Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1162

"Doing the math, she'd be nineteen at most," Corvus murmured, his grip tightening around his prayer beads. A sinister smile crept across his weathered face. "Just a little brat. What kind of waves could she possibly make?"

"Underestimating a little brat?" Juniper lifted her delicate chin, her long lashes fluttering, radiating an overwhelming presence.

Corvus cast a glance at her, realizing Specter was quite young herself. Smart, quick-witted, brave, and resourceful. That sharp intellect reminded him a bit of a young Theia.

Calculating the years... if Theia had married him, their child would probably be around Specter's age. Theia was brilliant; any daughter of hers would undoubtedly be extraordinary.

"Dr. Sommers is a tough nut to crack. Just look at her daughter, Celine," Juniper said. She pulled a cigarette from her pocket and held it lazily between her fingers, flashing a meaningful smile. "As for her youngest daughter, you'd better stay on your toes. Don't let her chew you up and spit out the bones."

"As long as you find her, Miss Specter, I can handle the rest," Corvus replied with utmost confidence.

"Don't worry. I guarantee you'll meet your test subject."

The conversation ended. Juniper turned to leave, but after a few steps, she suddenly doubled back to the coffee bar to grab the cookies she had left on the table.

Corvus's eyes darkened as he watched her. Theia used to love those cookies, too. Every time he bought them for her, she would finish the whole box. Back then... she had been so attached to him. If she hadn't met Silas Blackwood, he was certain he would be the only man in her heart.

At the thought of Silas, a shadow crossed Corvus's eyes. Once the research was complete, Silas's life would serve another purpose entirely.

***

After leaving Sanctum Holdings, Juniper didn't immediately return to Eclara City. Instead, she headed to a city bordering Liberty Island to regroup with Jimmie and the others.

"Is Thorne really going to let Celine go?" Ebony Fox leaned against the doorframe, her teeth grinding at the mere mention of his name.

"I'll go in your place," Ebony Fox insisted. "Combat is my specialty."

"Alright." Juniper tossed the napkin into the trash and leaned back, exuding pure dominance. "Whoever in this room can beat me in a fight gets to lead the rescue."

Silence fell over the room. Who in their right mind could defeat the boss of Subterra Vanguard?!

"Leave this to me," Juniper said, her expression turning dead serious. "I promise I'll bring them back."

"But—" Ebony Fox still wanted to argue, but a phone ringing cut her off.

"Hello," Juniper answered. The corners of her lips curled up slightly, and her voice softened. "Don't cry. We're on our way."