Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1177

Boyfriend?

He was her youngest daughter's boyfriend?

Theia's eyes widened slightly as she took a closer, much more serious look at the man standing before her.

She had previously wondered how her daughter, at barely nineteen, was already in a serious relationship.

But seeing him now... Shanley Schwartz was striking, with an undeniable air of authority and grace. It wasn't hard to see why her girl had fallen for him.

"Hello." Theia found her voice, though it was still raspy. "Are you unwell?"

"To ensure the success of this operation, he used himself as bait," Jimmie stepped in to explain, noticing Shanley wasn't going to defend himself. "He drove off an overpass. His injuries are severe, and he hasn't recovered."

Was this guy seriously playing the strong, silent type right now?

"You're the head of the Sigma Network?" Theia quickly connected the dots. She had heard the later parts of the plan from the fake "Dr. Nocturne." She was told he was critically injured and fighting for his life. How was he standing?

"Cough—"

Just as she asked, Shanley suddenly brought a fist to his mouth, coughing violently. When he pulled his hand away, a stark streak of crimson stained his palm.

"You're coughing up blood."

Theia instantly stepped forward, pressing her fingers against his pulse. "You've sustained massive internal trauma. Your body is incredibly weak. You should be in bed."

"I appreciate your concern, Dr. Sommers, but I'm fine."

Shanley forced a polite smile. "The base is completely secure. Please, get some rest with Mr. Blackwood."

"As for her..." At the mention of his girlfriend, his eyes flashed with a dangerous shade of red, though his voice remained steady and absolute. "Leave it to me. I'll bring her back."

Theia studied him closely. They had only been speaking for a few minutes, and she knew nothing about his character. But even in this brief exchange, it was blatantly obvious how deeply this man loved her daughter.

"Thank you." Theia choked back a sob, forcing herself to stay strong. "Her father was drugged... he's in a coma..."

...

In a dimly lit room.

Juniper was thrown violently onto the hard floor. The jarring impact forced her eyes snap open.

"You're awake?"

Seeing her stir, Corvus's gaze darkened with severe displeasure. The sedative he used was supposed to keep a person unconscious for at least fifteen hours.

"I am."

She lifted her eyelids, shooting him a cool, detached look. Her tone was brazen. "But you're a psycho who gets mad if his victims don't pass out, so I figured I'd play along."

"Are you mocking me?" he growled, stepping closer.

"Oh?" She gave a lazy half-smile. "You actually picked up on that?"