Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1269

"You will issue a public statement right now, saying you were young, arrogant, and spoke out of turn in the heat of the moment."

Lachlan pointed a trembling finger at Luella, his face twisted in rage. "When you fail to deliver, I am not going to let you drag my reputation down with you."

"I can secure the deal."

Luella stood ramrod straight, her voice steady and resolute. "I can get agreements with both Australis and Borealia."

"You? Based on what?"

Lachlan looked her up and down, his eyes filled with absolute disdain.

"If you don't believe me, Father, why don't we make a wager?"

Luella slowly raised her gaze, her eyes icy and sharp. "If I secure the deals with both continents, you give me a seat on the Political Council."

The Council had direct access to Stellara's most influential figures. It was the perfect position to start building her own network of power.

"And if you fail?"

Lachlan, entirely convinced she would crash and burn, smiled wickedly.

"If I fail, I'll submit to whatever punishment you see fit," Luella said, a profound smirk playing on her lips.

"Deal."

Lachlan clasped his hands behind his back, his aged eyes calculating. "You'd better not disappoint me."

—

Leaving the study, Luella immediately pulled out her phone and called Juniper to ask for help with the Borealia contract.

"I'm not worried about Australis, since you practically own Subterra Vanguard," Luella chuckled nervously. "But Borealia is that old fox's territory, and I haven't exactly been friendly to him in the past..."

"You certainly haven't."

Juniper raised an eyebrow, glancing at the man sitting beside her, diligently peeling shrimp for her.

"Come on, put in a good word for me," Luella pleaded, her eyes narrowing as a terrible idea struck her. "If talking doesn't work, use your other assets! Seduce him! You know what I mean!"

"Cough, cough, cough..."

"Well, what are you going to do about it?" Juniper grabbed his hand, looking at him with a meaningful glint in her eye.

"Regarding Luella's suggestion... I think..."

Before he could finish the sentence, the young woman smoothly pushed his hand away, a faint, dangerous smile on her red lips. "I heard Dana mention they put a brand-new mattress in the guest room. Want to go test it out tonight?"

Shanley was speechless.

"Oh, right." Seeing his silence, Juniper seamlessly changed the subject, projecting absolute authority. "What was that you just said about Luella? I didn't quite catch it!"

"Nothing." Shanley immediately handed her a freshly peeled shrimp, a fond, helpless smile breaking across his handsome face. "It's just a contract. I'll arrange it."

"Perfect." Juniper smiled knowingly, rewarding him with a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll thank you on Luella's behalf."

"How are you going to thank me?" Shanley pinched her cheek, his tone dripping with adoration. "How about tonight we—"

"That guest room bed is waiting..."

"Got it." Shanley's expression shifted instantly. Completely and utterly defeated, he stood up right then and there. "I'm going to go sort out Luella's contract immediately. I might be back a little late, so leave the door unlocked for me.I am *not* sleeping in the guest room!!!"