Chapter 1205

"Yes," Shanley raised an eyebrow, his tone agonizingly slow and deliberate. "Your mother specifically asked you to take care of me. But if you're unwilling, I suppose I can just call Juniper and ask her to find someone else....."

"Fine, I'll feed you." Melvin glared daggers at him. It was a blatant threat to tattle. His little sister was hopelessly head over heels for this guy. If Shanley complained to her, Melvin's status as her favorite older brother would be in jeopardy.

Melvin grabbed the bowl of soup, sat down aggressively on the edge of the bed, scooped up a spoonful, and shoved it toward Shanley's mouth. "Eat."

"Isn't it a bit hot?" Shanley frowned slightly.

"?"

Melvin looked at the spoon. It was steaming. He grudgingly blew on it and shoved it back.

"Now I think it's a bit cold."

"?"

Melvin's face went completely glacial. Just as he was about to explode, Shanley suddenly smiled. "Just kidding."

And he swallowed the soup.

"I can take it from here." Having successfully exacted his petty revenge, Shanley reached for the bowl.

"Don't." Melvin batted his hand away, scooping up another spoonful. "You're a wounded hero. We have to serve you properly, right?"

"Thanks," Shanley smirked, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Brother-in-law."

"Hmph." Melvin's mouth twitched, but his hands were surprisingly gentle. Shanley was probably exaggerating his weakness, but his wrists were indeed covered in raw bruises. Melvin wasn't about to let him drop the bowl and waste soup that their mother had spent hours simmering.

"A new shipment of sports cars just arrived in the garage. Want to pick one out?" Shanley asked casually.

"I want the red one." Melvin had been eyeing it for days but hadn't found an excuse to demand it.

"It's yours."

"Thanks, man." A radiant smile broke across Melvin's face as he instantly morphed into the ultimate kiss-up. "Are you full, Mr. Schwartz? Should I go get you another bowl?"

Jimmie and Harold facepalmed from the couch. Money truly could buy Melvin Steele's loyalty.

In the adjacent room.

Silas Blackwood was resting against his pillows, an IV drip hooked into the back of his hand. He was overjoyed to hear his daughter had returned safely and wanted to see. her immediately, but his body was simply too weak to get out of bed.

The door clicked open.

Seeing the young woman walking in beside his wife, Silas's aged, tired eyes instantly grew red. He weakly raised a trembling hand toward her, his voice hoarse. "Juniper."

Juniper stepped forward, sitting on the edge of the bed and gently holding his frail, bony hand. A sweet smile touched her lips. "We meet again, Dad."

"I'm so sorry." Silas had a million things he wanted to say, but they all dissolved into an apology. "Your mother and I failed to protect you. I'm so sorry."

"It's in the past," Juniper said, reaching out to gently wipe a tear from the corner of his eye. "We're all safe now, aren't we?"

"I heard Corvus Thorne got away." Silas gripped her hand tightly, his brow furrowing

in deep concern. "He won't let this go. You have to be careful."

"You think I'm scared of that old relic?" Juniper scoffed, her tone dripping with arrogant confidence. "He'd better pray he doesn't cross my path again. Otherwise, we'll see who doesn't let things go."

Since he was a ticking time bomb, she fully intended to defuse him permanently.

"That's my brave girl." Silas looked at her, his eyes overflowing with paternal affection. "Your mother and I wanted to ask you something."

"Go ahead."

"It's about Shanley..." Silas glanced at his wife, signaling her to take the lead.

"Oh, right." Theia wiped her eyes, asking tentatively, "Are you and Shanley truly serious about being together? I just want to know how you feel about it."

"We aren't just serious about being together. Juniper paused, lifting her chin to meet their gazes with absolute certainty. I'm going to marry him. I'm going to marry Shanley Schwartz!"