Chapter 1239

Miranda pulled a chair right up next to Theia, linking their arms. Once she started talking, she simply couldn't stop. She spent the first twenty minutes praising Juniper, and the next twenty thoroughly roasting her own son.

"Theia, you have no idea how desperately I wanted a daughter exactly like Juniper," Miranda sighed, tapping the table in mock frustration. "But what can you do? My useless husband over there couldn't give me a girl."

Hayden Schwartz, who was in the middle of pouring Silas a drink, nearly fumbled the bottle.

Silas Blackwood pressed his lips together, fighting incredibly hard to keep a neutral expression. He had four beautiful daughters. He had done exceptionally well in that department!

"Pfft-" Theia couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing.

She never expected her future mother-in-law to be so vibrant and warm. It was obvious Miranda genuinely adored Juniper. With a family like this, there would never be any toxic drama.

The stiff, nervous smile on Theia's face melted into genuine joy. She completely relaxed, and soon the two women were chatting like lifelong friends.

Theia even shared a story from Juniper's childhood. Apparently, little Juniper had once fallen into an ornamental koi pond while trying to sneak some snacks. When Silas had finally fished her out, dripping wet and sobbing, her first words had been, "My snacks are soggy! What do I do? What do I do?!"

"She was that cute?!" Hannah, Shanley's grandmother, chuckled warmly.

Juniper's siblings all turned to stare at her, grinning broadly.

Juniper shot a dangerous sideways glance at Shanley. Oh, he was laughing too? He actually dared to laugh at her?

Juniper gave him a single, warning frown. Shanley's smile vanished instantly. He obediently placed more food on her plate, quickly changing the subject. "That's enough about Juniper. Mom, you forgot the most important part."

"Oh! Right!" Miranda snapped back to attention, signaling her husband to present the betrothal list.

A massive, velvet-bound folder was opened. Inside, thousands of items were listed in impeccable calligraphy. It was a stack as thick as a novel.

"Mr. and Mrs Blackwood," Miranda said, placing the heavy tome beside Theia. "Shanley is incredibly blessed to marry a girl as wonderful as Jumper. This is entirely your family good fortune. We have prepared these gifts with the utmost care. If there is anything lacking, please don't hesitate to tell us."

Theia was genuinely shocked. Lacking? If she didn't know better, she would've assumed the Schwartz family had literally emptied out a bank vault for them. It was far too much.

"Miranda, our only wish is for Juniper to be happy. Nothing else matters," Theia said gently, closing the folder. "Shanley is a wonderful man, and her father and I approve of him completely."

"Really?" Miranda beamed, looking immensely proud. Her brat of a son had evidently been on his best behavior.

"The beginning of next month is a highly special date," Hannah chimed in, holding Juniper's hand lovingly. "What do you think about holding the engagement party then?"

"If you've picked the date, I'm sure it's perfect," Theia smiled in agreement.

"We've also prepared ten estates. Juniper can pick two-one for the newlyweds,

and one for you to live in," Miranda offered enthusiastically.

"That won't be necessary," Theia replied firmly but kindly, recognizing Miranda's generous heart. "Twenty years ago, we put away a considerable amount of money in the bark We're planning te use those funds to buy a modest little property where we can just grow some flowers and enjoy the quiet. Let the young couple live their own lives. But thank you, truly."

"Of course, whatever you prefer!" Miranda happily conceded. "So, the engagement date is set. As for the actual wedding we'll wait until Jumper turns twenty. That gives us plenty of time to plan the perfect ceremony."

"Agreed."

With the timeline settled, the two families turned to look at the star of the show.

"What do you think, Juniper?"

"?" Juniper looked up from her plate of the salt-baked chicken and answered with absolute sincerity, "It tastes really good."

Miranda: "?"

Theia: "?"