Chapter 24
Maverick observed in silence for a long while before finally speaking:
“Let’s work together.”
In the past, as rivals, they would never have suggested collaboration. They’d have been too busy competing to consider joining
forces.
But now, facing a common enemy in Aiden Westbrook, cooperation was their only chance to win Hazel back.
Julian gave Maverick a long look before firmly responding with an “Mm.”
Over just three days, they organized all their shared memories.
Looking at several boxes filled with mementos, they suddenly faltered.
For some reason, they felt profoundly uneasy.
Instinctively, they recalled the wedding veils and toys Hazel had thrown into the trash that day.
Had they really been moldy as she claimed?
All their items were still in perfect condition–how could hers have deteriorated?
The events of those two months before college replayed in their minds repeatedly.
Though a vague answer formed in their consciousness, they instinctively avoided acknowledging it.
Julian and Maverick continued reassuring themselves: they had grown up together since childhood–this bond was unbreakable. She couldn’t possibly have given up on them completely.
Having barely returned to Palo Alto, they secretly made their way back to Cambridge.
In the library, Aiden had a private study room.
He and Hazel sat facing each other, studying independently, occasionally exchanging ideas.
Since discovering Aiden’s exceptional intelligence, Hazel sought his guidance almost daily.
Knowledge beyond textbooks and professors‘ teachings made him an invaluable resource. Hazel practically wanted to shadow him constantly, absorbing everything she could learn.
Their dynamic wasn’t that of the romantic couple everyone gossiped about, but more like mentor and apprentice.
Aiden, having finally met someone who could keep pace with his thought process, was naturally generous with his knowledge.
However, this scene, when witnessed by Julian and Maverick, drove them nearly insane with jealousy.
They constructed an enormous castle made of flowers, inside which countless gift boxes contained mementos from their years
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Ditched My Toxic Duo for a Billionaire Upgrade!
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Chapter 24
together.
Innumerable candles twinkled throughout, making the entire structure even more dreamlike.
Julian and Maverick had dressed meticulously in contrasting but equally striking suits.
They stood nervously holding bouquets, waiting.
However, despite sending several classmates to summon Hazel, she never came down.
Finally, Maverick could wait no longer and called up toward the upper floors:
“Hazel Montgomery, I’m here to fulfill my promise! You missed our first confession, but you can’t miss this one!”
Many students were drawn by the commotion, peering out to see what was happening.
Julian followed: “Hazel, you promised to choose between us. It’s time to decide.”
Upstairs, Hazel witnessed this spectacle without a hint of emotion.
She immediately called campus security, citing fire hazards and disturbance.
Aiden helped by contacting university administrators and arranging for a water truck to arrive.
After these preparations were complete, Hazel came downstairs and stood facing Julian and Maverick, her voice ice–cold:
“Remember at the class reunion when I played Truth or Dare? I said on the first day of college, I’d throw away two things–I meant you two. No matter how many times you try, I choose neither of you!”
As she finished speaking, the water truck arrived, spraying a powerful jet that instantly extinguished all the candles.
Julian and Maverick were drenched like drowned rats.
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