Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 728

Shanley was now standing at the entrance of the empty apartment. Traces of Juniper were everywhere, but she herself was gone. “If Juniper comes back, call me immediately.”

“Of course, Mr. Schwartz,” Dana replied. Seeing his exhausted face and disheveled hair, she asked cautiously, “You just got back, sir. Shouldn’t you get some rest?”

“No need,” Shanley said, shaking his head as he grabbed his jacket and left.

Watching his lonely figure retreat, Dana frowned. The two of them had been so in love. How could they have fought so suddenly? Should she tell his mother and grandmother about this?

---

In the car, Felton and Flint sat in the front, barely daring to breathe. Shanley sat in the back, his handsome face a thundercloud, his long fingers clenched around his phone. The chill emanating from him seemed to freeze the very air in the car.

Juniper had returned to the country, but she hadn't gone to Cloudscape Community. Where else could she be? With one of her three brothers? Or with Ebony Fox? If he started calling them one by one to ask, their secret would be out.

Her family was already hesitant about their relationship because of his age. If they found out he had once nearly killed her… would there be any future for him and Juniper at all?

After much thought, he decided against impulsively calling them.

“Have you found Luella’s contact information?” Shanley asked in a low voice.

“We found it,” Flint replied immediately. Shanley’s expression flickered, but before he could speak, Flint added, “But his phone is turned off.”

Luella was clearly avoiding their calls on purpose.

“Go to the film set,” Shanley said after a few seconds of silence. “I want to see Jimmie Tate.”

“Yes, sir.”

Felton and Flint exchanged a look but said nothing. This wasn't about visiting Jimmie; it was about trying to find Ms. Payne.

“Oh.” Jimmie paused, then gave a faint, noncommittal smile. This didn’t look like ‘nothing.’ He had known Shanley for years and had never seen him look so utterly miserable. Had they fought? Did Juniper leave in a huff, and was he here looking for her?

“You’re busy. I’ll get going,” Shanley mumbled, turning to leave.

“Are you sure it’s nothing?” Jimmie asked, standing up. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, his voice taking on a serious edge.

Shanley froze, then turned back stiffly, his face pale and drawn.

“Did you two have a fight?” Jimmie’s expression was just as grim as he stared him down.

“Yeah,” Shanley admitted, his entire being radiating defeat. The sound that came from his throat was a muffled grunt.

“Why?” Jimmie led him into the dressing room, shut the door firmly, and leaned against the frame with his arms crossed.