03

Juniper's face lit up with gratitude, and she was about to drop to her knees to thank me.

But Shane suddenly fell to his knees instead. "Absolutely not, Mrs. Langston. You're Juniper's only family. I can't be the reason you two become estranged. How could I ever face Juniper if that happened?"

I examined my nails, blew on them lightly, and offered a cold, contemptuous smile. "Oh? And what do you suggest?"

Shane glanced up, flashing a grin that was all white teeth. "What if... I marry into the family? I'm willing!"

I almost burst out laughing.

His objective couldn't have been more transparent.

Juniper, however, was overcome with emotion once again.

"Mother, I can't believe Shane would sacrifice his male pride for me. Please, just give us your blessing."

I raised a single eyebrow and nodded slowly. "It's not entirely out of the question."

"You have until you've earned back the fifty-million-dollar penalty from the broken engagement."

"The moment you do, I'll approve your marriage. How about that?"

Shane's face froze. But Juniper, ever the idealist, immediately agreed. "Mother, that penalty clause is a mere trifle."

"Shane comes from a good family. I have faith in him."

"Oh, do you now? Well, good luck with that," I said dryly. "Someone, show this... Shane... to a guest room."

After they had gone, my head maid came over and began kneading my shoulders. "Ma'am, why did you agree to this? It's obvious that man is only after Miss Juniper's status."

I shook my head, my mind already working. "First, send an invitation to the Devereaux residence. I need to speak with Tristan. Perhaps we can negotiate returning only half of the trust fund."

"Ma'am, that's impossible..."

"Yes, impossible..." I sighed.

I glanced at my head maid, who was quite attractive in her own right.

"I've given up on that foolish girl. How about I adopt you as my daughter, and you can marry him instead?"

The maid's eyes went wide with terror, and she dropped to her knees. "That's impossible, Ma'am!"

I rolled my eyes.

Well, that's no fun.