"You look quite happy today, June," Chelsea remarked as she handed her a latte cup. "I suppose something good happened with you."

"My old friends came to see me and we spent time together," Juniper answered.

She had never really called Amelie her friend before, as they didn't know each other well in the past. But last night had left a deep impression on her heart.

As for Zilia, she had been a dear friend once. That bond had been halted by difficult circumstances, yet it seemed the friendship had somehow survived from their past history.

"That's wonderful!" Chelsea replied, sipping her latte. She turned on her system and began her work, while Juniper focused on her own tasks.

In the afternoon, Juniper was still buried in her report when a colleague she rarely spoke to interrupted her.

"June, someone is here to see you at reception."

Before she could ask who it was, they were already gone. Juniper saved her document and headed down to the first floor, only to find Cillian sitting in the lobby. Her fists clenched at her sides as a sudden surge of anger coursed through her veins.

Cillian stood up smoothly, sliding his hands into his trouser pockets. He looked entirely too comfortable in her workspace. Not wanting to cause a scene in front of her coworkers, Juniper didn't say a word; she walked straight out of the building, and he followed close behind.

"Let's sit in a restaurant. I've already asked for a half-day off from your boss," Cillian stated casually.

Juniper's feet halted, and she spun on her heels, her eyes flashing with indignation. The audacity he had to interfere with her job was beyond belief. However, before she could confront him, he was already heading toward his car, clearly expecting her to follow.

She stood on the sidewalk for a moment. Gritting her teeth, she walked toward the vehicle. If he was going to force her away from her work, she was going to make sure he understood exactly where they stood.

"Don't ever do that again," she hissed as she reached the car, not waiting for him to open the door. "You have no right to touch my professional life."

"I didn't," Cillian replied. "I simply want to have a conversation. Now, just get in."

He held the door open, gesturing for her to climb inside. Juniper took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart, and sat in the front passenger seat.

Cillian moved to the driver's side and drove them to a nearby restaurant, one that offered secluded booths and a quiet atmosphere.

After ordering lunch for them both, Cillian filled a glass of water and pushed it toward her. "I know the Vittileo family did terrible things to you," he began.

"You and Daxton committed fraud by taking my signature for an account I didn't even know existed," Juniper clarified, her eyes locked onto his. "You two wanted me to rot in prison. And the same goes for your father. So what if he's sick or dying? I don't care. I won't. Because he died for me the day he kicked me out of that house."

Though her words carried months of suppressed anger and betrayal, she delivered them in a low, controlled tone that made them feel even sharper.

Cillian didn't flinch. He leaned back, watching her with an unreadable expression.

"You're right to be angry," Cillian admitted. "But things have changed, Juniper. I was blinded by my brother's love. He lost a mate to... God knows, some betas who killed her."

"And he decided to punish me for that? How was I the one—" Juniper stopped, the words choking in her throat as the injustice of it hit her again. She grabbed the glass, drank the water in a quick gulp, and lowered it onto the table with a trembling hand.

"I won't go to see your father. That's my final decision," she pronounced, her voice regaining its strength. "Since you're acting so desperate, then just set up a video meeting between us. I won't go near a man who never protected me."

Cillian sighed, a heavy sound that signaled his realization: Juniper was no longer the woman they could control or manipulate. He saw the depth of the scars they had left on her.

"Sure. I'll do that," he answered. "Now, let's just have our last lunch together. Because after today, you won't see me ever again." He glanced toward the food trolley the waiter was bringing over.

The meal was silent and heavy. Once they finished, Cillian settled the bill. As they walked into the lobby, they both froze. Standing near the entrance was Denzel, speaking softly to a young lady.

"I'll see you later," Denzel whispered to the woman. She gave him a bright smile and turned to leave.

Denzel's gaze shifted immediately to the pair approaching. Cillian didn't flinch.

"You didn't help me talk to Juniper," Cillian noted, looking at Denzel. "Never mind. I have cleared the air with her. I'm leaving San Ravendale now." He turned his attention back to Juniper one last time. "June, just answer the video call this evening. And I wish you the best for your future. May you live well. I won't drop you back at your office since your boyfriend is already here."

Before Juniper could snap at him for the "boyfriend" remark, Cillian disappeared through the glass doors.

An awkward tension settled between Juniper and Denzel. She looked at him, feeling embarassed.

"I'm sorry for the words he chose," Juniper apologized.

"I don't mind it," Denzel replied, his expression unreadable. "Did you enjoy the night with your friends? I'm sorry for not informing you beforehand, but Amelie and Zilia wanted it to be a surprise."

"It's fine," Juniper answered, feeling a genuine warmth she shared with both of them. "By the way, I never got to pay you back for the hospital bills."

"It's already been settled," Denzel stated dismissively, as if the matter were beneath his concern.

"I know. But I wanted to thank you properly. What about dinner tonight? It will be on me," Juniper suggested, her eyes bright with the excitement of using her first paycheck.

"Umm... June..." Denzel hesitated.

"Yes?" Juniper asked, her smile faltering slightly.

"Sure, I'll come," Denzel stated, a soft smile finally breaking through. "Just drop me the address of the restaurant."

"Yes, I will!"

Seeing the joyful smile on Juniper's face, Denzel couldn't bring himself to tell her that Amelie had already invited him to dinner.

He knew he should have mentioned it, but he felt that providing Juniper with this small moment of happiness was worth the inevitable complication. Opportunities to see her this carefree was rare, and he wasn't ready to let this one go.

"I'll see you at seven, then," he added.

"Seven it is," Juniper agreed.

"I'll drop you to your workplace. Follow me," Denzel offered.

"It's fine, Denzel. I'll go by myself. Besides the lady with whom you were earlier, must be waiting for you," Juniper replied, finding the same woman standing outside the glass doors.

'They must be seeing each other. And I shouldn't ruin their date,' she thought.