Chapter 657

At 5:30 PM, still stuck at work.

A bunch of the girls were huddled by the big windows.

"Whoa, check it out. Mr. Woods is back."

"Seriously, his sports car is sick. A new one every day, dude's gotta be loaded."

"Forget the car, Mr. Woods is the real deal."

"Does he have to show off like that every day to impress someone?"

"That kind of love burns out fast."

"I give it a week, tops. Maybe three days."

Juniper's overtime plans got wrecked. She quickly packed up and dashed downstairs.

In the office, Anthony watched her with a cold stare.

"That was fast. Miss me?" Ronnie, rocking his sunglasses, looked at her all chill.

"Jerk. I wanna strangle you!" Juniper slammed the car door and rolled up her sleeves. "Ronnie, you clingy pest, you trying to get me fired?"

"Work's a drag. Wouldn't it be better to be my wife? Maids waiting on you every day, living the good life. Running around all the time ages you, and it kills me to see it. A babe like you should be pampered," Ronnie said, reaching for her face.

Juniper slapped his hand away. "Don't touch me. I'm not gonna be your kept woman. I can take care of myself, no thanks to a jerk like you. You're messing up my thing with Anthony and my job. Just disappear already."

Ronnie smirked, "Ever think that might be my plan? If you ditch him, we can start fresh."

Juniper shot back, "No way. Even if I ditch Anthony, I'd never go for a player like you."

Ronnie warned, "Don't be so sure, or it might get awkward later."

Juniper asked, "You always this cocky?"

"With my credentials, why not?" Ronnie retorted.

"Sure, you're okay, but compared to Anthony, you're way behind. Why should I settle? Mr. Woods, just leave me alone, okay? Go bug someone else, I'm begging you." Juniper had never begged anyone, but she was desperate.

"Beg me?" Ronnie asked.

"Yeah, beg you."

Ronnie replied, "Begging won't cut it. You don't get men. The more you want me to back off, the less I will. Actually, this is good for you too."

Juniper asked, "How's ruining my life good for me?"

Ronnie explained, "Juniper, you're still green. Nothing makes a guy realize his feelings more than a challenge from another dude. If I've gone this far and Anthony still doesn't chase you, he's not into you, and you can move on."

"You wanna provoke Anthony? I'm not doing something that dumb. It's childish."

Ronnie said, "Childish? It's the best way to deal with guys. Let's set a date, half a month, and see if Anthony makes a move."

Juniper asked, "What if he does? What if he doesn't?"

"If he chases you and you like him, I'll back off and wish you well. If he doesn't, you should give up; he's not into you."

This whole idea was nuts, but Juniper couldn't help but think it kinda made sense.

Ronnie asked, "So? If you don't say anything, I'll take that as a yes."

"Just drive."

Ronnie smirked, "Where to, in such a rush?"

"Anywhere, just get us outta here. Can't you see everyone gawking at us like we're a freak show?"

A crowd had gathered around the blue sports car.

"What are you scared of? They're just jealous. Flash 'em a smile."

"Drive!" Juniper snapped.

At the restaurant.

It was one of those fancy 360° revolving places with romantic lighting.

Surrounded by lovey-dovey couples, Juniper felt totally out of place.

This spot was way too weird.

"Why'd you bring me here?" she whispered.

Ronnie replied, "For a date, duh. You wanna grab street food instead?"

"Who's dating you? Stop being so full of yourself," Juniper pouted.

Ronnie said, "Date or not, we're here, so let's eat. The steak's killer. I know you're not the type to mistreat your stomach, right?"

"Don't think sweet-talking me will make me eat. But yeah, ruining my stomach over you isn't worth it."

"That's why I like you, smart and sassy." Ronnie swirled his wine glass, the red wine sparkling.

"Want some?" He tried to pour her a glass, but Juniper covered the rim with her hand.

"Trying to get me drunk again?" Juniper asked.

"Of course not. Last time was my bad. I'll drink a glass to apologize." Ronnie downed a glass in one go. "See, I drank it happily. Let's call it even."

"You chose to drink, so it's got nothing to do with me."

"Fine, I like you, you sly little fox." Ronnie seemed to be in a good mood.

Juniper was really at a loss with him.

She got his rich-kid curiosity and masochism, but she had made her stance clear, and he still treated her warmly. This persistence and shamelessness were beyond ordinary people.

As she chewed on her steak, Juniper asked, "When's your novelty gonna wear off?"

Ronnie replied, "I don't think it will anytime soon. You're the most interesting woman I've met in my twenty-seven years, and you're from a family that matches mine, someone I can marry. If I don't hold on to you, I'd be a fool."

Juniper took a sip of juice. "Forget it. I advise you to give up. You can't control me."

Ronnie retorted, "How do you know if you don't try? I love taming wild cats."

"Be careful. I might scratch you to death."

Ronnie said, "For you, I'm willing. And now, it seems we don't need to wait half a month. You'll give up and become my woman."

Juniper asked, "What do you mean?"

Ronnie nodded towards the door.

Juniper looked back and saw a handsome man and a beautiful woman walk in. It was Anthony and his schoolmate.

She was holding his arm, and anyone would think they were a couple.

The sweet juice in Juniper's mouth suddenly turned sour.

How could it be...

"You're with me, but he didn't come looking for you. Instead, he's on a date with another woman, who might even be his arranged marriage partner. The facts are clear, and you still won't give up?"

"That's his schoolmate," Juniper emphasized.

"Schoolmate, lover, what's the difference? Do you believe that kind of nonsense from men?" Ronnie laughed at her naivety. "They're on a date in this restaurant. Stop fooling yourself."