My Mirror Image

Chapter 273

Alex had been injured on the building site. If he pursued this, Burning Star Studio would be liable.

Candice’s expression grew somber. She asked the doctor in a composed manner, “What’s the status of

his injury? Is there any bone damage?”

“The bones are intact, but the cut is deep. He may need around five to six stitches,” answered the

doctor.

Candice pursed her lips and swiftly contemplated strategies about how to repair the situation.

Alex’s sleeve was rolled up to his elbow, revealing gashes along his forearm. The sight of the deep,

blood–stained wounds was jarring. A nurse was diligently attending to his injury.

Alex maintained a stoic demeanor. His thick, dark eyebrows added to his commanding presence.

The nurse was still an intern, and she found Alex’s aura intimidating, which made her hands

tremble. She jabbed the cotton swab into one of the cuts accidentally.

A suppressed grunt escaped from Alex, breaking Candice’s train of thought. She turned toward him.

Despite her reluctance to recognize it, Alex had just saved her life.

Deciding on her course of action, she approached him cautiously. “Burning Star Studio accepts full

responsibility for this accident. We are ready to cover your medical costs.”

Alex slightly lifted his face as he glanced at her and taunted, “Do you think I need your compensation to

cover the medical bills?”

Unflinching. Candice responded, “On behalf of Burning Star Studio, I extend our apologies for this

incident.”

Alex’s laugh was mocking, and his look toward Candice carried a frosty edge. In a chilling tone, he

retorted. “This time it’s an accident. But what about next? I’m the one suffering this time, but who

will it be next time?”

The tension in the emergency room escalated.

Candice remained quiet for a long period. “There will be no next time.

Alex stayed silent, his expression was clouded, and the pain was bothering him.

As Alex’s wound was being sutured, Candice was asked to wait outside.

Sitting in a chair in the waiting area, Candice observed the hustle and bustle around her, feeling a

whirlwind of complex emotions.

☐ +15 BONDS She was caught off guard by Alex’s protective action, nor had she expected him to be

injured as a result.

Previously, Candice believed she would have felt quilty and would have been prepared to go the extra

mile for Alex, But now she felt emotionally spent. She felt a burdensome shadow over her. making it

hard for her to breathe.

Candice wished she had been the one injured, just to avoid owing anything to Alex.

Her somber thoughts were interrupted when her phone rang. It was Hanley on the line.

In a deep, raspy voice, he asked, “How is Alex?”

Candice looked toward the emergency room’s closed door. “His hand has several deep cuts that need

stitches.”

Hanley was silent, aware of the delicacy of the situation, especially since Alex was the head of Aether

Corporation. Any harm coming to him at his company’s construction site would be difficult to manage.

Candice added, “He’s being treated right now. I’ve Informed him that our company will handle his

medical costs.” She paused, then said, “I’ve also offered him an apology.”

After a brief silence, Hanley’s voice returned, subdued, “Don’t dwell on it too much. Shaun and I are

together; we’ll be at the hospital soon to discuss this further.”

“All right.” Candice responded,

“Are you okay?” Hanley asked seriously,

Candice answered with composure. “I’m fine.

“That’s good to hear,”

Once her conversation with Hanley concluded, the emergency room doors swung open.

Alex emerged with his hand wrapped in bandages. His face was devoid of emotion, his gaze lowered,

but there was a sense of agitation about him.

The earlier nurse carried a plece of paper. “He’ll need to settle the bill and receive a tetanus shot.” She

addressed her words to Candice and laid the sheet in front of her. Clearly, Alex’s demeanor had

intimidated her just seconds previously.

Candice accepted the paper and softly told Alex, “Stay here, I’ll take care of the bill.”

Alex’s eyes twitched, appearing black and chilly. He glanced at Candice without saying anything.

+15 BONOS

Candice proceeded to settle the bill and fetch the medication, then came back to accompany Alex for

his tetanus shel

Once inside, Alex stated flatly. I’m allergic to tetanus shots.”

“We can administer a tetanus immunoglobulin shot instead,” the doctor suggested.

Left with no alternative, Candice found herself returning to the payment desk.

Following the shot, they were required to remain under observation in the hospital for another half hour.

Candice looked at Alex’s bandaged arm and spoke gently. “If there’s anything you need, just let me

know. I’ve already spoken with Hanley. As long as your request is reasonable, we’ll do our

best to accommodate it.” She kept her tone respectful.

As she finished speaking, a figure approached rapidly from down the hallway. It was Sonia.

Having traveled overnight with Alex from Noxville to Dorrington, Sonia was visibly weary and

uncomfortable. She had taken the day off from work, given her limited responsibilities at her Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

company.

She had left home upon learning about Alex’s hospitalization from Sawyer.

From afar, Sonia noticed Candice standing next to Alex. Remembering what Sawyer had told her about

Alex’s injury at the Burning Star Studio site, her expression hardened.

She couldn’t suppress her concern, sharply asking. “Lex, are you alright?”

Sonia ran over in a panic and panted heavily. She nudged Candice aside and looked at Alex with

tears in her eyes.

“Why were you at that construction site? I panicked when Sawyer called. A small studio like that can’t

be trusted. What were you doing there?” Her emotional, tearful voice drew the attention of several

people in the busy hospital hallway.

Alex remained composed and asked, “Did Sawyer send you?”

With reddened eyes, she responded, “He couldn’t travel from Eastdale. But you’re hurt, and your didn’t

even think of calling me?”

Alex kept his eyes half–closed and calmly stated, “It’s nothing serious.”

“Not serious?” Sonia was upset and lashed out. “Then, what is serious? You’re hurt, and there’s

another woman by your side. Isn’t that serious?”

+15 BONOS

Turning to Candice, her voice tinged with unspoken sadness as she reprimanded her. “You’ve left the

company, haven’t you? Can’t you leave Alex alone? You always show up under work pretenses. What

are you after? We both know what’s on your mind. Alex may not confront you, but can’t you show some

self–control?”

Candice looked up. Her expression was scornful as she replied, “Do you think I want to be here?” She

cast a cold, disdainful glance at Alex and said sharply, “Regarding the medical bills, let Mr. Elysian

deliver them to Burning Star Studio later. I should leave before I lose my sense of propriety.”

With that, she turned and departed.

Sonia observed her receding figure, her hand curled up in irritation. Then he turned back to Alex

with a look of hurt.

by were v

pressed.

with her, Lex? Did she come to you on purpose, leading you to that site?” Sonia

With his eyes still half–closed, Alex slowly looked up. His expression remained icy.

Sonia awaited his response eagerly.

Alex just gave her a somber glance and said flatly. “If it bothers you so much, why did you take the day

off instead of coming to work?”

Sonia was left speechless.