eyes revealed a determination to not back down.

There was a clear unspoken standoff between the two.

"You seem pretty relaxed, Hanley. Not worried about Caspian pushing you out of the family business, aren't you?" It was Sieg's voice, laced with sarcasm, that cut through the air as he nonchalantly lit up a cigarette.

A slight frown crossed Hanley's face. He subtly positioned himself to shield Candice before coolly replying, "I see Caspian's been putting on airs lately. It turns out that he has secured the Frowlers' support.”

Sieg's response was a dismissive chuckle. "Well, it's just a mutually beneficial partnership." He took a drag of the cigarette, letting out a spreading cloud.

Candice was hypersensitive to the smell of cigarettes. When the aroma floated toward her, she felt sick and reflexively stepped back.

Hanley observed how uncomfortable she was. He was momentarily stunned and then shielded her nose with his hand, offering her a momentary respite.

Repressing her unease, Candice fixed her gaze on him.

"Go inside if you're unwell," Hanley urged gently.

Despite being continually engaged in laborious activity, Hanley always had a pleasant aroma with a tinge of mint with him, which was comfortable for Candice.

Candice lowered her gaze. Her gaze followed the lines of his palm. "Thank you."

They communicated intimately and appeared to be unaware of their surroundings.

Alex's face remained impassive, but the chill in his gaze deepened, and not even the rising sun could melt it.

As Candice felt the chill of his steely gaze, the sight of Alex further complicated her already chaotic thoughts.

Without glancing at Alex, she gently murmured to Hanley, "I'll go inside. We can talk later."

"Sawyer mentioned that your studio hasn't submitted the proposal and summary," Alex suddenly spoke out before she departed. "You don't seem to be in a hurry for the funding."

Candice froze briefly before turning to face Alex.

The two documents had previously been agreed upon. Aether Corporation would process the payment after they submitted it. But Ryan hadn't had time to finish everything because of the unexpected start of work in the department, so Candice had to wait to submit them to Aether Corporation.

"I'll have them delivered in a few days," Candice assured quietly. She sounded exhausted. Her gaze was fixed on the tree behind Alex.

Candice was still processing the news of her pregnancy and wasn't ready to act as if nothing had happened with Alex.

Alex seemed to pick up on it. His demeanor grew colder, and he spoke coldly. "My grandfather invited you for dinner, but it seems unnecessary now."

The mention of Shawn brought a wave of complexity to Candice's expression. She was becoming increasingly hesitant to meet Shawn. More complications may arise if the old man learned she was carrying Alex's child.

Hanley adjusted the coat on her shoulders and urged in a reassuring voice, "It's a little cold in the morning. Go inside before you catch a cold."

Candice did not want to engage with Alex any further. She offered a quick nod and went inside.

Alex watched as she vanished into the yard. What was going through his head was hard to decipher from the depths of his dull, profound eyes.

Hanley carefully observed his reaction. After that, he asked in a gentle tone, "Mr. Elysian, is there anything else?"

Alex shifted his gaze to him.

"In addition, Mr. Elysian should be aware that Candice will not be acting as the liaison between the project and Aether Corporation any longer," Hanley said, his contempt hardly concealed. "I'll have Ryan take over."

Alex's gaze sharpened and narrowed dangerously. His aura grew oppressive. "My company doesn't accept sudden personnel changes."