Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 65

Luella: [Why?]

A pair of earrings, personally designed by J-Five, was worth at least ten million. Giving them away for free would completely undermine their plan to milk him for money. This was cash they were talking about. Was her little boss really willing to part with it?

Juniper thought for a moment before replying: [He's a good person.]

Luella: [What?]

Who was?

Shanley?

That was terrifying.

...

Shanley's gaze fell on Juniper. Her sweatshirt was soaked down the front and on the sleeves, and there was a cut on her right hand. She looked incredibly fragile.

"My house is nearby. Would you like to go there for a shower and a change of clothes?" Shanley asked softly. "Your family might worry if you go home like this."

Juniper looked down at her own disheveled state. After a moment's thought, she nodded.

"Let's go," Shanley said, a smile touching his lips as he tore open a packet of small cookies for her.

Juniper took them naturally and started eating with relish.

"Yes, sir."

Flint and Felton exchanged a look. Their boss was certainly smooth. It had only been a few meetings, and he'd already managed to lure Ms. Payne back to his place.

Fifteen minutes later, the sports car pulled up in front of a luxurious private villa. The modern, minimalist design, dominated by black and white, gave it an air of quiet mystery that sparked one's curiosity.

"Boss." A bodyguard opened the car door and froze for a second when he saw the extra person in the back. Other than Dana, the old madam, and the first lady of the house, no other woman had ever set foot in this home.

"Careful," Shanley said, getting out first and holding his hand over the top of the doorframe for Juniper.

...

Inside the living room, Dana came out from the kitchen.

"Mr. Schwartz, you're back?"

Her smile faltered slightly when her eyes landed on the girl beside Shanley.

"And this is?"

"Hello, my name is Juniper Payne," she said, looking up at Dana with a polite and gentle expression.

Dana finally got a clear look at the girl. She had a delicate, beautiful face, skin as white as snow, and an air of unmistakable grace. Her polite and gentle manner was immediately endearing. She just seemed a bit young. Perhaps she was the daughter of one of Mr. Schwartz's friends?

"A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Payne," Dana said, her face warm and welcoming as she took in the first girl her employer had ever brought home.