Chapter 671

Juniper spun around and spotted Anthony strolling past her, face like a blank slate, heading straight into the office.

They were so close, yet it felt like they were miles apart.

She couldn't feel his heart anymore; that little spark of happiness she used to feel was totally snuffed out.

Out of nowhere, she started questioning her whole existence; like, maybe she didn't even belong here.

But she had to prove her worth. She wasn't some slacker; she had a killer education and big dreams.

Since she was stuck here, she might as well make the best of it.

Juniper kept herself busy, running around like a headless chicken.

Back in the office, Terry suddenly told her to head to the office.

"Got it, Terry." Juniper rushed in.

As soon as she stepped in, she saw Aaron.

Anthony was sitting across from him, pouring him a cup of tea.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" Juniper was secretly fuming. First Saffron and Elara came to stir the pot, and now him. Were they all out to embarrass her?

"Juniper, take a seat." Aaron said.

"You, get out."

Aaron shot back, "I just sat down, haven't even started talking."

"You've got nothing to say. Leave." Juniper insisted. Aaron didn't budge, so she went to pull him.

"I'll leave after I finish talking. What's the rush?" Aaron shook off her hand and said kindly to Anthony, "Mr. Eilish, sorry to bug you during work hours. I'm here about your breakup with Juniper. She came home last night and suddenly told me you two broke up. Is that true?"

Anthony stayed silent.

"Dad..." Juniper was about to pull her hair out in frustration.

Aaron kept on, "Weren't you two doing fine? Why the sudden breakup? Is it a fight? I've always said, Juniper's a bit headstrong, but she's a good girl. You should cut her some slack, and I'll set her straight."

Anthony didn't budge.

Seeing no response, Aaron continued, "Is it because of someone else? Juniper's carefree, like one of the guys, and often hangs out with boys, but they're just friends, no romantic stuff. As her dad, I know best that the only one she likes is you, Mr. Eilish. Don't get the wrong idea. She might've said something in anger. When girls are mad, they say stuff they don't mean. Don't take it seriously. Just clear things up, and it'll be fine."

Aaron shamelessly smiled, but Anthony said, "It's not her fault; it's my own decision."

Aaron's face went stiff. He thought, 'This sounds more complicated. Could it be that Anthony's into someone else? Is there any chance of winning him back?'

Aaron said, "Mr. Eilish..."

"Aaron, have you said enough? Do you want me to be more embarrassed?" Juniper was furious and cut him off, "Do you want me to call security?"

Aaron snapped, "Juniper! I'm doing this to save your relationship."

Juniper shot back, "Save what? Listen up, Anthony and I were never in a relationship; it was all to fool you!"

"What did you say? Don't say such things to piss me off; I won't believe it." Aaron stood up angrily.

Juniper said coldly, "I'm not lying; it's the truth."

Aaron asked, "Why did you lie to me?"

"Because you kept forcing me to go on blind dates, I used him as an excuse. But Anthony and I were never together and never will be."

Aaron continued, "Then why are you working here?"

"I just like this job; it has nothing to do with Anthony. Besides, I already have a boyfriend, and I made it clear to you! Stop coming to my workplace to harass Anthony!" Juniper had had enough of this family.

Sometimes Juniper wished she could just drain all the blood from her body and cut ties with Aaron for good.

"How dare you lie to me! You think relationships are a joke? How did I end up with such a disrespectful daughter!" Aaron, fuming, raised his hand to slap Juniper.

Juniper shut her eyes, bracing for the hit, but it never came.

She peeked open her eyes and saw Anthony standing in front of her, blocking Aaron's hand.

Aaron turned his anger on Anthony, "Mr. Eilish, let go. This is between me and my daughter; it's none of your business!"

"If you want to discipline your daughter, do it at home. This is the Eilish Group, not your personal stage." Anthony's words were ice-cold.

"I..." Aaron had to swallow his rage and pointed at Juniper. "We'll deal with this at home."

Aaron thought, 'If I don't teach her a lesson, she'll just keep disrespecting me. I regret spoiling her so much.'

Juniper let out a sigh of relief and apologized to Anthony, "I'm sorry, Mr. Eilish. My family drama caused trouble at the company again. I take full responsibility. I'll accept any punishment."

Anthony replied coldly, "The Eilish Group doesn't punish employees; we just fire them."

Juniper's heart skipped a beat, and she looked at him nervously.

After causing such a scene, it made sense for him to fire her.

But as he spoke, she realized how much she valued this job and wanted to prove herself.

"Please give me another chance." Juniper lowered her head and pleaded.

Anthony's eyes flickered.

Anthony thought, 'I thought she'd quit like before. What's changed her? Now that she has Ronnie, wouldn't she want to stay far away from me?'

Anthony couldn't figure Juniper out anymore.

He hadn't planned to fire her; she was efficient, and there was no reason to let her go.

Anthony said, "Get back to work."

"Yes, Mr. Eilish." Juniper replied. She turned around, bit her lip, and couldn't help but look back. She said, "Mr. Eilish, there's something I need to clear up with you."

'Is she planning to draw a clear line?' Anthony thought.

Juniper continued, "I did join the Eilish Group because I liked you. But now, you see the situation with Ronnie. We're dating, and you have your girlfriend. I shouldn't bring this up, but I need to make it clear that I no longer have those feelings for you. To me now, you're just my boss, nothing more."

Saying this felt like a knife to Juniper's heart, but some things had to be done, and some words had to be said.

Juniper said firmly, "Let the past be the past. From now on, I just want to work steadily at the Eilish Group."

Anthony thought, 'Half a month ago, she was still clinging to me, wanting me to be her boyfriend. Now, she can easily say let the past be the past. She found a new boyfriend in just a few days. Sure, I never made any promises to her. But how could she fall for someone else so quickly? Is love just a game to her? Today she likes this person, tomorrow she likes that person. She really treats relationships casually. On the other hand, I'm so cautious. I'm moved by her but afraid and full of concerns. While I'm torn, she already has a boyfriend and wants to cut ties with me. So ruthless.'

Anthony's eyes became sharp, and he mockingly asked, "Was there ever something between us?"