Chapter 49 Confrontation
Finished
Wendy gave Shirley a sharp glare but said nothing further as she headed to the gates of 27th Street High to wait for Joshua.
That day, Joshua and his friends–Tom, Gwen, and Edith–were in high spirits. They had just made a considerable profit from their venture and decided to splurge for once. The four of them went shopping, each picking out a pair of shoes and a set of clothes, luxuries they hadn’t afforded themselves in a long time.
While walking back to school, they were chatting and laughing when Joshua noticed a sleek sports car parked near the school gates. His footsteps slowed as his sharp gaze zeroed in on the car.
Before long, two tall, elegant young women stepped out of the vehicle, their hair styled neatly into buns. Their polished demeanor was striking, commanding the attention of anyone nearby.
Joshua frowned, his good mood evaporating in an instant.
What are they doing here again?
Turning to his friends, he said calmly, “Edith, Tom, you guys should head back to school first. I’ll join you in a bit.”
Tom and the others exchanged glances, immediately grasping the situation.
“Alright.” Tom said with a slight nod. “But don’t take too long. We’ve still got class.”
“I won’t,” Joshua replied curtly.
Meanwhile, Wendy felt a weight off her chest when she saw him. She hurried forward with Shirley by her side, clearly relieved.
“Joshua, where have you been these past few days?” Wendy called out, trying to close the distance between them. Joshua, however, had no intention of stopping and attempted to sidestep them.
“We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Shirley added, stepping forward to block his path. “Come home with us. We’ll talk later.”
Joshua’s gaze swept over them coldly, landing briefly on Shirley. She looked as poised and beautiful as ever, but he felt nothing but apathy.
After a moment’s pause, he unzipped his backpack and rummaged through its contents. From within, he pulled out an old, battered tape recorder and a matching cassette. He held them out toward Shirley.
“I suppose the reason you’re here isn’t because of me,” Joshua said, his voice calm but cutting. “It’s for this,
isn’t it?”
Shirley froze, her expression shifting as she stared at the items in his hands.
“Well, I shouldn’t have kept it in the first place,” Joshua continued, his tone laced with sarcasm. He shoved
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the recorder into her hands without hesitation. “Take it back.”
Wendy and Shirley both stood there, stunned, unable to respond.
Finished
Shirley glanced at the recorder in her hands, her eyes widening in surprise. “Joshua, we didn’t come for this… You… Just come home with us!”
Joshua let out a cold laugh. “Not for this? It’s just an old tape recorder and a few cassettes! Do I really need this?” He scoffed, shaking his head. “Take it back. I don’t owe you guys anything now.”
Shirley was stunned.
The old tape recorder and the tapes had been a gift from Maggie not long after Joshua returned to the Frasers. Back then, Maggie had given them to him with little fanfare, but Shirley had been reluctant. This was her most cherished possession–an antique tape recorder with recordings of her songs, some of which were irreplaceable. She had even complained openly to both Maggie and Joshua about it.
Two years ago, Shirley wanted to reclaim the recorder, fearing that Joshua, who had little appreciation for such sentimental items, would ruin it. She had pressed him many times, both directly and indirectly, but he hadn’t given in.
Now that Joshua was returning it to her, her emotions became a tangled mess of confusion and hurt.
“Joshua… I’m sorry…” Wendy’s eyes reddened as she tried to speak, her voice thick with emotion.
“Don’t!” Joshua quickly interrupted, his tone sharp. “Don’t pretend to care now! I know what you two want. You’re just trying to use me to earn points in front of Frankie. That’s not going to happen! Let me tell you, Wendy, Shirley–never show up in front of me again, or you’ll regret it!”
His words hung heavy in the air, his anger unmistakable.
“Joshua, how can you say such things?” Shirley was shocked.
“How should I speak, then? Should I kneel and beg you, the distinguished Shirley Fraser?” Joshua’s gaze was icy as he stared at her. “You don’t think I’ve forgotten, do you? This isn’t the first time you’ve tried to gain favor in front of Frankie, is it?”
“You…” Shirley was taken aback. “Not at all! We just want you to come home with us! Please, just come back!”
“Come home with you?” Joshua laughed bitterly, full of mockery. “Miss Shirley, has your brain malfunctioned? Or have you just lost your mind? Why would I go back with you? Who do you think you are? Let me tell you, I haven’t forgotten a single thing the Frasers have done! Don’t think you can just get away with it this easily!”
Wendy was startled. “Joshua, we’re really here to bring you home! Our parents are looking for you, so please come back with us!”
Joshua glared at Wendy. “Wendy, you will get what’s coming to you!”
Wendy froze in shock, her face paling.
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Chapter 49 Confrontation
Finished
“Joshua!” Shirley’s anger flared. “Mom and Dad are already upset. How dare you walk away? They told you to come home!”
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Promise to Punish My Ridiculous Family
