Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 365

“Money?” Shanley paused for a few seconds, a sexy smirk playing on his lips. If that was all it took, things were about to get a lot simpler.

“Juniper…” he whispered, leaning in close until his lips were right beside her ear. He murmured a few words, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

Juniper’s eyes widened, her favorite smoothie completely forgotten. After a moment, she grabbed her phone and messaged Luella.

Juniper: [Shanley just made a deposit.]

Luella: [???]

Juniper: [Just now. He gave me his bank card and safe passwords. Said… it was a deposit for being his future girlfriend. Once I accept it, I can’t like anyone else.]

Luella: [HOW MUCH?? TELL ME HOW MUCH!!!]

Juniper: [I tried to count the zeros, but I ran out of fingers, so I lost track.]

Luella: [And you accepted?]

Juniper: [It was a hard offer to refuse.]

Luella: [Good!]

Who would have thought? The old man knew how to play to his strengths. That little move had hit Juniper right where it counted. Now, even if just for the sake of his fortune, Juniper would never leave him.

...

At the airport, with only one day left until the international music awards were announced, Jimmie packed his things and headed to the venue.

“The internet is in an uproar. Do you know what they’re calling our sister?” Melvin stared at Jimmie, his voice low and tense. “What’s the plan?”

“That confident?” Jimmie smiled warmly, though his tone was modest. Although he felt the music video was perfect, the voting was blind this year, and he didn't know the quality of the other entries.

“Of course,” Juniper pouted, radiating self-assurance. “If I say it’s going to win, it’s going to win.”

“Alright,” Jimmie’s smile widened. “If it wins, the prize money is all yours.”

The music video had been made for her in the first place. She was the star.

Neither of them noticed a paparazzi hiding in a nearby corner, camera raised. The angle was perfect, capturing the tender moment as Jimmie gently stroked Juniper’s hair.

He’d hit the jackpot! He had just photographed Mr. Tate’s rumored girlfriend! If it was only a rumor before, now he had concrete evidence. The head pat! The gentle smile! Who would believe this was the same Mr. Tate who hadn't been linked to a single female artist in his entire career?

The paparazzi’s hands trembled with excitement as he saved the photos.