Noticing Juniper''s reaction, Shanley''s deep voice cut in coolly. “Lionel, I heard you have another meeting shortly. If it''s important, you should go ahead."


    "Not important, not at all!" Lionel waved his hand dismissively. Nothing was more important than hosting Shanley.


    "Are you sure?" Shanley sat back in his chair, his long legs crossed, his inscrutable eyes fixed on him.


    "Not important... or is it important?" Lionel hesitated for a moment, looking awkward. "Actually, I suppose it is rather important."


    "Good." Shanley nodded, satisfied, a faint smile on his lips. "Then you should go take care of it. Juniper and I can discuss the building ns."


    "Of course." Understanding Shanley''s intent, Lionel offered a few polite words to Juniper and tactfully excused himself.


    The room fell silent.


    "If it''s too sweet, don''t eat it." Shanley took a napkin and gently wiped the corner of Juniper''s mouth.


    “When did you memorize that speech?” he asked softly. If he remembered correctly, she had only received the script on Friday, and she had spent the entire weekend with him. He hadn''t seen her spend any time on it at all.


    "I didn''t," Juniper replied, finishing the cake and moving on to the fruit.


    “Hm?” Shanley looked at her, confused, his gaze soft.


    "I just read it twice and remembered it," she said with a nonchnt shrug.


    "That''s impressive." Shanley''srge hand gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, a smile gracing his lips. "Juniper, do you have any objections to the n to donate buildings to Era University?"


    Juniper paused mid-chew, her starry eyes meeting his.


    “After all...” Shanley''s breath hitched, his voice grew husky. "You''re the one


    managing the finances at home. What you say goes.”


    Oh, right. Shanley had supposedly transferred all his assets to her.


    "Donatingb buildings to Era University will not only cultivate top talent inputer science, who can then join the Schwartz Group after graduation, but it will also attract leading experts in the field back to the country. It''s beneficial for both the nation and society..." Juniper took a sip of water, her analysis calm and measured. “This is a worthwhile investment."


    "Alright then." Pleased that she had grasped his intentions, Shanley''s lips curled into a satisfied smile. "I''ll have my people follow up on the construction. We''ll still call it the JS Laboratory Building And all the


    profits will go to you."


    “I have no objection to that." Juniper''s lips quirked up as she answered without


    hesitation. The name didn''t matter as long as it paid off in the end.


    "By the way," she added, putting down her fork, "I''m having dinner with Queenie and


    the others this afternoon, so you don''t need to pick me up."


    Dinner? Shanley''s expression shifted slightly as he remembered the people trying to "assassinate" Juniper. The threat was still active. While he knew she was more than capable of handling herself, he didn''t want her to face even the slightest danger.


    “Okay.” Shanley walked Juniper to the door, his voice soft as he reminded her, "Don''t drink and don''t eat anything from strangers. Come home early when you''re done."


    Juniper stared at him, thinking he was being particrly fussy today.


    After watching her leave, the smile vanished from Shanley''s face. He took out his phone and dialed Felton. “Assign some people to protect Juniper. Try not to let her notice."


    "Yes, boss."


    "Also—” Shanley paused, his voice turning gravelly. "Find Ebony Fox. And then find some capable people to... take care of Ebony Fox, permanently."