Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1776

In the attic.

The windows on both sides were fitted with one-way high-transparency glass, meaning they could see perfectly out, but no one could see in.

By the time Juniper and the others arrived, Hector and Monique were already in the room.

Monique was leaning against the clear glass, looking down with intense interest.

Hearing the door open.

Monique immediately fixed her posture, turning to Hayden and Miranda. "Hayden, Miranda."

Even though she was still a bit bitter about how 'biased' the elders were toward them, she still maintained basic manners.

"Have a seat."

Hayden nodded faintly, pulling out a chair for his wife to sit on.

"Hector, Monique."

After politely greeting them, Juniper walked up to the glass and looked down.

Below, a large group of people was making a grand entrance through the main doors.

Leading them was an elderly man with graying hair, walking with a cane and wearing a white silk shirt with a dragon motif.

Behind him followed a slightly younger man and woman—presumably Annie's parents.

The Ainsworth family had brought a massive haul of gifts, which they were currently busy moving inside.

With a display like this, those who knew would think it was a formal visit; those who didn't might think they were here to demand an explanation for a slight.

"Sit for a bit."

Shanley brought a chair over and placed it behind Juniper. "Whatever you want to eat, I'll dig it out for you."

"That one."

Juniper glanced at the bag and pointed casually at the chocolate snack.

Shanley's body went completely rigid. Wasn't this the exact 'so good you wouldn't notice your husband dropping dead' snack?!

Ah, hell.

His wife seemed to be a little annoyed with him.

He was going to have to serve her very, very carefully.

—

Downstairs.

"Kent, it's been far too long."

The moment he saw Kent, Amos immediately walked up to him. The smile on his face deepened his wrinkles. "When you collapsed last time, you gave us all quite a scare."

"But looking at you now, it seems you've recovered exceptionally well."

"Uh."

Mrs. Ainsworth offered a stiff, awkward smile, her tongue practically tying itself in knots. "Annie was terribly traumatized. She isn't feeling well, so she's resting at home right now."

"Once she recovers, we'll definitely have her come personally to visit you both."

"Traumatized?"

Hearing that, Hannah suddenly perked up, feigning utter confusion. "From what she's done, she really doesn't seem like the type to get scared easily."

She had the nerve to hire hitmen.

Shouldn't other people be the ones traumatized by her?!

Mrs. Ainsworth choked again. Her already smile-less face turned a sickly shade of green.

"Ahem."

Kent quickly took his wife's arm and played the host. "Serve the drinks, serve the drinks."

Hannah glared at him, but ultimately decided to stop taking shots at the Ainsworth family.

...

Up in the attic.

Watching the scene unfold, the corners of Juniper's lips curved upward slightly.