Chapter 43
An hour later, Juniper had completed the initial draft with her left hand. A stunning necklace of gems and diamonds came to life on the paper. A delicate white chain was adorned with snowflake-like pendants. At the center of each pendant was a benitoite gemstone, surrounded by a halo of flawless, smaller diamonds. The pendants were interconnected, creating a pattern that resembled a burst of fireworks in the night sky. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
“A masterpiece, as expected from J-Five,” Luella said, handing Juniper a glass of lemonade, her praise genuine. “Shanley was lucky to find you.”
This design was exquisite enough to be featured in a museum.
“But you have to admit Luella sat down next to Juniper and pulled up a photo of Shanley on her tablet. “This Schwartz guy is seriously good-looking.”
She had stumbled upon his picture while researching Jimmie. The man’s looks and physique were undeniable.
“He’s got the height, the build Luella mused, resting her chin on her hand. “He looks lean in a suit, but I wonder if he’s ripped underneath.”
Juniper took a sip of water, her expression calm. “Probably.”
“How would you know?” Luella tilted her head, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Juniper’s fingers tightened around the glass as an image from that strange dream flashed in her mind a defined chest, chiseled abs, the lines of his hips. Yes, he was definitely ripped.
“Just a guess,” she said, forcing a calm tone as she felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She quickly changed the subject. “Did you find anything on Jimmie?”
“I did.” Luella, oblivious to Juniper’s reaction, presented her findings. It was simple: Jimmie had been adopted, and his adoptive parents had passed away years ago. He was the only one left in his family, the Tates. Beyond that, his file was a dazzling chronicle of his successful career in the entertainment industry.
Adopted, and about a decade older than her. It all seemed to line up.
“The guy’s a notorious workaholic. He’s already worth hundreds of millions but still works nonstop,” Luella said with a click of her tongue. “Just yesterday, he flew to Europe for a location shoot. Word is he won’t be back for another week.”
A week? Juniper frowned. How was she supposed to get a hair sample from him for a DNA test?
“You still haven’t told me why you’re investigating him,” Luella said, swirling a glass of wine. Her silver bob shimmered under the lights, and the diamond stud in her ear gave her a roguish air. “Juniper, don’t tell me you have a crush on him.”
“Definitely not,” Juniper replied, her voice low. “There’s just something I need to confirm.” Falling for your own brother would be a cosmic joke.
“I knew it!” Luella exclaimed, relieved, taking a drag from her flavorless e-cigarette. “Your taste isn’t that bad. If you were going to fall for someone, it should be a guy like Shanley.”
Wealthy, powerful, handsome… aside from that one issue, he was top-tier. He might just pass muster with the elders back at the organization.
Hearing Luella’s words, Juniper choked on her water.
…
After leaving the Studio, Juniper was walking down the street when her WhatsApp notification chimed.
S: [Have you eaten?]
She was about to put her phone away when another message came through.
[Found some new candy flavors. They’re pretty good. Want to try some? (Image.jpg)]
It was a picture of imported candies in a variety of flavors beyond just mango, all colorful and tempting.
Juniper pressed her lips together and typed a reply. [No]
S: [Where are you? I can bring the candy over, and we can grab a bite.]
Juniper: [OK]
She had been so focused on the design that she hadn’t had time to eat.