Chapter 22
Serena used to bring Justin a small cake from Indigo every week. She even learned how to bake, trying to create something special just for him.
As the thought crossed his mind, Justin’s eyes instinctively drifted to the small cake on his desk. He froze.
“Is this from Indigo?” he asked sharply.
Candice blinked. “Yeah, I thought you liked it…”
“I don’t like it. Don’t buy it again,” Justin said, leaning back in his chair, his mood souring for reasons he didn’t want to admit.
His gaze settled on Candice. “Why are you wearing a hat?”
“1–It’s nothing,” Candice muttered, fidgeting and pulling the hat down further.
Justin’s eyes narrowed. “Take it off.”
Her hesitation only fueled his suspicion. “I said, take it off. Now.”
Candice reluctantly walked over, her steps dragging. Justin stood, reached out, and pulled the hat off her head. His expression darkened the moment he saw the sticky smear of frosting in her hair.
“What happened?”
Candice bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. “I–I ran into Serena today…”
“She did this?” Justin frowned, his brows knitting together. “She’s usually so composed. What made her snap?
Candice sniffled, wiping at her eyes. “I’m not sure. I said hi to her and mentioned I was thinking about opening a bakery. She lost it, slammed a cake on my head, and called me disgusting.”
Justin was caught off guard. He remembered Serena once talking about wanting to open one, though she never did. He could not help but wonder if today’s outburst was because Candice’s words hit too close to home.
A part of him thought it could be out of jealousy. Perhaps she was upset that he was giving Candice something she once dreamed of. The second possibility stirred something in him he could not explain an odd flicker of satisfaction
“Justin,” Candice whimpered, lightly clinging to his arm. “What did I ever do to her? Why does she treat me like this?”
Justin grabbed a napkin, gently wiping at her hair. “It’s not your fault. She’s the one acting out. Anyway, there’s a private restroom in the lounge. Go clean yourself up.”
“Okay.” Candice nodded, her red–rimmed eyes glancing at him for reassurance before walking away.
When she returned, her appearance was polished, and her expression had calmed. She looked at Justin, hoping for some comforting words from him.
Instead, he asked, So, did you come up with any ideas after checking out places today?”
Candice was stunned. Serena had humiliated her, and he did not even seem angry.
Justin frowned at her silence. “Why aren’t you answering?”
Candice hesitated, feigning concern. “You’re not going to confront Serena because of this, are you? I don’t want you two to fall out because of me. She’s been with you for so many years, and I get why she’d feel upset…”
#25 BONUS
Chapter 22
As she spoke, her eyes carefully watched his face, gauging his reaction.
Justin tapped a cigarette out of its box and lit it. “Of course I’ll deal with her. Don’t worry.”
Hearing this, Candice relaxed, a satisfied smile flickering on her lips. She purposely discouraged him from doing so, not forgetting to add, “I have. I’ve decided to go ahead and open a bakery.”
“That was quick”
“Yeah.” She stepped closer and boldly perched herself on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“I was thinking… how about Indigo? I already spoke to the manager. As long as I provide the funding, the owner is willing to sell it to me. It’s just a small independent brand shouldn’t cost too much.”
Justin’s hand froze mid–motion, the cigarette hovering near his lips. He asked, “You want Indigo?”
“Yeah. Why not?”
Justin’s voice was sharp as he immediately replied, “No. Absolutely not.”
