Chapter 417 Magnus is a Clingy Person
Juniper's heart lurched. "Was it Ava who took me from the Abbotts all those years ago?"
Her question cut straight to the point.
Magnus no longer evaded the truth. "Ava and the Browns had no connection to the Abbotts—no history, no grudges. We still don't know who originally took you from them, but it was definitely Ava who brought you to the Beaumont family."
If Quinn had never been placed with the Beaumonts, the Abbotts might have found her quickly. She would never have become Juniper, never lived through that fractured existence. Without that cruel twist of fate, she would have remained Quinn forever—Christopher's beloved daughter, spared the humiliation and suffering at the Beaumont estate.
But then... there would be no Juniper. They would never have fallen in love.
Juniper's eyes misted over, her voice trembling. "After we returned from Solara, you promised you'd never hide anything from me again. Magnus, you've lied to me twice now."
They said three strikes and you were out. This was already strike two—surely he deserved some consequences?
Her phone buzzed. Ronald's name flashed on the screen.
"Quinn, have you landed yet? I'm about to head to the airport."
"Not yet. I changed my flight—won't arrive in Southern City until around two this afternoon."
"Got it. I'll let Christopher know and pick you up then."
After hanging up, Juniper turned to leave.
Magnus caught her wrist. "Juniper, I was wrong to keep this from you."
She met his gaze steadily. "Last time we agreed—if you hid things from me again, if you couldn't trust me, I'd be done with us. I do trust you now, but you still don't trust me. Magnus, is trusting me really so difficult?"
Or perhaps he simply didn't want to trust her—didn't trust what they had together?
It wasn't that he didn't believe in her. He was simply terrified of losing her.
Those seven years had been nothing but loss after loss. When losing becomes a habit, happiness within reach feels surreal, like living in a dream.
This time, Juniper didn't indulge him. She left without looking back.
The moment she was gone, the care facility called. Ava had vanished.
Ronald picked up Juniper and drove her back to Christopher's mansion.
Tomorrow was New Year's Eve.
Jenny sat at the kitchen table with Jerry and the staff, rolling dough and making dumplings, her little hands and face dusted with flour.
The moment Juniper stepped through the door, Jerry announced, "Sir, Ms. Abbott has returned!"
Jenny scrambled down from her chair and barreled into Juniper's arms.
"Mommy!"
Juniper crouched to embrace her, gently wiping flour from the child's cheek. "How did you get so messy?"
"We're making dumplings! I'm building a castle with the wrappers! It's not finished yet!"
Juniper's expression softened as she tweaked Jenny's nose. "So talented, you little mess. Did you miss Mommy?"
"Yes!" Jenny's voice rang out as she hugged Juniper tight, then craned her neck to peer behind her.
"What are you looking for?"
Jenny blinked thoughtfully. "Where's Daddy? I thought he was your little shadow—why isn't he with you today?"
She searched left and right, front and back, but saw no sign of him.
Juniper laughed. "Is that what you call your father?"
Jenny pouted dismissively. "Daddy clings to Mommy even more than I do! It's normal for kids to be clingy, but Daddy's so old and he still follows you everywhere. He's totally a clingy shadow!"
"Alright, alright. Your daddy's the big clingy one, and you're the little one. Now show me this castle you've built."
Jenny took Juniper's hand and led her to the table.
Christopher emerged from his study, glancing first at Juniper, then scanning behind her just as Jenny had done.
"Dad, what are you looking for?"
Christopher frowned slightly, though his tone remained casual. "Nothing in particular."
Had that future son-in-law not come along?
Ronald, ever blunt, chimed in. "Don't bother looking, Christopher. The lucky guy didn't come."
Jenny's little head tilted in confusion as she scratched at her flour-dusted hair. "Uncle Ronald, who's the lucky guy?"
"Your daddy."
"Why is my dad lucky?"
Ronald ruffled her hair with a grin. "Because marrying your mom means your dad totally hit the jackpot. He's the luckiest guy around."
Jenny, wise beyond her years, nodded knowingly. "Oh... I get it! Uncle Ronald, you like my mom too! But my mom chose my dad, so you think my dad hit the jackpot!"
Juniper frowned. "Jenny, don't say things like that."
Ronald laughed and admitted freely, "Smart little cookie."
After washing her hands, Juniper joined them at the table. The chef had prepared several toppings—pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
Once Jenny finished building her little tower out of dough scraps, she tried mimicking Juniper's technique of spreading the sauce and arranging the toppings. Her attempts were charmingly messy.
"Mommy, what kind of pizza does Daddy like? I want to make extra for him."
Her creations looked far from perfect, but her intentions were pure.
Between adding toppings, she kept touching her nose with flour-covered fingers.
Juniper sighed. "Maybe you should eat the ones you make yourself."
Jenny looked puzzled. "Why? Daddy's all alone in Imperial Capital for New Year's. I feel sorry for him! I want to be nice to him!"
Christopher praised her. "Our Jenny has such a kind heart."
Beaming with pride, Jenny declared, "Grandpa, I'll make some for you too! They might look funny, but they'll taste amazing!"
The room filled with warm laughter and chatter.
Juniper suddenly remembered. "Where's Karen? Isn't she coming for New Year's Eve dinner?"
"There's a high-end business reception in Southern City tonight," Ronald explained. "She'll be here soon. Since we're almost done with the dumplings, why don't you come to the reception with us?"
Christopher nodded approvingly. "You should go. It's an exclusive event—good networking opportunities."
"Sounds good."
Just then, Juniper's phone rang. Ophelia's name appeared on the screen.
"Juniper, are you free right now?"
"I'm back in Southern City. What's going on?"
Ophelia sighed heavily. "I was hoping you could help me look at apartments."
"It's New Year's Eve tomorrow. Why are you apartment hunting? Most agencies are probably closed for the holiday."
"I want to move out for a while. If we divorce, I'll need to get used to renting and taking the subway eventually. Might as well start now."
Juniper understood her reasoning. "Let's wait until after the holidays. When I'm back in Imperial Capital, I'll help you look. You won't find anything decent during New Year's anyway."
Ophelia had never rented before, but Juniper had plenty of experience and knew the timing was all wrong.
After asking a few more questions about Ophelia and Robert's situation—receiving only vague, evasive answers—Juniper let the subject drop.
When she hung up, Jenny, who had been listening intently, asked with wide eyes, "Are Uncle Robert and Aunt Ophelia getting divorced?"
Juniper hesitated. "I'm not sure. It's complicated."
Jenny suddenly asked, "When are you and Daddy getting married? If you wait too long, won't you be too old to look pretty in a wedding dress?"
The child's priorities were uniquely her own.
Juniper found herself speechless.
Jenny leaned closer. "You don't know either? I'll call Daddy and ask! I can wish him a Happy New Year too!"
Before Juniper could stop her, Jenny had already grabbed the phone and dialed.
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