Chapter 473

“This is the perfect opportunity!” Luella’s voice crackled with excitement through the phone. “You two focus on preparing for the competition. Leave the arrangements to me!”
“Deal.”
Juniper hung up just as she heard the door open, her expression calm as she
looked up.
“The hotel perimeter is secure,” Shanley announced as he and Harold walked in side by side. “You can rest easy.”
“Didn’t see anyone suspicious?” Juniper asked, leaning back lazily in her chair. Her clear eyes were fixed on Shanley.
“Hmm?” Shanley walked over, twisted the cap off a water bottle, and handed it to her.
“Suspicious like who?” he replied coolly.
Never mind.” Juniper took the bottle, her brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t say anything more.
That old fox, the leader of Sigma Network, was as elusive as a ghost. It wouldn’t be that easy to find him.
“It’s late. Let’s get ready for bed,” Shanley said gently before turning to Harold with a raised eyebrow. “Dr. Houston, did you need something else?”
Harold stuffed his hands in his pockets, a look of confusion on his face as his deep- set eyes narrowed slightly. “Juniper’s not leaving?”
Juniper just looked up at him without a word.
“Right,” Harold sighed, pressing his lips together in resignation as he headed toward the adjacent suite.
…
After her shower, Juniper changed into her pajamas and lay in bed waiting for
Shanley, texting Luella about the men she was sending.
“It’s all handled,” Luella said, her
voice buzzing with energy. “I’ve sent Subterra Vanguard’s top assassins. Once we pinpoint the Sigma Network leaders location, they’ make sure he pays dearly.”
And with Juniper delivering the final blow, the old man wouldn’t stand a chance.
“Good,” Juniper murmured, her voice laced with ice. “Confirm his location. As soon as Harold’s competition is over, I’ll make time to deal with him.”
It was too good an opportunity to waste.
“Roger that,” Luella chirped. “So, after the old man kicks the bucket, can I be the new boss in Borealia?”
“Sure,” Juniper replied, a faint smile touching her lips. “Want to take over Australis while you’re at it?”
There was a two-second pause before Luella’s voice came back, noticeably subdued. “Just forget I said anything.”
She had only been joking, but
Juniper was actually trying to dump
Australis on her. The old guards in
and
Australis were stubbe cone
cantankerous, and only someone as fearless as Juniper could keep them in tine.
“Juniper Just then, Shanley walked out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel. “Where’s the hairdryer?”
“A hairdryer?” Luella’s voice immediately shot up. “Juniper, are you two not just living together, but sleeping in the same bed?”
“I Juniper started to explain, then realized Luella was technically right. They were living together. And they were sharing a bed.
“Holy crap!” Luella swore. “How old are you? Shanley is a damn predator!”
“He’s not!” Juniper shot back, her eyes involuntarily flicking toward the man in question.
Shanley was wearing a bathrobe, the belt tied loosely, revealing a glimpse of his strong, pale chest. Droplets of water trickled from his hair, down his sharp jawline, and onto his collarbone. The overhead light cast a warm, golden halo around him, making him look devastatingly handsome and alluring.
“Not what?” Luella pressed, her tone skeptical. “He hasn’t taken advantage of you?
Or… is it true what they say? He can’t, you know… perform?”