Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 36

Flint paused, choosing his words carefully. “Planting cilantro.”

Male? Twenty-three years old? Shanley seized on the key details, his lips tightening as a chilling aura emanated from him.

Planting cilantro? He’d better be telling the truth, and not have any other motives.

...

The next day, the graduation gala was held. Student representatives from every school in the city were invited to participate, and the cultural center was buzzing with activity.

After picking up the dress, Juniper searched for a while before finding the spot designated for Aurora High—a corner of the lobby, right next to the brooms and trash cans. There weren’t enough chairs, so the Aurora High students were forced to cram together.

Salma stood politely by the door, ready to greet the teachers from other schools. However, most of them deliberately ignored her outstretched hand as they passed.

Salma smiled awkwardly, but quickly composed herself and went to talk to her students.

Juniper’s lips thinned, a dangerous glint in her cold eyes.

“Juniper, you’re here?” Salma saw her and walked over, her steps a little unsteady.

“It’s so hot out. Thank you for doing this, dear,” she said gently, treating Juniper with the same warmth she showed every other student, regardless of her reputation as a troublemaker.

“It was no trouble.” Juniper’s gaze was fixed on Salma as she spoke, her voice a little hoarse.

“Tell Queenie not to be nervous. The most important thing is to be safe. Winning an award doesn’t matter.”

Compared to the other teachers who were drilling their students on technique and focus, Salma’s words were incredibly heartwarming. All she wanted was for her students to come to school and return home safely.

“It doesn’t matter?” Juniper’s pink lips curved into a smile, her voice deep and cold. “I think it’s quite important.”

“What?” The lobby was noisy, and Salma hadn’t heard her clearly.

“Yolanda, with that dress, you’ll be the center of attention.” The girl showered her with compliments, trying to cozy up to her while raising her voice to make sure Queenie heard. “Unlike the dress some people are wearing. Even my grandmother would look old in that.”

Laughter erupted.

“By the way, Waheed already bought a cake to celebrate when you win.”

“Great,” Yolanda replied with a serene smile. She glanced at the anxious Queenie and the rags she was wearing, and the sneer on her lips widened.

After yesterday’s rehearsal, she had felt uneasy, afraid she might actually lose to Queenie. So, she had her father pull some strings and, through gritted teeth, spent fifty thousand dollars on a dress from ‘The One.’ The brand was famous for its high-end, custom-made competition wear. Wearing it would increase her chances of winning by at least half.

Plus… Yolanda looked over at the man in charge of the music, who gave her a slight nod.

Her confidence soared. Everything was ready.

Compete? How could a country bumpkin like Queenie even think of competing with her? What a joke!