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 hadnt 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 . Ill join you in a bit . Tom and the others exchanged glances , immediately grasping the situation . Tom said with a slight nod . But dont take too long . Weve still got class . I wont , 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 . Weve been looking everywhere for you ! Shirley added , stepping forward to block his path . Come home with us . Well talk later . Joshuas 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 moments 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 youre here isnt because of me , Joshua said , his voice calm but cutting . Its for this , isnt it ? Shirley froze , her expression shifting as she stared at the items in his hands . Well , I shouldnt have kept it in the first place , Joshua continued , his tone laced with sarcasm . He shoved 1/3 3:20 am Chapter 49 Confrontation 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 didnt come for this … You … Just come home with us ! Joshua let out a cold laugh . Not for this ? Its just an old tape recorder and a few cassettes ! Do I really need this ? He scoffed , shaking his head . Take it back . I dont 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 hadnt given in . Now that Joshua was returning it to her , her emotions became a tangled mess of confusion and hurt . Joshua … Im sorry … Wendys eyes reddened as she tried to speak , her voice thick with emotion . Dont ! Joshua quickly interrupted , his tone sharp . Dont pretend to care now ! I know what you two want . Youre just trying to use me to earn points in front of Frankie . Thats not going to happen ! Let me tell you , Wendy , Shirley never show up in front of me again , or youll 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 ? Joshuas gaze was icy as he stared at her . You dont think Ive forgotten , do you ? This isnt the first time youve 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 havent forgotten a single thing the Frasers have done ! Dont think you can just get away with it this easily ! Wendy was startled . Joshua , were 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 whats coming to you ! Wendy froze in shock , her face paling . 1 : 6 3:20 am Chapter 49 Confrontation Finished Joshua ! Shirleys anger flared . Mom and Dad are already upset . How dare you walk away ? They told you to come home ! 牁 98 3:20 am Promise to Punish My Ridiculous Family