Wendy locked her piercing gaze on Shirley . “ I can’t think of a more brutal term . Whether it was for Frankie’s sake or to please Mom and Dad – it was nothing short of cold – blooded ! ” Shirley’s composure crumbled , her expression faltering into one of dismay . As memories of her behavior over the past four years surged forward , she retrieved her phone , opened the Snapchat group , and began scrolling through its messages . The records were abundant – post after post mocking Joshua . Among them , she found a recent entry from Maddy about Joshua’s punishment . She recalled vividly how Frankie had been the one to ruin their mom’s dress , yet she and Maddy had conspired to frame Joshua for the damage . Even as Joshua endured harsh punishment , beaten until he bled , they felt no remorse . She , a cultured and accomplished university music professor , had degraded into this kind of person . When did I stop feeling guilty for framing and hurting someone ? When did I start finding it amusing ? Shirley was overcome by a heavy , suffocating silence . “ And look at this ! ” Wendy pointed at files on her laptop . “ Do you remember last year , during our family vacation , when Joshua lost his phone ? ” “ Yes , I remember ! ” Shirley replied with a nod , her voice trembling . “ At the time , Joshua couldn’t contact us . Frankie was burning with a high fever , so we rushed him to the hospital . Since Joshua couldn’t reach us , we left him stranded at the tourist site . Do you recall ? ” Wendy’s voice cut like a blade . “ I do … ” Shirley’s chest tightened , her breathing shallow . She remembered it all too well . She and her sisters had even ridiculed Joshua in their group chat afterward . Joshua , desperate and penniless , had tried to walk home alone along the highway . He trudged for three to four hours , covering more than twelve miles . It wasn’t until they returned home and realized Joshua was missing that Maggie notified the police to search for him . He was eventually brought back . When Joshua returned , he smiled apologetically , explaining he got lost and expressing regret for causing them worry . However , the police revealed the dangerous conditions Joshua faced walking alone in the dead of night for hours . Maddy had laughed it off , calling him a fool , and shared the incident in their group chat . “ It was Maddy who hid his phone ! ” Wendy said with a firm tone . 7:18 pm 44 . Chapter 39 His Love for Them Shirley’s eyes widened in shock . “ Maddy hid his phone ? ” “ Yes ! I confronted her and took it back . Here it is ! ” Wendy declared , holding up the device . Shirley fell into silence , the weight of the revelation pressing on her . +8 Pearli “ I’ve gone through its contents – there are diary entries , Instagram posts , tweets , and conversations with his friends . I’ve organized everything . There’s a section specifically about you. Take a look . Wendy said . handing her a folder . “ This phone had been hidden by Maddy since last year . It was password – protected , but I had someone crack it yesterday , ” Wendy explained further . “ These are … ” Shirley murmured , her voice tinged with disbelief . “ These are Joshua’s private chats with his friends . There are also diary entries — and many of them are about you . ” Wendy said solemnly . Shirley froze , her fingers trembling as she opened the folder and began to read . “ Gwen , look , this is my second sister , Shirley ! Isn’t she beautiful ? She’s just as stunning as my eldest sister . Wendy ! She graduated from the University and is now a music professor at Kepong University . Shirley even released a music album . Check this out – it’s her album ! Isn’t her music incredible ? ” With just a few lines , Shirley’s face turned pale . She was stunned . “ Wendy , this … ” Shirley’s voice wavered as she looked at her sister . “ There’s a lot more in there . Take your time , ” Wendy said , her voice breaking slightly as she sniffed , her eyes reddened once again . Shirley’s hands trembled as she held the phone , a sudden wave of fear gripping her . Her mind raced with guesses about the contents , but accepting the truth seemed unbearable . She realized she didn’t have the courage to confront it . She couldn’t ignore the memory of how Joshua used to look at her and the others – with eyes full of admiration and excitement . hey had all known deep down about Joshua’s love for them . Otherwise , Joshua wouldn’t have gone to her university in secret , just to sit in on her lectures and listen quietly Shirley had indeed released a few music albums , ones she had self – funded , earning her modest recognition as a musician . Joshua , somehow , had learned about her work and downloaded some of her songs onto his phone , listening to them in secret . She remembered seeing his phone once , years ago . Now , as Wendy’s words echoed in her ears , Shirley was at a loss for what to say , 7:19 pm f f f . Promise to Punish My Ridiculous Family