Chapter 395 A Bet for a Date
Juniper's heartbeat was racing.
Brad's arms were around her, his broad ceremonial robe draped over her shoulders. The faint scent of sandalwood filled her senses.
It had happened in an instant — Brad had stepped in, shielding her with his own body without hesitation.
He released her gently, his tone calm. "I acted on impulse. My apologies if I startled you."
"Thank you, Mr. Thornton."
Juniper touched her cheek. It felt warmer than it should. Without another word, she pulled open the car door and stepped out, joining the driver to inspect the damage from the rear-end collision.
Thora was already irritated, and Lyra's constant chatter in her ear only made it worse. In Thora's mind, Catherine was nothing more than a deceitful woman who couldn't be trusted.
The thought of Alexander being manipulated by someone as sly as Catherine made Thora furious. She was desperate to reach the hospital and tell the Howard family the truth.
But halfway there, the accident happened.
Thora's eyes swept over Juniper. Pretty enough, but no sign of designer brands — probably from a comfortable but modest background. That only made Thora more impatient.
"Unbelievable. Can you even drive? Whatever. I'll call the insurance company. Figure out the cost and get back to me. I'm leaving."
Juniper frowned. "You hit us. It's your fault entirely. I'm in a hurry too."
"I didn't say I wouldn't take responsibility. But if you hadn't been in my way, I wouldn't have rear-ended you."
"So now you're saying it's my fault you hit me?"
Juniper had never met someone so shameless.
Thora rolled her eyes. "It is your fault. Whatever. I'll take the loss. Just move your car."
A sleek vehicle sped past and stopped beside them. The window rolled down to reveal Catherine, her expression concerned.
"Juniper, was there an accident?"
"Rear-end collision. Nothing serious. Don't worry, I've already called Philip."
Seeing Juniper's easy closeness with Catherine sent Thora's temper flaring into full-blown fury.
"You're both pathetic, morally bankrupt excuses for human beings."
Juniper's temper flared instantly. Insulting her was one thing — insulting Catherine was crossing a line.
"What's your problem? Did Catherine ever wrong you? You're ridiculous. And honestly, if you can't even drive straight, maybe your brain's still stuck in first gear. I shouldn't expect too much from you."
"My problem? Catherine's behavior is the problem! She seduces other people's men, constantly targets my friends — she's not good enough for Mr. Howard!"
Juniper arched a brow.
"So this is about the Howard family again. Whether Catherine is good enough isn't for you to decide."
The window lowered further, revealing Alexander's sharply defined profile, his presence radiating quiet authority.
"Juniper, get in. We're wasting time. Grandfather is waiting."
"I'm coming."
Alexander didn't spare Thora a single glance, which made her stomp her foot in frustration.
Before getting into the car, Juniper turned back to Thora. "You're brain-dead. You think the Howard family are all fools and you're the only one who sees the truth? If you're that smart, why hasn't your family replaced them as the richest? Not interested in being number one?"
Thora froze. Juniper's words were harsh, but they hit a nerve.
She watched the car disappear down the road, exhaust curling in the air, her mind racing.
Lyra tugged at her sleeve. "Thora, don't be fooled. Everything I told you is true…"
"Shut up, you idiot," Thora snapped.
Lyra clamped her mouth shut, seething inside. If Thora was useless, she'd have to go to Rex herself.
Bright Heal Hospital.
Paloma's room was warm and inviting. Juniper came every day to replace the flowers.
When Juniper hesitated and explained why she'd come, Paloma set down her papers, thoughtful.
"Attending the engagement party is the right thing to do. Your grandfather is here too? Take me to see him. As the younger generation, it's proper to visit."
Juniper nodded quickly, pushing Paloma's wheelchair to Felix's room.
The moment Felix saw her, he sat up in bed.
"Paloma… I can't believe you came."
Paloma's smile was gentle. "Mr. Howard, the past wasn't your fault. Juniper told me the Howard family feels guilty toward me, but please don't think that way."
It hadn't been the Harrison family's fault, nor the Howard family's. If anyone was to blame, it was simply that she and Evander were never meant to be.
She'd seen Evander several times recently. The boy she once knew was now a weathered man. Somehow, that made it easier to let go.
"We weren't meant to be, but we agreed to raise Juniper together. If anyone deserves an apology, it's her. As for everything else… let it be."
Felix nodded, eyes glistening. "If that's how you feel, it's the best I could hope for."
Seeing Paloma was a wish fulfilled.
He murmured, "Back then, the Howard family chose the wrong side… and it cost you dearly."
Arabella frowned. "That's nonsense. Even if Owen had chosen differently, it wouldn't have spared us trouble."
Felix had wondered if siding with Franklin's faction would have spared the Howard family from their misfortunes. But the Harrison family had suffered plenty too, and Franklin's actions had brought them no benefit.
Thinking about it now, Felix felt a measure of peace.
"Paloma, you should come to Catherine and Alexander's engagement party."
"I will. Juniper and I will attend together. I'll also visit some of the Windsor family."
Her health had kept her from seeing Aurora and Brandon, and she owed them thanks for raising Juniper so well.
Felix nodded, content.
Alexander handed him a box of medicine, explaining the side effects Catherine had warned about.
Felix waved it off. "I'm old. If it kills me, so be it. A few side effects are nothing."
No one spoke. The mood was heavy.
Arabella blinked, swallowing her emotion. "I'm stepping out. Don't wait for me for dinner."
Yasmin asked, "Where are you going? Should I come with you?"
"No. I have something to handle."
Philip Law Offices.
Stacks of files covered Philip's desk, and he looked overwhelmed.
His assistant said, "Mr. Windsor, Sloane has undergone a mental health evaluation. The doctor says there's no obvious issue."
Philip felt a pang of worry. He'd promised Charles to help, but if they couldn't clear the first hurdle, he'd lose face.
Emma was lounging on the sofa, chewing bubble gum. She snapped her fingers.
"I have an idea. Care to make a bet, Mr. Windsor?" She paused, a teasing glint in her eyes. "If I win, you owe me a date."
Philip nearly fell out of his chair.
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