Chapter 1003

"Understood." The subordinate nods and hurries off to handle it.

...

The next day.

Juniper wakes up to find the fruit and files Warren sent already waiting for her.

"Come look at this," Shanley says, slicing a mango for her. The unopened file rests on the table.

"Oh." Juniper wanders over, plopping down next to Shanley like a boss giving an order. "Feed me."

"Alright." Shanley, entirely used to this, looks at her with utter adoration. "Open up." While enjoying being hand-fed, Juniper tears open the file.

"Ms. Payne, Warren asked if you could look into this," Felton respectfully relays the message.

Juniper pulls out the documents. When she sees the name, she frowns deeply.

Sanctum Holdings. Why are they messing with Celine?

"What else did he say?"

"Warren said they're proposing a partnership," Felton continues. "They're willing to drop billions, claiming they're interested in the rare botanicals in Ms. Sherwin's greenhouse and her unique cultivation expertise. They're hoping for a long-term collaboration."

"Scumbags," Juniper tosses the file onto the table, her eyes icing over. "They're targeting her."

Shanley glances at the file, then feeds Juniper another piece of fruit.

"Tell Warren these people are dangerous. Stay far away from them," Shanley orders with a serious expression. "And tell him to make sure his wife rests well and doesn leave the island unless absolutely necessary."

"Yes, Boss." Felton immediately leaves to relay the message.

The living room is left to just Shanley and Juniper.

"There are plenty of experts around the world who can cultivate rare botanicals. Why would the boss of oldings

Sanctumanleyically seek

out Cene?" Shanley picks up a napkin and gently wipes the corner of Juniper's mouth. "Given what you uncovered last time, this is definitely not just a simple business proposal."

Billions of dollars. That isn't pocket change. This mysterious organization that popped out of nowhere means business.

Juniper chews her fruit thoughtfully, considering Shanley's words.

Her mind drifts to the man she had rescued, and his pitiful, devoted wife. Celine would never agree to partner inhumane

with such a ruthles would the

organization. So what

boss do? He would definitely try to kidnap Celine.

No wonder Shanley told Warren to keep her locked down on the island. He had already connected the dots.

"Bastards!" The more Juniper thinks about it, the angrier she gets. She kicks the table leg in frustration. They can mess with her, but coming after her family? If they want to die early, they just need to ask!

"How do you want to handle this?" Shanley places a calming hand on her shoulder, using another piece of fruit to pacify her. "We can't let him stick around."

He's like a venomous snake, rearing its head when you least expect it. You wouldn't even know you were bitten until it's too late.

"He wants to partner with me, right?" Juniper chews aggressively, her voice cold. "Fine. I'll play his little game. And while I'm at it, I'll bust that poor couple out of there."

Poor couple? Shanley frowns slightly, remembering the man she mentioned—the one who had been tortured so badly he couldn't even tell the difference between basic numbers.

"But—" Juniper turns, leaning into Shanley's chest, her fingertips lightly tracing his collarbone. "I'm going to need Mr. Schwartz to put on a show with me. It might cost some blood."

"Don't move," Shanley catches her wandering hand, his eyes darkening, his voice dropping to a gravelly whisper. "I can't always hold back, you know."

"Is that right?" Juniper challenges him fearlessly. "Then don't hold back."