Chapter 64

“And don’t think I don’t know what you all did to Grandpa.” At the mention of her grandfather, Juniper released Yolanda, patting her cheek again as a dangerous glint flashed in her eyes. “If you’re eager to die, just keep it up.”
She, Juniper, owed nothing to anyone, except for the debt she could never repay to her grandfather. She had promised him she wouldn’t hold a grudge. But once that debt of gratitude was paid, she wouldn’t let a single person who had wronged her get away.
“Mom!” Finally free, Yolanda stumbled over to Frigga’s side.
“Let’s go! Now!” Malcolm helped his wife and daughter to their feet. As he left, he shot a venomous glare at Juniper.
The little stray had become far too bold. She knew too much about the family’s affairs. If this continued, she could easily hold it all over their heads. He needed to find a permanent solution to get rid of her.
From his corner, Shanley had heard everything. So that was why she loved food so much—she had been starved for a month as a child. Her notorious reputation was the result of being framed. He could only imagine the other hardships and injustices she had endured to develop such a guarded, defensive personality. She was only eighteen.
After a few moments of silence, Shanley walked over and gently draped his jacket over the girl’s shoulders as she stood lost in thought.
“Don’t catch a cold.”
Juniper looked up and met his gentle gaze.
“How long have you been watching?” she asked, her voice hoarse.
“A little while,” Shanley answered honestly, a warm smile on his face. “I saw you
were teaching them a lesson, so I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“Don’t you think I was bullying them?” Juniper’s clothes were soaked. She instinctively pulled his jacket tighter around herself, her pink lips curving into a slight smile. “I beat them pretty badly.”
Her tone was lazy, her smile proud and defiant. Anyone else would have thought her a cruel bully.
“You must have had your reasons.” Shanley took out a tissue and gently dabbed the water from her hair. “If someone bullies you, you bully them back. What’s wrong with that?”
Juniper swallowed, her eyelashes fluttering. He was right there.
“The restaurant’s security footage has been taken care of. There won’t be any trouble.”
His meaning was clear: even if she had killed someone, not just beaten them up, he would have handled it for her.
Juniper stared at him, his words causing a ripple in her calm heart. They had only known each other for a short time, yet he respected, protected, and helped her, even believing in her unconditionally.
“Shanley Schwartz Juniper took a step closer, tilting her small, pale face up to him.
“Yes?” Shanley bent his head slightly to meet her gaze, making it easier for her to speak. “What is it?”
This was the first time she had initiated closeness. He waited, anticipating what she would say.
“I’ve discovered Juniper blinked, choosing her words carefully before saying, syllable by syllable, “You’re a good person.”
Shanley had to fight back a smile. First the ‘grandfather card,’ and now the ‘good person card’? She was unbelievably cute.
“Am I?” he chuckled, his voice rich and deep. “This is the first time anyone’s ever called me a good person.”
To be honest, he was far from it. If she knew about some of the things he’d done, she would probably be terrified.
“Have some candy.” Juniper pulled a piece of candy from her pocket-her absolute favorite-and handed it to him. Then she took out her phone and texted Luella:
[Add a pair of earrings to Shanley’s jewelry order, on me.]
Luella:
On her?
Was she reading that right?
Wasn’t Shanley her sworn enemy?