Chapter 1214

Juniper turned her red face to glare at the man beside her.

The completely "whipped" man looked back at her, a lazy, proud smirk playing on

his lips.

Was he actually proud of it?

Absolutely. Being whipped by her was an honor.

"We need to head to the med-research institute. We can't stay for dinner," Shanley said, standing up and keeping a firm grip on Juniper's hand.

"Wait!" Miranda dashed into the kitchen and emerged with an elegant lunchbox. "I made this myself. Juniper, you have to try it."

"You cooked?" Shanley pulled Juniper back a half-step, a look of distinct horror crossing his handsome face.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Miranda's smile vanished, replaced by a defensive pout. "I've been taking classes. I'm actually really good now."

"I'll test it first." Shanley reached for the box. He had vivid, traumatic memories of his mother's culinary disasters, and he wasn't about to let Juniper suffer the same fate.

"Thank you, Miranda." Juniper stepped past him, smoothly taking the lunchbox with a warm smile. "I'll make sure to finish it."

"Wonderful!" Miranda patted Juniper's hand affectionately, beaming with maternal pride. "If you like it, I'll make it for you all the time."

In the car.

Juniper opened the lunchbox. The top tier featured adorable, perfectly shaped little rice balls. The bottom tier held several delicately stir-fried dishes. The presentation wasn't Michelin-star quality, but it was clear that an immense amount of effort had gone into it.

Juniper picked up her fork. Just as she was about to take a bite, Shanley stopped her. "Let me try it first. My mother's cooking is—"

Juniper ignored him, popping a piece of sliced meat into her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully, then a smile bloomed on her face. She picked up another piece and fed it to Shanley.

"Hmm?" The tense lines on

Shanley's forehead instantly

เอนาต

smoothed out A spark of genuine

surprise lit up his deep eyes.

cooking really has improved.

He

"Yeah." Juniper's smile tightened, her tone shifting to guilt. "I noticed a few burn marks on her hand. She must have gotten them while practicing."

"You saw that?" Shanley raised an eyebrow, his voice softening. "It's fine. She's happy to do it for you."

"Make sure someone sends her some high-quality burn cream," Juniper murmured, feeling a pang of empathy.

"I already had someone deliver it," Shanley said, affectionately stroking her hair. "Eat up before it gets cold."

Half an hour later, they arrived at the med-research institute on the outskirts of the city.

"You're here," Harold greeted them. He was already in his lab coat and goggles, looking stressed and giving off a heavy aura of frustration.

"Yeah." Juniper shrugged off her coat-handing it to Shanley out of habit-and tied her hair back. "Where are we on the progress?"

"Right here. Harold stepped aside to

let her see the readouts. "There are

too many

thein comp

Synthesizing the antidote is impossible right now."

"Let me try." Juniper pulled on her goggles and gloves, diving straight into the lab.

When she finally finished her work and checked the time, nearly ten hours had passed.

Crap. She completely forgot her "whipped" fiancé was waiting outside.

the

She pulled off her gloves and hurried to the glass doors. Through the pane, she saw Shanley sitting on the sofa. He was leaning back with his eyes closed, fast asleep, with her coat resting over his lap.

Had he really waited out there for ten straight hours? Idiot.

The sound of the door opening woke him instantly.

"Are you done?" He immediately stood up, closing the distance between them with

long strides. "You must be exhausted. Are you hungry?"