Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1074

The two professors—who had a combined age of well over a century and were currently mid-brawl—froze instantly and snapped their heads toward her.

"I actually really like computer science," Juniper said with a faint smirk.

Tucker let out a massive sigh of relief and shot Professor Dawson a triumphant, told-you-so glare.

"As for med school..." Juniper paused, wiping a crumb off her finger. "I don't really have the time right now. Maybe later."

Professor Dawson stood there, blinking in confusion.

Was that a yes? Or a no?

—

The weekend arrived.

Shanley meticulously peeled a hard-boiled egg and placed it onto Juniper’s breakfast plate, followed by a perfectly toasted sandwich.

"Are you sure you don't want to come to the gala tonight?" he asked softly.

"Mhm," Juniper hummed around a bite of her egg. "I'll drop by later."

If she walked in with him right at the start, how was she supposed to play her game?

Shanley pressed his lips into a thin line, staying silent.

He was deeply disappointed. He’d lost yet another prime opportunity to show off his stunning wife to the world.

"Felton is actually useful to me," Juniper said, taking a massive bite of her sandwich, her cheeks puffing out adorably.

Shanley didn't say a word. He just aggressively stabbed his fork into his own eggs, mashing them into an unrecognizable paste.

Hmph. So Felton was more useful than him, was he?

He should have packed Felton into a cargo crate and shipped him to Africa right alongside Flint.

Just as Shanley was spiraling into a jealous sulk, Juniper suddenly stood up. She braced her hands on the table and leaned over, bringing her face inches from his.

He looked up, his dark eyes swirling with confusion.

"Look at me," she commanded smoothly.

Shanley obediently tilted his chin up.

Juniper caught his jaw and pressed a soft, lingering kiss against his lips. Pulling back slightly, her eyes curved into a playful crescent. "Better now?"

"Did you get everything on the Yardleys?" Juniper asked, her tone all business.

"Yes." Felton carefully handed over a manila folder, instantly yanking his hand back to safety.

God, was the boss in a bad mood today? He was glaring daggers.

"Figure out a way to get these into Sheryl and that fake's hair," Juniper ordered, sliding two hair-thin pinhole cameras across the table. Her eyes gleamed with dark amusement. "Keep a close eye on them. Whatever they touch, make sure Shanley doesn't."

"Understood, Ms. Payne." Felton bowed respectfully, then added, "Also, the gown Mr. Schwartz ordered for you has arrived. He selected it personally. It's going to look perfect on you."

"Oh, really?" Juniper tilted her head, shooting Shanley a sidelong glance and inching slightly closer to him. "Got it. You can go now."

"Right away!" Felton nodded frantically. "Ms. Payne, Boss, I'll take my leave!"

He practically scrambled out the door, moving so fast he was a blur, terrified that lingering for even one extra second would seal his fate in the Sahara.

...

Alone in the living room, Shanley picked up the folder, lazily flipping through the pages. His dark eyes narrowed slightly.

"Having Felton dig into the Yardleys... are you planning to wipe them off the map completely?"