Chapter 17

Hazel walked into the mansion, ignoring the greetings from the guards and a few maids setting the dining table. Her heart twisted with worry—something bad might have happened to Armstrong. She had called him countless times throughout the day, but there had been no answer.

She took the stairs quickly, her pulse racing, and disappeared into her room.

After a quick shower, she changed into a simple outfit and curled up under her duvet, clutching her phone tightly. The thought of Armstrong’s silence haunted her, filling her with dread. She had gone to school with the intention of apologizing and cutting back on her reckless behavior with Axel—even though she knew that was nearly impossible. But now, Armstrong was unreachable.

Axel had just returned from work. After a shower and a change of clothes, he headed to the dining hall, only to notice Hazel’s untouched plate.

“Where is Hazel?” His deep voice cut through the room, making the older maid supervising dinner