My Mirror Image

Chapter 176

Chapter 0176

“This is the best course of action,” Candice said after a little pause. “I’ve read the internet comments

and believe it’s in Aether Corporation’s interest to seize this moment to build commendable public

image.”

She spoke lightly, as if detached from the reality that she was the subject of this discussion.

Kayla was watching her with a worried expression. She could see why Candice would suggest such a

thing, especially after what she had witnessed at the hospital the day before.

“Aether Corporation doesn’t require trivial issues like these to sculpt its image,” Alex responded swiftly,

dismissing the notion.

Unfazed, Candice met his gaze steadily and suggested, “If you’re worried about me turning against the

company. I’m open to signing a settlement agreement.”

The meeting room was deafeningly quiet. They’d seen the corporation fire employees to remove itself

from problems, but they’d never seen someone want to be fired.

“What’s your actual intent behind this?” One of the executives wondered.

Candice kept her composure, though her fingers betrayed a slight tremor. In a measured voice, she

elaborated. “An employee who is terminated receives compensation. I see this as a mutual agreement,

and I’m prepared to shoulder all the blame alone. That’s all.”

Alex looked at her. His gaze was intense and unyielding. His long fingers drummed on the table, eyes

narrowing as he asked, “So, this is your final decision?”

Candice straightened her back and responded, “If you don’t want the company’s stocks to plummet

further, then yes, this is the most effective approach.”

She had reviewed the latest news that morning.

The controversy surrounding her continued to rage online, with every mention linking her directly to

Aether Corporation. It wasn’t just about public perception now, it was also about the tangible impact on

the company’s stock.

The executives in the room, including the one who had previously challenged her, remained silent.

They recognized Candice’s capability and knew her departure would be a significant loss.

“Maybe you should think this over,” Sonia stated genuinely, holding a pen and looking at Candice.”

While our company does take care of departing employees, and Mr. Elysian is fair, being fired might

reflect poorly on the company’s reputation, especially for a long–standing employee like you.

+15 BONOS

Her words hinted at concern for the company’s image, subtly implying that Candice might be

scheming against the company.

Candice perceived the underlying message but had little interest in engaging in a lengthy debate.

Her focus was on resolving the matter and returning to care for her grandfather, which was dire

due to significant difficulties with the blood supply to his brain.

The final call was Alex’s to make. His expression remained unreadable as he faced Candice. Their

eyes locked, and he stated, “You have eight days until you leave.”

Candice remained silent.

Alex’s tone carried a hint of sarcasm as he remarked, “I never knew you were so noble.”

He stood up, his face emotionless, looking down at Candice.

*Come to my office,” he instructed, indicating his acceptance of her proposal.

Candice silently followed Alex to his office, feeling as though she was stepping into the past as she

stepped inside.

The office decor was as cold and plain as it had always been.

She glanced at the desk, noting the absence of the rabbit figurine that used to be there.

“I don’t agree with your proposal, and I won’t be foolish enough to give you any compensation.” Alex

said icily, snapping Candice back to reality.

Her mind had been prone to wandering lately.

Alex went on. “You have just eight days left before your formal resignation takes effect. Aether

Corporation can afford to wait. Or are you so short on money that you’re willing to sell yourself?” Alex

leant back in his chair casually. He looked at Candice with sarcasm in his eyes. “You should consider

approaching Sieg. He’s known for his flirtatious nature. You might fetch a decent sum there.”

The harshness of his words felt like a physical blow to Candice, yet she was at a loss for words to

counter them.

She recognized her own role in arriving at this predicament, having walked herself into this situation.

She had no one else to blame.

Candice closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before calmly inquiring. “So, you’ve already decided,

haven’t you?

With a slight lift of his eyes, Alex responded, “Are you disappointed by that?

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Candice’s phone rang. Concerned it might be from the hospital, she quickly answered.

However, it was Yvonne on the other end, assuming a harmless, good–natured demeanor as she

usually did when needing favors from Candice.

“Candy, do you have time today? Maybe I could visit you? Or is there anything in particular you’d like to

eat? I can bring it to you.”

Once, Yvonne’s words would have stirred Candice, but now they only induced a sense of revulsion.

Her mother was far too skilled at fooling her..

She had been deceiving herself, naive to believe her mother for so long.

Gripping the phone firmly, her voice cold, she said, “I’ll give you what I owe you.”

She then ended the call abruptly.

Alex had been keeping an eye on her. His tone was scathing as he said, “That explains your haste to

sell yourself.”

Exiting the office with a blank, numb expression, Candice ignored Sonia who was calling after her. and

walked out.

Sonia watched her leave. She swiftly concealed her feelings before shifting to a pitying tone and

commenting. “Poor Candice. I can’t even imagine coping with a mother like that.”

Julie happened to be walking by with files. She overheard Sonia’s remarks and mocked her, saying.

“Ms. Summers, weren’t you eager to learn at the Secretary’s Office before? Why the sudden return

now that Candice is leaving? Quite opportunistic, aren’t you?”

“What are you talking about?” Sonia asked a little stiffly. “I’m worried about Candice. I’m guessing she’s

going through a rough patch to make such a request at the meeting.”

Julie scoffed. “Candice’s troubles are none of your concern. Don’t worry, she won’t come to you for a

loan, even if she needs to sell her property.”

Her tone carried a sharpness born of her distaste for Sonia’s pretense.

Sawyer, who rarely joined in their discussions, suddenly interjected, “Candice can’t sell her house. It

was purchased by Mr. Elysian.”