Chapter 11
Maxwell Stone had forgotten something and returned to get it. Passing ordan’s room, be
te the table lay the letter he had carelessly tossed aside, now bearing a hastily written but Stone, let us never meet again |
pushed open her door, buy ther mom vari skazana
message on the back: [No need. I will not marry you. Maxwell
He stared at those words, bis hrow furrowing slightly before letting out a cold laugh and crumpling the paper into the trash.
Throwing a tantrum?” he mattered, his eyes fishing with impatience. “She’ll be back in a few days.“||
in his mind. Jordan had always been docile and dependent on him. How could she possibly truly leave? Without his protection, where could she go? Besides, she was injured and had barely any money
He headed downstairs, just in time to encounter her parents storming in. faces ushed with anger.[]
Where’s that ungrateful child?” Her father’s face was livid. “Someone just said they saw her leaving with a small suitcase. Did she run off with nur belongings
Her mother shrieked, Ungrateful bratt After all these years of raising her, she dates to steal and run? She might as well die out there
Maxwell listened to their increasingly vicios curses, his bow Imperceptibily furrowing
Vanessa ran down from upstairs, her eyes red–rimmed. “Mom, Dad please don’t be angry… Jordan probably just acted on impulse
“Impulse?!” Her mother hugged Vanessa tightly, her voice dripping with concern. “Vanessa, you’re just in kind! That worthless girl doesn’t deserve to be your
Maxwell stood to the side, his gaze sweeping over the contorted faces of her parents, then to Vines tearful expression
Not one of them had asized how Jordan’s wounds were healing!
This thought flashed through his mind surprising even himself)
nut quickly, he suppressed that strange feeling, coldly stating. Dont worry about her, she’ll be back eventually.“|
Her father snorted: “Come back? Il break her legs if she does
Her mother chimed in, “Absolutely! She’ll have to beg on her knees:
Jordan couldn’t possibly truyleave, Maxwell thought. She loved him too much. How could she bear to
As the curting continued around him, a strange uneasiness took root in his chest
After thoroughly thecking that nothing else was forgotten, Maxwell personally drove Vanessa to her school. Her parents followed, their faces brimming with pride
Vanessa, lake good care of yourself at college. If you need anything just tell us her mother fussel, holding Vanessa’s hand
Her father patted Maxwell’s shoulder. “Maxwell, we’re counting on you to look after Vanessa. ||
Marwell nodded, though his gaze was somewhat distracted][]
He had just sent people to check all train station records but found no trace of Jordan. It was as if she had vanished into thin air:[]
“Mar” Vanessa pently suges
sugged at his steeve, looking up. “What are you thinking about?–||
He snapped back in attration, responding Daily, “Nuthing “[]
a blinked, lowering her voice. “Are you thinking about jordan?“||
Maxwell’s eyes darkened “Whats there to think about her?“||
Vanessa bat her lip, looking hurt 1 just worried you might be upset. After all, Jordan liked you so much… ||
After setting Vanessa in, Maxwell rented two apartments nearty–one for her parents and one for himself.
Her mother beamed with joy. “Maxwell you’re so thoughtfall Vanessa is truly blessed to have you as her brother–in–lawr ||
Maxwell forced a slight smile but didn’t respond.
That night, he stood alone on the balenny smoking, his thoughts inexplicably drifting to Jordan’s defiant eyes amid the swirling smoke
she really wasn’t coming back?]
The thought stabbed at his heart, only to be ruthlessly suppressed
She was just an insignificant person, he told himself. Besides, she loved hiin more than her own life. How could she possibly leave him for good?]]
With that, he extinguished his cigarette and returned inside.||
ver lying in bed, he found himself uncharacteristically unable to sleep
tarly the next morning, Vanessa excitedly came to find him. “Mid Our school is having a welcome porty sonight. Will you come with mar
Maxwell wanted to refuse but, seeing her expectant gaze, eventually nodded.
At the party. Vanessa fined like a joyful butterfly through the crowd, attracting numerous male gazes.
Maxwell stood in a corner, his cold eyes scanning everyone who attempted to approach her, yet his mind kept drifting to the past
Jordan had once looked at him with the same expectation, asking if he could accompany her to the market fair
But he had always refused
Perhaps, he thought, if she asked again, he might reluctantly agree just oner.||
