Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 962

Australis.

New Year's Eve.

The Subterra Vanguard base was alive with festivities. Brilliantly colored fireworks illuminated the night sky, and the entire compound was draped in vibrant decorations. The atmosphere was electric with celebration.

Even though Juniper was the youngest—and arguably the wealthiest among them—her friends still prepared massive holiday cash bonuses for her. She went around the room, collecting the envelopes and offering her thanks.

Midway through the evening, her phone buzzed. Kent and Hannah, along with Hayden and Miranda, had all wired her generous holiday funds. The amounts were so staggering it took her a moment to count the zeros.

Juniper respectfully replied with heartfelt holiday wishes, graciously accepting the elders' gifts.

Then, her eyes drifted to the pinned contact at the top of her message list.

Her chat app was completely silent. Not a single notification dot.

*Must be busy.*

His grandparents and parents could find the time to text her, but not him. Juniper silently cursed Shanley out a few more times in her head. But the more she criticized him, the heavier her chest felt.

They had agreed on fifteen days apart, but it had only been fifteen hours... and it already felt like an eternity.

Habits were truly a terrifying thing, especially when someone had seeped into your very bones. The withdrawal was brutal.

—

When the New Year's Eve party wound down, the group insisted Juniper go to bed early since she was the youngest and didn't need to stay up for the midnight countdown.

She returned to her room with little enthusiasm. Pushing the door open, she looked around the empty space, a sudden wave of melancholy washing over her. She had lived in this room for years, yet tonight, it felt strangely unfamiliar and cold.

She wondered what Shanley was doing at this exact moment.

*Boom—*

Midnight struck, ringing in the new year. The deafening crackle of fireworks echoed across the sky.

"Happy New Year, kiddo!"

Her six found-family members sent their blessings one after another.

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