Are you asking me for help

Jack seemed to want to crush her wrist, and the strength on her wrist increased significantly. The pain made her face change and she couldn’t speak.

She gritted her teeth and stared at him, but when she met his eyes, she couldn’t help but tremble.

What kind of eyes where they?

They ere sinister, gloomy, mixed with hatred and anger, all squeezed into his eye, making his gaze almost murderous, as if she was some heinous criminal.

“Does it hurt?“he asked coldly, without any concern in his eyes, and the strength in his hand did not decrease.

Of course, Hazel was in pain, but she didn’t answer him, struggling to break free from his grip.

“Hurts?” He pulled his lips and sneered.

Hazel’s eyes were filled with a thin layer of mist, not knowing whether it was because of anger or pain.

“If you know it hurts, don’t say things I don’t like to hear, understand?” He let go of her hand.

Hazel took two steps back, holding her sore wrist, glaring at him angrily. “Jack, you’re despicable!”

“Despicable?” Jack repeated the word, then laughed softly.

He lifted his eyelid and glanced at her indifferently, “I’m despicable? Hazel do you know what real despicable is?”

Hazel face was pale, and her whole body was trembling uncontrollably. She dug her nails deep into her palm, trying to distract herself from the pain.

Her pitiful yet desperately strong appearance seemed to please him, and the inexplicable discomfort dissipated a bit. “In the future, think carefully about what you should and shouldn’t say.”

He seemed to be referring to what she had just said, but Hazel had a feeling that he was projecting something else. She couldn’t figure out, and didn’t want to figure it out now.

She closed her eyes and let out a slow breath, feeling a bit relieved. “I just wanted to tell you that today is the day we’re supposed to return home. L...“She had intended to say that her father had asked them to come back, but the thought of his animosity towards the Brooks family and her father made her change her mind. “Can you accompany me back?” she asked instead.

He could see the earnestness and hope in her eyes, but he chose to ignore it. “Hazel are you asking me?“he asked, leaning closer to her.

His expression seemed to say,“If you ask me, I might consider it”.

Her dignity and pride wouldn’t allow her to do that, so she said, “I’m not asking you, nor will I ask you. I’m seeking for your opinion.”

Jack raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a wicked smile. His words, however were far from kind. “I’m busy”

***

“Hazel, I’ve been waiting for you to for so long! I’m so glad you’re finally back home,” Rita exclaimed, taking Hazel’s hand as soon as she entered the house. “I was worried you wouldn’t be able to eat well over there. Look at you, you’ve lost so much weight in just a few days.”

Rita was Hazel’s father second wife, who had come to the Brooks family when she was ten years old. They had treated her well over the years, but she just couldn’t get close to them.

“I’m fine, Aunt Rita,” She replied in a flat tone.

“Why are you the only one here? Where’s Jack?”

Hazel hesitated, unsure of how to answer, but Racheal walked out of the living room before she could say anything.

Racheal is the child of Rita and is only one year younger than herself. Today, Racheal’s dress and appearance show that she has put in a lot of effort.

“Hazel, is Jack still unhappy, so he didn’t accompany you back?” Rita scolded.

Hazel ignored Rita and asked, “Aunt Rita, where’s Dad?”

“He is in the living room. He asked me to prepare your favorite food since morning and has been waiting in the living room ever since”

Hazel nodded and went to the living room.

“Dad”

James Brooks glanced in the direction of the corridor,“You cam back alone?” There was no smile on his face.

“Um.” Hazel responded softly, “He... was a bit busy today.”

“Busy?” James Brooks snorted coldly, He has time to socialize, but not to accompany you back?” What did I say on the phone yesterday? Did you ignore my words?”

As soon as he finished speaking, James Brooks suddenly threw the teacup in his hand.

“Bang-”

The teacup shattered into several pieces and splashed water on Hazel’s legs. The warm temperature made shiver all over.

“Follow me to the study!”