Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1003

"Understood." The subordinate nods and hurries off to handle it.

...

The next day.

Juniper wakes up to find the fruit and files Warren sent already waiting for her.

"Come look at this," Shanley says, slicing a mango for her. The unopened file rests on the table.

"Oh." Juniper wanders over, plopping down next to Shanley like a boss giving an order. "Feed me."

"Alright." Shanley, entirely used to this, looks at her with utter adoration. "Open up."

While enjoying being hand-fed, Juniper tears open the file.

"Ms. Payne, Warren asked if you could look into this," Felton respectfully relays the message.

Juniper pulls out the documents. When she sees the name, she frowns deeply.

Sanctum Holdings. Why are they messing with Celine?

"What else did he say?"

"Warren said they're proposing a partnership," Felton continues. "They're willing to drop billions, claiming they're interested in the rare botanicals in Ms. Sherwin's greenhouse and her unique cultivation expertise. They're hoping for a long-term collaboration."

"Scumbags," Juniper tosses the file onto the table, her eyes icing over. "They're targeting her."

Shanley glances at the file, then feeds Juniper another piece of fruit.

"How do you want to handle this?" Shanley places a calming hand on her shoulder, using another piece of fruit to pacify her. "We can't let him stick around."

He's like a venomous snake, rearing its head when you least expect it. You wouldn't even know you were bitten until it's too late.

"He wants to partner with me, right?" Juniper chews aggressively, her voice cold. "Fine. I'll play his little game. And while I'm at it, I'll bust that poor couple out of there."

Poor couple? Shanley frowns slightly, remembering the man she mentioned—the one who had been tortured so badly he couldn't even tell the difference between basic numbers.

"But—" Juniper turns, leaning into Shanley's chest, her fingertips lightly tracing his collarbone. "I'm going to need Mr. Schwartz to put on a show with me. It might cost some blood."

"Don't move," Shanley catches her wandering hand, his eyes darkening, his voice dropping to a gravelly whisper. "I can't always hold back, you know."

"Is that right?" Juniper challenges him fearlessly. "Then don't hold back."