My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 444

Delicate snowflakes drifted down and was caught in a breeze that brushed against Candice's eyes, bringing a slight chill. She glanced at her wrist, caught by Alex's hand, and her eyelashes fluttered lightly. "Why exactly are you here?" she inquired.

In the dark depths of Alex's dusky pupils reflected Candice's expressionless face. After a moment of silence, the grip on Candice's wrist loosened, and his low and magnetic voice filled the air. "The final part of Burning Star Studio's report hasn't been submitted to Aether Corporation."

Candice paused before replying, "The studio is on break, and the report will be submitted after the New Year."

Alex gazed at her. "There are significant matters after the New Year, and Burning Star Studio's report won't be a priority among them."

Candice raised her eyes to meet his. After a moment, she yielded and spoke softly, "Then wait a moment."

Turning to enter the residential area, Candice intended to retrieve the report for Alex. However, she noticed Alex following closely behind, forcing her to halt. Even before she could ask, Alex spoke nonchalantly, "Redshade Corporation's proposal needs to be submitted after the New Year, and there are many details to work out."

The bidding for Redshade Corporation would officially commence in February of the upcoming year, making it a priority after the New Year. Candice had no choice but to let Alex accompany her home.

This marked Alex's first visit to Candice's home. Upon seeing the aged appearance of the neighborhood, he furrowed his brow slightly. The place looked worn, with peeling walls on every building, revealing the mottled marks beneath.

The ground floor's green area had been turned into a vegetable patch, and various goods hung from sticks jutting out of some windows. The neighborhood, usually quiet, was unusually lively today, with people carrying luggage and bags as they returned home for the New Year.

As Candice opened the door, she saw Alex's dissatisfied expression. However, she wasn’t surprised and paid it no mind. "Be gentle when closing the door; the soundproofing is terrible here," she advised.

Bending down to search in the shoe cabinet, she found a pair of disposable slippers and tossed them to Alex. "Make do with these."

The house was not large and was probably less than a hundred square meters; it was sparsely furnished and had a vintage feel. There was no heating in this old-fashioned house, and the living room lacked air conditioning. With the windows half-open, cold air seeped in, casting a chill over the entire space.

Alex surveyed the surroundings and asked, "Do you plan to stay here indefinitely?"

Candice paused. "This is my home. If not here, then where?"

Alex's gaze darkened, concealing myriad thoughts within. Candice found it amusing. When Alex asked her that question, had he forgotten that when her mother ousted her from Vestry Residence, this was the only place she had left?

It was already late when Candice returned, and the sky outside was dark. Candice poured herself a cup of hot water, sat on the sofa, and turned on the computer. "There are no spare cups at home. I'll pull up Burning Star Studio’s report now. If you have anything to say about Redshade Corporation, you can mention it now."

Alex did not speak. He sat opposite Candice, closely examining her for a while. Suddenly, he asked, "Have you not been resting well recently?"

Candice's keystrokes paused. As the New Year approached, her anxiety increased. Spending the holiday alone was a real acknowledgment that Joe had indeed left her. From now on, she would be alone in this world. Hence, she had returned on the 25th to prevent Hanley and the others from noticing her unusual behavior.

Candice slowly regained her composure, retrieved the report, and pushed it in front of Alex. "The report is here. You—"

Before she could finish her sentence, all the lights in the room suddenly went out. The entire space plunged into darkness, leaving only the faint glow of the computer screen. With the arrival of this darkness, Candice's heartbeat suddenly accelerated.