My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 541

Hanley called Candice. Initially, they were discussing work matters, such as Erica's contract signing and the progress of the projects in South City. Then he said, "I heard Alex is over there."

Candice hesitated. She didn't know how to face Hanley now, especially when he brought up Alex.

Nevertheless, she couldn't bring herself to lie to Hanley, so she lowered her gaze and replied truthfully, "Yeah, he's collaborating with Darius."

"So, he came to see you." It wasn't a question, but a statement.

Candice didn't deny it. Her silence was the best response.

Hanley remained silent as well. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice tense. "There were some incidents in your neighborhood recently. What you did... Was it because of him?"

He was referring to when he had offered to come and accompany her, but she refused him outright.

Candice's emotions surged, and she was hesitant. She didn't know how to explain it to Hanley.

Honestly, she was almost thirty now and was long past her naive days. Hanley had helped her a lot before, and she couldn't say that she wasn’t moved or that she hadn’t noticed.

But...

She turned her head and glanced through the window, catching sight of Ellis playing with Alex. The little girl had grown a lot. She was still young-looking, but she resembled Alex, especially when they sat together. Anyone could see they were father and daughter.

Sometimes, Candice had to admit the power of blood ties.

Hanley, who didn’t get a reply from her, eventually sighed. "I understand."

Hanley's voice was magnetic and gentle as he said, "I'll respect whatever decision you make, as long as it's good for you."

Listening to his tone, Candice felt indescribable discomfort and frustration. She took a deep breath while uttering, "It's my fault."

"Why would you say that?" Hanley asked. "Do you feel sorry for me because Alex came to bother you? Candice, you shouldn’t think that. You always think everything is your fault."

After the call with Hanley ended, Candice was in a bad mood. She stood in the yard, feeling lost and confused.

A moment later, she heard footsteps behind her, and then Alex's deep voice rang out. "Who were you on the phone with? It seem to have dampened your mood."

Candice turned and saw Alex holding Ellis. Her gaze softened, but she didn't say anything and just turned around to walk back into the house.

Candice skipped lunch, as she had no appetite. She sat at her desk and stared blankly at her work reports.

-

"What’s on your mind? Why are you still up at this hour?"

In South City, Hanley stood on the balcony, looking at the sky outside.

The sky was pitch black, and only the neon lights above the city added some color. In recent years, stars had been a rare sight in the city due to pollution.

Ryan patted Hanley's shoulder, asking, "What are you brooding about?"

Hanley glanced at him and answered, "Nothing."

Ryan chuckled softly. "Okay, if you say so. Anyway, I heard Hannah say your mom’s condition have worsened again. Is it true?"

Ryan was one of the few who had met Hanley's mother, Natasha, and that was before she had a mental breakdown.

Ryan remembered her as a beautiful and gentle woman, and Hanley's features mirrored hers.