My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 308

Alex spoke with an enigmatic tone.

With her lips pursed, Candice chose to stay silent.

Candice had recalled the old man’s particular liking for irises, a sentiment more deeply rooted in Alex's grandmother's affection for the same flowers. Shawn's yard was lush with irises, some of which Alex and Candice had planted together. It was why she had gone along with Yana’s dress suggestion.

But there was a point where Alex had been mistaken.

She looked steadily at Alex. "If it matters so much to you, why not reclaim that emerald set for your grandfather?"

A fleeting emotion briefly darted across Alex's gaze before he dismissed the concern with an indifferent tone. "What does it have to do with me?" He made his way into the hall.

-

The moment Alex appeared, Shawn's frown softened. Noticing the iris adornment on Alex's chest, Shawn's demeanor warmed. "If your grandmother was still alive, she would be very proud,” he said nostalgically. “You were always her favorite."

Alex listened silently and did not say a word.

Candice entered just as the banquet was about to begin.

Old Mr. Elysian took his place at the head of the table and gestured toward Candice, inviting her. "Candy, come sit here."

Candice scanned the seating arrangement, noting Helen and Daniel to the old man’s right and Alex to his left, with an open seat next to him that seemed less than appealing to her.

Hesitating, she glanced toward Jackson and opted for a different spot."I think I'll sit over here instead."

Shawn's scowled disappointment. "You don't want to dine with me?"

His words put Candice in a dilemma.

Just as Candice was about to respond, Alex's phone interrupted the moment.

Alex took the call without showing any emotion. Shortly after, he stood up and got ready to leave without revealing the contents of the chat.

Shawn's voice carried a hint of authority. "And where might you be heading?"

Alex momentarily stopped, stating, "There are some issues I need to handle."

Though Shawn had clearly shown his displeasure, his opportunity to express further discontent was lost as Alex departed.

Shawn suppressed his emotion and turned to Candice. "Now that the rascal's left, why don't you come and sit by me?"

Recognizing the old man’s frustration, Candice grudgingly took the seat next to him, not wanting to spoil his birthday.

His demeanor softened, and he appreciated her compliance. "You're always sensible."

Candice spoke in a soft tone, offering some reassuring words. She eventually managed to raise Shawn's spirits again.

Alex returned. He did not return alone, Sonia trailed him.

Sonia's appearance was notably disheveled, her once elegant pink cocktail dress now stained and dirty. She followed closely behind Alex, clutching a gift bag in her hand.

Upon making her entrance, her eyes immediately found Candice.

Her expression briefly registered shock before she quickly looked away, attempting to mask her emotions while her hold on the gift bag grew tighter.

While Shawn attempted to keep the peace, Helen had no such reservations.

Helen gave Sonia a disdainful look, her voice dripping with contempt. "Typical of someone from a humble upbringing, arriving uninvited and having the nerve to crash the party. What kind of cheap crap are you offering?" Helen then gestured toward an expensive cake box on the table and laughed scornfully. "You see this? It's called an Ugly Duckling. With such options available to me, why would I waste my time on your substandard garbage?"

Helen's words were harsh. Sonia paled. Uncharacteristically, Shawn did not intervene but instead murmured quietly to Candice.

Only after Helen had finished her disparaging remarks did Shawn finally interject with a tone of resignation. "Is that enough? Can I not celebrate my birthday in peace?"

Biting her lip, Sonia turned to Alex. "Lex..."

Alex's face was stoic. His gaze was piercing as he advised Sonia in a steady voice. "Go get changed and check for any injuries."

Sonia's eyes welled up with tears. Alex seemed to be the only one who showed concern for her mishap.

However, before she could cry, Helen's sharp rebuke echoed as she banged the table. "It's evident your upbringing was lacking. You don't know how to conduct yourself properly at such events. Why show up at all?"

Helen's harsh comments appeared to force Sonia's tears back. She swiftly lowered her head and followed a waiter away to change her clothes.

With Sonia's departure, Shawn directed a critical gaze toward Alex. "Is this the sort of company you keep?"

Alex was silent for a time before saying casually, "You know my judgment has never been the best."

Shawn was about to reprimand Alex further, frowning. Candice intervened with calming words, successfully diffusing the tension.

Following a brief pause, she addressed Alex, saying, "You should have told me that Sonia would be present."

Had she been aware, her decision to attend might have been different.