Chapter 267 How Things Went South

Rocco, Maynard, and Conrad graduated from the academy together. Rocco managed to cinch the valedictorian despite his daily struggles, making his scholarship worth it. His friends were proud of him, even though Conrad had been the top one since he was a child.

Rocco was a worthy opponent, and Conrad took pride in this 'lost.' At least, there was one person who gave him the thrill because being first was boring if there was no worthy challenge.

Maynard, on the other hand, had no actual pressure in his study. He graduated with just passing grades, but because he had proved himself in their family business over and over, there wasn't any issue.

Their friendship only grew deeper over the years.

When they entered university, the three managed to get into the most prestigious university. Obviously, Rocco and Conrads's academic credentials and their result, taking the first and second spots, were enough to make them get in. Meanwhile, Maynard had to use his connections to get a spot in the university because he didn't take the exams seriously.

It wasn't like that was a big issue. They were friends and Conrad and Rocco weren't the types who would dwell on such actions. Perhaps the two had just gotten used to Maynard's lack of interest in academics and his nature of getting whatever he wanted easily.

Well, it wasn't like the three had the same course. Conrad and Maynard may have taken the same course due to the nature of their family and their bright future. Meanwhile, Rocco chose another path, and that was to become a lawyer.

Their differing schedule didn't hinder the three from hanging out from time to time. They had also been supportive of each other, and they could safely say they were akin to brothers now. This relationship continued until… the third year of their university days.

After three years in college, a problem rose that would put a crack in this brotherhood.

It all started when Maynard and Rocco fell in love with a girl.

Yes. It may sound petty to Conrad because he didn't understand what was with that woman that the two had to fight over her. Conrad didn't dwell on this drama, but only heard Rocco and Maynard rant about it.

But if Conrad was to ask, Maynard didn't really like this girl. The latter never admitted it to this day, but Conrad would stick to his belief. Maynard was only fighting Rocco over a lady because of one reason; Rocco.

The moment Rocco fell in love and pursued this woman, he got no time for his friends. Rocco and Maynard were best friends. For Conrad, Maynard was simply making a point that that woman was not worth it, and thus, seducing the woman just to prove he was right.

Conrad could've stopped this childish banter, but he didn't. Thus, he somehow blamed how things turned out the way they were.

During the entire third year of their university days, Conrad barely hangs out with Maynard and Rocco present. It was just either he was with Rocco or with Maynard. The two didn't speak, and the lady they fought over? She transferred to the school after Maynard lost his mind and bribed the university to kick her out.

Rocco was well aware of Maynard's shenanigans. Therefore, he didn't bend immediately, even when the situation calmed down. But just like any friend, Rocco and Maynard somehow made up during the summer before their fourth year.

This time, however, there was already a difference in this friendship. It wasn't as it was used to that was carefree and silly. The three changed; Conrad, barely. But Rocco and Maynard did. Although they would still hang out together, laugh, and drink together, things weren't the same anymore.

Conrad blamed it that they were just maturing. They were getting older and were in their last year of university. Hence, he didn't pay attention to many things unlike he used to.

Little did Conrad know, there were more things that were happening in the background. The reason Maynard somehow matured and took his study seriously was because of this young tutor. The person that never appeared in their lives, but was very familiar to Conrad.

Stella Cloven.

Her name was a name everyone had seen because, during the entrance exam, that name took the third spot just right under Conrad. They said that this young lady was beautiful, smart, and has a heart of gold. Although she was like Rocco, who had a humble background, it didn't affect the reputation she had.

In need of money, Stella decided to take in students who direly needed tutors. She was good friends with Rocco as they were both overachievers, had a humble background, and Rocco was very easy to approach. Hence, when she told him about her need for money, Rocco mentioned it to Maynard in passing.

Maynard didn't show interest at first until he laid his eyes on Stella while idling on the campus grounds. When Rocco mentioned she was the person who was looking for students to tutor, Maynard immediately showed interest. So Rocco introduced the two: one who needed money, and the other one, who has money to spare.

Since Maynard disliked the idea of Stella tutoring other students, he offered her a huge sum of money in exchange to focus on him. "He had to improve his grades," was the reason he told her.

At first, Maynard was glad and happy with her company. He even ditched the aloof Conrad many times to attend Stella's lesson, excited for the sun to rise and disappointed whenever he would part ways with her.

Since her effect on Maynard showed improvement in his grades and even as a human being, Conrad didn't meddle with it even when Rocco told him about it. Rocco had also focused on his study, as they were already in the fourth year. Both were confident that whatever Maynard was up to, his improvement would just continue.

Little did the two know, they shouldn't have been complacent, knowing Maynard's explosive temper and his nature to get whatever he wants. They shouldn't have let him be because once he was on the loose, disaster was guaranteed.