Chapter 26

There she was, standing at a bus stop, leaning lazily against the wall with a single earbud in. The setting sun cast a golden glow around her, making her stand out, beautiful and captivating.
Her head was bowed as she rummaged through her bag for something. Finally, she pulled out an empty candy wrapper. With a frustrated frown, she slumped to the ground, looking utterly dejected.
Though it had only been two days, to Shanley it felt like a lifetime. In that single moment, all his exhaustion vanished, replaced by a sense of quiet joy.
“Stop the car.”
Shanley unfolded his long legs, walked over to the girl, and squatted down in front of her. “Hey there, waiting for something?” he asked, his voice a low, rich murmur.
Juniper, who had been stewing over her lack of candy and the impending jewelry design negotiations, was planning to take out her frustration on Shanley. She looked up, only to find the very target of her ire appearing before her as if summoned.
The man was dressed in a dark blue suit, his collar slightly open, and as he leaned forward to speak, the elegant line of his neck came into view. Below that, she could see the defined muscles of his chest. Luella had educated her on such matters, and Juniper guessed he probably had an eight-pack.
Tsk.
“What is it?” he asked, a glint in his deep eyes as he noticed her gaze fixed on his collar. He casually pulled the fabric down a little further.
“I wasn’t looking at your abs,” Juniper retorted after a beat, calmly averting her eyes.
“Hah.” A low laugh rumbled from his chest. The sound vibrated through the air, sending a strange, tingling warmth through her veins.
“What’s so funny?” she asked, looking at him with a hint of confusion as a faint heat rose in her cheeks.
“It seems Ms. Payne remembers me after all,” Shanley said, his handsome, refined face breaking into an even wider grin at her reaction.
Juniper pressed her lips together. The man who had cost her thirty-five million? She’d remember him even if he were reduced to ashes.
“Looking for this?” Shanley held out a candy to her. “I happen to have some. Give it a try.”
As she saw the brand, her eyelashes fluttered. It was the mango candy from Australis. The brand was incredibly popular there but produced in limited quantities, making it hard to get even if you queued for it.
Australis was a long way from Borealia, and she hadn’t had a chance to buy any herself. She’d been craving this flavor for a long time. She never expected him to like the same brand.
“Thanks.”
The sugar craving was hitting hard, and she needed something sweet to calm her frayed nerves. In the end, she couldn’t resist the temptation and took the candy.
“It’s about to rain. I’ll give you a ride home,” Shanley said, glancing at the darkening, misty sky. A storm was brewing. It wasn’t safe for a young girl like her to be heading back to Moultlands alone.
As if on cue, the sky filled with dark clouds, and the first drops of rain began to fall, quickly growing heavier.
After a moment’s hesitation, Juniper got into Shanley’s car.
As soon as she was settled, Felton’s voice came from the front. “Sir, it’s time for the meeting with the designer, J-Five.”
“Understood.”
Shanley glanced at Juniper’s thin clothing, picked up a clean blanket, and gently draped it over her.
“I have to take care of some work. Make yourself comfortable,” he said, his tone soft, as if he were talking to a child. He was careful not to touch her, maintaining a respectful distance.
Looking down at the blanket and then at the candy he had given her, Juniper furrowed her brow slightly. Accepting his kindness made her feel a little indebted. Maybe… maybe she’d give him a small discount.