Luella's worry vanished, replaced by confusion. “What?”
“That so-called brother of mine pissed me off,” Juniper stated, each word dripping with an annoyance so palpable it could be felt through the screen.
This was one score she intended to settle.
“So, your info…” Luella hesitated, unsure what to do. “Should I still give it to… uh… Jimmie?”
“Keep it blocked for another two days,” Juniper said with a faint smile. “He’s arrogant. Time to take him down a peg.”
“You got it.” Luella breathed a sigh of relief. “And congratulations,” she added softly. “Our Juniper has a brother to dote on her now.”
A brother? The word still felt foreign.
After ending the call, Juniper stood up, slung her bag over her shoulder, and left. While waiting at the bus stop, she ran into Shanley, who had left just before her.
“Juniper, what are you doing here?” Shanley asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Juniper shot him a long, hard look, remembering his earlier words about her being “his.” She said nothing, turning her gaze away.
The glare left Shanley’s smile frozen on his face. Why did she seem angry? He hadn't done anything to provoke her.
“Juniper…” Shanley pursed his lips, frowning slightly. He was about to get out of the car to ask her what was wrong when the bus pulled up. Without a backward glance, she boarded it and was gone, heading in the opposite direction.
Shanley was left awkwardly frozen in the middle of getting out of his car.
“Boss, Ms. Payne seems to be angry,” Flint helpfully pointed out, adding fuel to the fire.
“You think I need you to tell me that?” Shanley snapped, sinking back into his seat. He pulled out his phone, found her number on WhatsApp, and sent a message, his tone sufficiently humble: [Juniper, what’s wrong?]
She didn’t reply.
Shanley: [I have some candy. Want me to bring it to you?]


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