Chapter 23
Cambridge was Westbrook territory, and the Blackwell and Stone families had refused to help.
At this moment, Julian and Maverick were no different from ordinary college students.
Unless Hazel willingly left with them, they couldn’t force her.
They despised their own powerlessness. Yet they also clearly recognized the vast difference between themselves and Aiden Westbrook,
They had always considered themselves geniuses, taking everything for granted. Including Hazel–they never imagined she would one day escape their control.
But Hazel’s actions had completely shattered their confidence.
She had already extracted herself from their complicated relationship, leaving only them still struggling.
Julian and Maverick exchanged glances, seeing the same defiance reflected in each other’s eyes..
After what seemed like an eternity, once Hazel had finished her meal, the guards “escorted” them back to Palo Alto.
They were unceremoniously dumped at their respective doorsteps. Before leaving, the security guards delivered a final
message:
“Mr. Westbrook advises you not to disturb Miss Montgomery again. Otherwise, you’ll face consequences.”
Julian silently picked himself up, completely disregarding the warning.
Not pursuing her was absolutely impossible!
Meanwhile, Maverick had barely returned home when his father confined him.
One brutal punishment after another fell across his back, leaving his strong physique bloodied and torn, yet he seemed completely numb to the pain.
“Dad, I won’t give up on Hazel. Didn’t you support my feelings for her before? Why can’t you continue supporting me now?”
Mr. Stone slapped Maverick across the face, roaring: “You dare mention ‘before‘?”
“Have you forgotten how you treated Hazel this past year? Do you know how many times your mother and I apologized to the Montgomery family?”
a with
“Disappointing Hazel was bad enough, getting entangled with Rose was worse, but why return to this after everything? You’ve completely embarrassed the Stone family. Your mother and I have clearly spoiled you. Starting today, you’ll stay home and study–no going out!”
Mr. Stone’s chest heaved with anger while Mrs. Stone quickly tried to calm him.
Yet Maverick remained stubbornly defiant.
16:12
17.3
Ditched My Toxic Duo for a Billionaire Upgrade!
Chapter 23
“Dad, Mom, I know I wronged Hazel, and I’ll take responsibility for that. I’ll earn her forgiveness, but I absolutely won’t give her up!”
He stubbornly knelt in the family chapel, enduring each lash of punishment across his back.
Mr. Stone stormed out, slamming the door.
“If he won’t give up, don’t give him food or water!”
Maverick knelt there for hours, nearly passing out when a brick in the corner wall suddenly loosened.
He immediately became alert, painfully rising to remove the brick.
“Ready to go?” Julian asked from the other side.
Maverick nodded firmly and, with Julian’s help, escaped his confinement.
The Blackwell mansion was empty, but the floor was covered with various items.
Each object carried memories of the three of them together–childhood building blocks, journals filled with secrets…
“Hazel has always been soft–hearted. She’ll definitely forgive us. We just used the wrong approach, that’s all. She’ll forgive us!”
Julian declared, gathering these mementos with a hint of desperation in his eyes.
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