Chapter 1005

"So..." Shanley stares out at the pale moonlight, holding his breath. "You think Juniper's parents were taken by that group?"

"That's the current theory Cybernetic Shadows is working with," Flint replies cautiously. "Boss, when the police dragged the water, they pulled up a lot of people. But Juniper's parents and those seven children were never found. The case was eventually closed as a disappearance. Is it possible they didn't die at all, but were taken by these mysterious people?"

"How long will it take to track them down?" Shanley checks the time. It's almost Juniper's bedtime, and she can't sleep unless he's there.

"Boss, honestly..." Flint sounds conflicted. "Because it happened so long ago, there's almost zero information on them."

"Hurry up," Shanley doesn't press him too hard, gives a few final instructions, and hangs up.

The living room falls dead silent. Shanley watches the moonlight cut through the fog outside, casting a warm glow. The corners of his handsome mouth slowly curve upward, adding a dangerous charm to his features.

At least there's a sliver of hope now. Hope that her parents didn't die in that wreck. That's a good thing. He hopes for an even better outcome-that they're actually still alive.

After all, he really wants to marry his girl next year.

...

Back in the bedroom, Juniper has already drifted off, hugging his pillow in exhaustion.

Shanley sets the juice down and doesn't wake her. She has school to worry about, and Sanctum Holdings to deal with. He'll take care of finding her parents.

The next morning.

Juniper wakes up groggily, opening her eyes to find a man standing by the bed, watching her with incredible tenderness. The "memories" of last night instantly flood her brain, and a flush creeps across her radiant complexion.

"Why are you blushing?" Shanley smirks wickedly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead.

"Nothing." Juniper pushes him away, fleeing to the bathroom like her life depends on it She cranks the faucet and aggressively splashes cold water on her face. fo

It takes a long while for her to calm down. Staring at herself in the mirror, she sighs in defeat. She's realizing that the more she indulges that man, the more shameless he becomes. She stares at her clean palms, zoning out for a moment.

Pulling herself together, she takes a deep breath, pushing the chaotic thoughts out

of her mind. She changes into her clothes and walks out to the dining room.

"Good morning, Ms. Payne," Dana greets her warmly while arranging plates. "Back to the early morning school routine, huh?"

"Yeah." Juniper yawns, lazily dropping into a chair. She rests her chin in her hands, staring blankly at her breakfast. If she hadn't promised her grandpa she'd finish her degree, she wouldn't even bother showing up to this place.

"Ms. Payne, Mr. Schwartz got up at five to make this," Dana beams. "Eat up." Right on cue, a sharply dressed Shanley walks downstairs, adjusting his tie.

"Hmph." Juniper picks up a cream-filled pastry and takes a bite. Not bad.

After breakfast, Shanley drives her to Eclara University.

As she's about to step out of the car, he grabs her hand, looking entirely sincere. "Are you mad at me?"

Juniper turns her head away, ignoring him.

"I'm sorry," Shanley leans over, kissing her cheek, his voice a low purr. "Next time you tell me to stop, I'll definitely listen."

Next time? He thinks there's going to be a next time?

"Get lost." Juniper glares at him, swinging her backpack hard against his shoulder before storming off in a huff.