My Mirror Image

Chapter 215

Sieg commented casually, “The Zink family’s influence is on the rise. It makes sense to forge a

relationship with them.”

This laid–back approach was why Sieg, known for his carefree lifestyle as a wealthy heir, maintained a

wide network of friends.

The Frowlers ran a business in the industry sector, which attracted many people who wished to interact

with them. Inadvertently, it broadened Sieg’s circle to include various contacts from business and non–

business alike.

Alex acknowledged this with a hum.

Their circle’s networking was complicated, and a connection with the Zink family, known for their

restaurant business, was indeed advantageous.

Sensing Alex’s interest, Sieg teased, “It’s surprising to see you so invested, even planning for

Sonia’s birthday.”

Sonia had subtly mentioned her upcoming birthday in their group chat, showing a mix of

excitement and reservation.

Alex didn’t contradict him, but the look in his eyes was cold. He changed the topic and said. “My

company has been negotiating with Solaris recently. Their person in charge has taken an unorthodox

approach.”

“You mean Quinton Holding?” Sieg queried, eyebrow raised. “I’ve heard about some internal issues

with the Quintons, possibly a power struggle.”

“Errol Quinton, their current frontman, is as useless as me,” Sieg said with self–mockery.

Alex shot a glance at him, slightly mocking. “At least you’re self–aware.”

Unperturbed, Sieg went on, “So, you’re looking to take advantage of Errol… interesting.”

He stopped abruptly, noticing Jackson approaching. His demeanor naturally shifted to a more

friendly tone. “Hey, Jackson. It’s been a while.”

Jackson had a good rapport with Sieg. He nodded politely and said, “Indeed, what a coincidence

to see you here.”

Yet, when his gaze shifted to Alex, it was discernibly colder.

Knowing about Jackson and Candice’s friendship, Sieg suggested with a smile, “Maybe we should

all have dinner together sometime?”

Jackson agreed nonchalantly, his attention briefly caught by a call on his phone.

Sieg then guided Alex inside to meet Jonathan. After that, the pair headed to their reserved table.

In the meantime. Jackson took his call, and his earlier displeasure at seeing Alex was replaced

with warmth.

“I’m just outside waiting for you guys.”

Shortly after, Candice and Hanley arrived separately.

“Why didn’t you both come together?” Jackson asked.

“I just had some things to handle,” Candice responded briefly, and Jackson didn’t push further. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

The dinner was intended to be an informal gathering. Jackson introduced the place. “This restaurant is

owned by a friend, known for its mild flavors.”

Candice remained silent, while Hanley, growing impatient, ribbed, “Have you gotten used to being a

nanny at Fesa? Why are you rambling non–stop?”

Jackson’s face tightened, and he gave Hanley a warning glare.

Candice was absorbed in her phone and barely noticed their interaction. The talks between Dream

Search and Hanley’s side were still going on. Both parties had advantages and were competing

for the upper hand.

Noticing her preoccupation, Jackson tapped the table and complained, “Is dining with me so dull that

you’re glued to your phone?”

Candice was brought back to the moment and explained, “I’ve recently caught up on family matters and

fallen behind at work. I’m trying to catch up whenever possible.”

Jackson was always the one with a slight smile in his eyes. He turned to Hanley and was about to

say something.

She interjected, “Hanley’s been really helpful lately. Let me treat you to dinner today.”

Hanley was about to take a sip but paused when he heard this. He gave Candice a meaningful look

before hastily looking away.

Jackson was familiar with Candice’s character. He didn’t object. Instead, he shared some stories from

Fesa, making for a pleasant mealtime conversation among the three.

As they were wrapping up, Candice excused herself to the restroom.

244

The restaurant, adorned with Mexican–style decor, featured an abundance of greenery and wooden

elements,

She carried her bag and walked past a giant hanging house plant, only to run into an unexpected

Individual.

Sieg had gone out to answer a call, and the scolding from his father on the other end soured his

mood.

Shortly after ending the call with little care, he noticed Candice standing nearby in the corridor. The

narrow corridor was lined with diverse plants, leaving little room for passage.

Candice pointed out in a steady voice, “You’re in the way.”

As he glared at Candice, Sieg’s eyes flashed with annoyance. He grumbled, “Why do I keep running

into you?”

“Do you own this place?” she asked.

Sieg scoffed and stared at her with a mix of defiance and aggression.

“Wahaha!” Sieg scoffed, staring at her with a mocking gesture as he clicked his tongue in disdain. His

demeanor was menacing as he provocatively looked at Candice.

He ridiculed, “Playing the ice queen, Candice? Do you think you’re still the Chief Secretary of Aether

Corporation, putting on airs and acting all high and mighty?”

He was obviously trying to bait her into an argument.

Candice didn’t want to dispute while her friends were waiting for her. After all, rabid dogs would bite

anything they saw, but humans wouldn’t do that.

She looked at Sieg dispassionately and began to walk away, but Sieg unexpectedly grabbed her wrist,

demanding. “Who said you could leave?”

Reacting swiftly, Candice slapped Sieg hard.

Her eyes flashed with revulsion as she coldly demanded, “Let go.”

Sieg increased his grip on her instead of releasing her. He turned to face her, and his eyes became red

with a malevolent glare.

“How dare you hit me?” he seethed.

From a nearby private room, a harsh, chilly voice spoke up. “What’s happening here?”

Alex appeared through the doorway. His eyes focused on Sieg’s hand on Candice’s arm, his face

betraying no emotion.

Despite the pain in Sieg’s grasp, Candice maintained her composure, explaining. “Your friend appears

to have had too much to drink. He’s not in his right mind.”

Suspicion flickered in Alex’s gaze as he watched her.

Sieg barked furiously. “Candice! This isn’t over. You’ll have to pay for this.”

“No one’s ever dared to hit me, not even my own father.” Sieg muttered through clenched teeth as

he turned to Alex, the redness in his eyes still visible.

The imprint of Candice’s hand was visibly etched on his face, evidence of her forceful response.

As he gazed at Candice, Alex’s brows knitted together, and he questioned coldly, “What chaos are you

stirring up now?”

Following his words, Sieg abruptly let go of Candice’s arm, shoving her slightly and causing her to

stumble backward.

Alex’s eyes hardened as he watched her blankly. He reprimanded, “Apart from causing trouble.

what else can you do?”