Warren''s eyes widened as he stared at Shanley, the icy mask on his face cracking for the first time.


    "This is the DNA analysis report," Shanley said, pulling out a file and handing it to a nearby guard.


    "My Lord." The guard presented the document to Warren, who snatched it open. When he saw the conclusion—a 99% probability of a direct blood rtionship—his mind reeled.


    Warren took a moment topose himself, his voice raspy when he finally spoke. "Are you telling me that Specter is Celine''s brother?"


    "Sister.” Shanley stood up, stuffing his hands into his pockets. He spoke slowly, deliberately. “Specter is a woman. She is your wife''s younger sister."


    He then added with grave emphasis, “Her biological sister."


    Juniper must havee to Liberty Ind yesterday intending to tell Warren the truth, only to be thrown into a detention cell. A spark of anger ignited in Shanley. Fine. Let him figure it out the hard way.


    Biological? Sister? Warren read the DNA report again and again, his mind clouded with suspicion. One was an old fox, the other a young one. Was this just some borate trick? A fabrication meant to confuse and deceive him?


    "If you have any doubts, feel free to run the test again." Sensing his thoughts, Shanley''s expression darkened. He snapped, “Besides Juniper, your wife also has three older brothers and one older sister. Juniper is the youngest, the baby of the family. If anyone dares to wrong her, her siblings would tear them to shreds."


    Warren stood frozen, the meaning behind Shanley''s words sinking in. He had messed with the one person he absolutely shouldn''t have his sister-inw.


    Damn it. This was aplete misunderstanding. Everything had gone sideways. Realization hitting him like a freight train, Warren dropped the report and stormed toward the detention cells.


    Shanley sighed softly and followed close behind. He knew this level of mortifying embarrassment all too well.


    Inside the dark cell, Juniper was weak from having missed two meals. She figured Shanley must have arrived on Liberty Ind by now. Her fake brother inw Warren, was about to get a reality check.


    Sure enough, just as the thought crossed her mind, the heavy steel door swung open. Blinding sunlight streamed in, forcing her to squint. Juniperzily lifted her eyelids and nced back.


    Warren''s face was a storm of conflicting emotions, pale and tense. All his earlier arrogance had vanished.


    Behind him stood Shanley, hands in his pockets, a faint, knowing smirk ying on his handsome face. He was clearly enjoying the show.


    "Open this door!" Warrenmanded, his voice sharp. He flinched when his eyes met Juniper''s cold gaze and quickly looked away.


    "Yes, sir."


    His men scrambled to unlock the door.


    Warren stepped inside, looking down at the "boy" sitting cross-legged on the cot, her expression nk. He wanted to speak, but the words wouldn''te.


    After a long, hesitant pause, Warren finally swallowed his pride and broke the silence. “The leader of the Sigma Network told me you''re Celine''s sister. Why didn''t you say so sooner?"


    His tone was uncharacteristically meek.


    "Tsk.” Juniper remained seated, a cold smirk on her face. "You''re a real big shot, aren''t you, Warren? It''s not like you gave me a chance to exin you just dragged me away and threw me in this cell."


    "Oh, and I should thank you for not cutting off my water when you cut off my food. Otherwise


    have


    already passed out from hunger and


    wouldn''t be here to have this


    delightful conversation with you."