Chapter 1204

What they saw was Theia Sommers sitting on the couch, clutching Juniper's hands, crying a river.

"Please stop crying," Juniper was saying gently, patting her mother's back with the awkward tenderness of someone unused to being comforted. "I came back in one piece, didn't I?"

"Waaah..." Theia wiped her eyes, her whole body trembling with sobs.

"???"

The three brothers exchanged bewildered looks. They had expected a tearful, mutual breakdown. Their little sister was way too calm about this.

"Mom, she's fine," Melvin said, almost laughing at the sight of his mother's tear- streaked, blotchy face. "With you crying like this, someone walking in would think the old fox kicked the bucket."

"???"

Leaning against the headboard, Shanley's eyes snapped open in offense.

"Oh, don't get worked up." Melvin shot a look at Shanley, intentionally adding, "Who told you to act all frail and helpless earlier, looking like you were on your deathbed?" "Thank you for your concern, Melvin," Shanley gritted out through clenched teeth. "I am perfectly fine."

"Glad to hear it." Having won the verbal spar, Melvin was in high spirits.

"Alright, Mom, that's enough," Jimmie stepped forward, speaking softly. "Juniper just got back. You don't want to overwhelm her. Plus, she hasn't even eaten yet."

"Oh, right!" Theia instantly snapped out of it, haphazardly wiping the tears from her face. "Juniper, I made you something to eat!"

Moments later, one of the staff brought in a steaming bowl of chicken spaghetti.

"When you were little, you loved my chicken spaghetti more than anything." Theia recalled the memory, her eyes tearing up again. "I don't know if you still like it."

"I do." Juniper took the bowl and took a few bites. The rich, savory flavor coated her tastebuds.

So this was what a mother's cooking tasted like.

It was delicious. Incredibly delicious.

Juniper paused for a second before picking up her silverware, enthusiastically digging in to show her appreciation.

"Slow down, there's more in the kitchen." Thela watched her daughter with absolute adoration, her heart swelling with joy. She had heard from Coralie about everything Juniper had bough Her poor baby had lived such a hard life. It broke her heart.

"It's really good." Juniper cleared the plate, her eyes shining. "Thank you, Mom."

"You're welcome, sweetheart." Theia brushed a strand of hair from Juniper's face, her voice choked with emotion. "If you like it, I'll make it for you every single day."

"Okay." Juniper smiled and nodded, then glanced over at Shanley. "He hasn't eaten either."

"I've got him covered," Theia smiled warmly, explaining. "I added some special herbal remedies to his soup. It's still simmering in the kitchen but someone will be up to feed him soon. He saved our family, and he's your boyfriend. I would never let him go hungry."

Boyfriend?

Juniper stiffened slightly, shooting a sideways glance at the man in bed, who was currently wearing a sickeningly smug smile. He was definitely playing the golden boy in front of her parents.

"I'll leave your three brothers to take care of things here. Let's go see your dad." Theia took Juniper's hand, then turned to her sons with a stern expression. "Make sure you look after Shanley."

"Sure thing," Melvin replied casually, hands stuffed in his pockets.

Once the mother and daughter left, only the four men remained in the room.

Right on cue, a subordinate walked in carrying a tray of soup. He looked around hesitantly. "Boss, will you feed yourself, or should I..."

"Hmm?" Shanley's gaze swept over the three brothers, finally landing on the ever-annoying Melvin. He spoke

up deliberately, "My arm is Completely numb from the gunshot wound. Do you mind helping me out, Melvin?"

Jimmie and Harold exchanged a knowing look, hiding their smirks as they sat down

on the sofa.

"Me?" Melvin pointed at himself in utter disbelief.