The sharp click of leather shoes on the floor echoed from the entrance, and Juniper instinctively turned her head. “Shanley''s here," she said.


    Lue, Jimmie, and Melvin all looked toward the door in unison.


    "How do you know it''s him?" Lue asked, stepping closer to Juniper and peering at the empty doorway.


    “A feeling,” Juniper replied, her hands in her pockets and her chin tilted up in a casual,zy manner.


    “A what?” Lue thought she must have misheard. Since when did Juniper develop psychic abilities?


    Just as she said it, the ss door swung open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped inside. The man was dressed in a navy blue casual suit, the cor unbuttoned. The cool light cast sharp shadows on his handsome profile, and he exuded an aura of natural elegance and authority, like a god who was not to be approached or trifled with. He kept his head slightly lowered, his deep eyes calm until they found Juniper. In that instant, the coldness in them melted, reced by a warmth that could rival a thousand stars, drawing you in.


    Lue narrowed her eyes, studying Shanley from head to toe. She had only seen pictures before and thought he was decent enough. But seeing him in person... well, he certainly had the looks to charm a woman. No wonder Juniper had fallen for him.


    Jimmie and Melvin''s eyes widened as they stared at Shanley, a thoughtful expression on their faces. The old man looked different today. Had he actually dressed up for this? He looked several years younger.


    "Juniper," Shanley said with a smile as he approached. But when his gaze fell on the "man" standing beside her, his smile froze and then vanishedpletely. So, this was Lue. He looked to be in his early twenties, dressed like a college student— vibrant, sunny, and handsome. Compared to him, Shanley suddenly felt his age. But..... would Juniper really be interested in a boy like this?


    "Have you been waiting long?" Shanley asked, his voice now cold as he looked at Lue. He tantly took Juniper''s hand, his defenses on full disy.


    "Not really," Juniper replied nonchntly, then made the introductions. "Lue Langley, Shanley Schwartz."


    "Ah, Mr. Schwartz," Lue said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Her tone was dripping with sarcasm. "I''ve heard of you. Juniper mentioned you to me before."


    “Did she?” Shanley''s posture straightened, and he nced down at Juniper with a hint of surprise, a small flutter of joy in his heart.


    “Oh, yes,” Lue said, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up. “Juniper told me you were old, had a bit of money, and were "


    Before she could finish, Juniper mped a hand over her mouth.


    "No, wait, let me exin," Juniper pleaded, looking at Shanley with a guilty expression. She had


    back when they first met. At the


    time, his attentiveness had seemed suspicious, making her think he had ulterior motives. She never imagined Lue would have the guts to call her out on it in front of him.


    Shanley''s face darkened. It wasn''t


    because she had called him old, but


    because Juniper was now in close physical contact with Lue. Luefta''s mouth was pressed against her palm-a ce ever he had never touched.


    "I understand. No need to exin." Shanley''s brow furrowed deeply. He pulled Juniper back to his side, using his height to look down on Lue. "Any friend of Juniper''s is a friend of mine he said, his lips curling into a tight smile. “A little teasing between friends is perfectly normal."