"Of course I'll save you," Hazel said earnestly, "but not now."
Since Madeline knew this, if Hazel released Madeline, maybe Madeline would obstruct what Joshua and Simon wanted to do.
Since Simon was so defensive against Madeline, perhaps the family behind Madeline did have the strength to scare them. Hazel wasn't stupid enough to do anything that would hold them back, so she couldn't let Madeline go now.
"You, you lied to me!" Madeline was so furious that even her eyes turned red.
"I'm not going to lie to you," Hazel said dryly. "When I'm ready, I'll definitely come here to save you."
Madeline didn't believe her. She couldn't help swearing at Hazel with every dirty word that she could think of.
But Hazel didn't seem to hear anything, and she just closed the board. Then all the curses were gone. Hazel couldn't help sighing with emotions that Simon had done a good job in soundproofing. No wonder Madeline was also knocked at the board. It must be because her voice could not be heard.
Putting the books back, Hazel left Simon's villa in a daze.
She opened the car window to allow the wind to blow in. Gradually, she figured out a lot of things.
For example, why did Simon pester her, why was she kidnapped twice, why would Simon and Joshua, who were completely incompatible, suddenly cooperate…
Hazel dropped her forehead into her hands with a headache. Who were they teaming up to deal with? The organization?
If it was the organization behemoth, it really required them to team up. But how were they going to do with the organization? After all, the organizations didn't just have a few people.
Hazel couldn't figure it out. Of course, it never occurred to her that Simon and Joshua would attack their father directly.
She didn't even think in this way.
The car took Hazel to the place where the Crowe family lived. Hazel got out of the car and headed directly for the Crowe family's new house.
It was the caregiver Joshua had hired who opened the door. Rachel was recovering from her injuries at home.
"Hazel, why are you here again?" When Rachel was sitting on the sofa, she saw Hazel, her eyes were full of love. "I've said since you are busy now, you don't have to visit me every day."
Hazel sat down next to her and whispered, "Mom, I just want to see you."
"Do you get something on your mind?" Rachel asked in a low voice, looking at Hazel.
"Yes." Hazel leaned over and directly rested her head on Rachel's legs.
Rachel looked at her fondly and held out her finger to gently gather up Hazel's hair. "Tell mom what happened."
"I don't know what happened, either…." Hazel didn't know how to start. She weighed her words and finally said, "It's just that I'm really very upset... Mom, don't be angry if I ask you a question."
"Is there anything that we can't say to each other, you kid?" Rachel's voice was softer when she knew she had something on her mind.
"Every time you go on a dangerous mission," Hazel finally said after a moment's hesitation, "do you ever think that dad, Ronald, and I are all very worried about whether you're in danger, worried that something might happen to you... Aren't you afraid that we would be very sorrowful if something terrible really happens to you?"
Rachel's body was slightly stiff. She took a deep breath and whispered, "Hazel, I'm not going to say some great words like giving up my small family for everyone. I just know clearly that I do these things to protect you better and keep you safe. To protect the persons I love, I will do everything and even forget the danger. But because I care about you, I try very hard to come back alive!"
Hazel was visibly moved. Is that also what Joshua is thinking now?
Because he loved her and wanted to protect her, he was willing to risk his life.
"But... What about us?" Hazel exhaled, a little sadly, "We would be worried and afraid. Do you want us just to be anxious but unable to do anything while you're in danger?"
"Hazel, sometimes when you're in a situation where you can't help, try to trust your loved ones. Trust that they'll always have you in their hearts, and trust that they will come back to reunite with you," she said in a deep tone. "However, if you distract them, you'll harm them."
Hazel understood instantly.
Joshua was doing the most dangerous thing. How could she hold him back when he was doing something for her, even though she did not know what his plan was? All she had to do now was trust his ability, trust that he could protect himself, and trust that he would be back.
"Thank you, mom!" Hazel straightened and kissed Rachel on the cheek loudly.
"You kid," Rachel spoke with a smile. Then she reached out to wipe her cheek where Hazel had kissed and said, feigning disgust. "You leave saliva all over my face."
After dinner at the Crowe family's house, Hazel, whose knots in her heart had unraveled, left.
After that, she couldn't help but secretly call Grandpa Sloane.
She was shocked to learn that Stacy's man was actually the head of the organization. No wonder Katherine knew Stacy. They must have gotten to know each other in the organization.
No wonder Joshua had been distancing himself from the Sloane family. He must be protecting the Sloane family and Stacy. After all, if the organization wanted to hurt the Sloane family or Stacy, the Sloane family might not be able to prevent it.
Grandpa Sloane had given Hazel his phone number, so Hazel directly dialed his number.
"Hazel?" Grandpa Sloane was quite surprised because Hazel hadn't spoken to him for a long time. He had been disappointed, but he couldn't blame her. After all, Joshua still refused to accept them.
"Grandpa Sloane," Hazel asked softly, "how are you doing?"
"Don't worry, girl," Grandpa Sloane laughed happily, "I'm still in good health. I have no problem living a few more years."
She couldn't help laughing. Grandpa Sloane was still so kind. After a small talk, she asked, "Grandpa Sloane, is Aunt Stacy better?"
"Thank you so much, Hazel," said Grandpa Sloane, his voice trembling a little. "Stacy has been better since your last visit. The doctor changed her treatment, and she is getting better every day. She recognized me the last time I went there…."
Grandpa Sloane cried with joy and was choked up.
"That's great, Grandpa Sloane!" Hazel was so happy that she also wanted to cry, but now she had to calm down Grandpa Sloane. He was too old for such a mood swing.