Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1040

"YES, MA'AM!"

"We will do everything in our power to serve you, Ms. Payne!"

Hearing their deafening, cult-like chanting, Juniper's lips twitched in amusement. Were they serving her, or were they serving the Almighty Dollar?

"I'm going to the restroom," she announced, slipping out of the command center.

Once she was completely out of earshot, Shanley's demeanor shifted instantly.

"Any updates on my in-laws?" he asked, his voice cold and authoritative.

"Nothing concrete yet, Boss," Felton replied, bowing his head respectfully. "Whoever took them covered their tracks flawlessly. They destroyed records, wiped servers... piecing it all back together is taking longer than expected."

The leads were practically non-existent. They had to rebuild a twenty-year-old puzzle from scratch. And now, with the Sanctum Holdings investigation taking priority, their resources were split.

"Both matters are top priority," Shanley said, his dark eyes narrowing. "I don't care how hard it is. I want results."

"Understood," Felton nodded, glancing at his team. "Rest assured, Boss, we won't let anything delay your wedding plans."

They were currently hunting down the fake rescue team that orchestrated the shipwreck twenty years ago. As long as those operatives were still breathing, Cybernetic Shadows would find them.

"Good." Shanley grabbed Juniper's jacket and backpack. As he reached the door, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder.

"Until we have a confirmed location on her parents, Juniper is not to know we're looking into this."

Jimmie had told him that Juniper's parents left strict instructions not to search for them until she turned eighteen. This meant whoever orchestrated the shipwreck likely wanted to take Juniper as well.

The people behind this were powerful, meticulous, and incredibly dangerous. Until Shanley had all the pieces, he refused to put a target on her back.

She had suffered enough over the last eighteen years. From now on, even if the sky fell, he would be the one to hold it up.

Her silent demand was obvious: *Carry me.*

"So spoiled," Shanley chuckled. He shifted the files in his hand, leaned down, and effortlessly scooped her up into his arms in one smooth motion.

"Is that a problem?" Juniper looped her arms lazily around his neck. She blinked up at him, her eyes bright and entirely unrepentant. "I used to be perfectly independent. If I'm spoiled now... you only have yourself to blame."

"I know. It's entirely my fault," he smirked, his eyes darkening with amusement. "And I'm perfectly happy carrying you for the rest of our lives."

Juniper huffed softly, burying her face into his shoulder.

Shanley carried her up the stairs with ease, nudging the bathroom door open with his knee before gently setting her down on the plush rug.

"Are you planning on leaving?" Juniper asked, raising an eyebrow at the man who was still standing squarely in the doorway. She slowly reached for the top button of her shirt, a wicked smirk playing on her lips. "Or did you want to help me bathe too?"