Kicked Out, She Came Back To Rule - Chapter 506: Chapter 506

Bradley felt a sting in his chest. "Dude, that's a little harsh, isn't it?"
"I just don't want you wasting your time and energy," Joel said.
"Why do you think I'm not good enough for her? Is it because her family's super-rich?" Bradley pondered aloud.
"It has nothing to do with money or status," Joel answered.
"Then, what's the real reason?" Bradley pressed, then suddenly something clicked. "Wait a sec. Are you saying she's got a boyfriend?"
Joel nodded, his face turning serious as he said, "Whoever she's with is outstanding, and I'd trust him with her entire future. In everyone's eyes, she might seem like some goddess, completely out of reach, but to me, she's just a normal girl who deserves her own slice of happiness. All I want for her is to live like everyone else—get married, have kids, and enjoy a cozy, happy life."
Bradley was getting more and more baffled by the minute. "Dude, what are you even saying? Out of this world? Her? Who is she anyway? You talk about her like she's some legend. Is she famous or what? I swear I've never seen anyone like her in the entertainment scene."
Joel quickly realized he'd probably said a bit too much after hearing Bradley's words.
"I'm just saying, don't overthink it," Joel replied, trying to play it off.
Bradley shot Joel a suspicious look, eyeing him up and down. "No way, bro, you're definitely keeping something from me."
Joel's eyes darted away, avoiding Bradley's gaze. "Seriously, what would I even hide from you? You're reading way too much into this."
"Come on! We grew up. I know you better than anyone. You're surely hiding something! Spill, or I'll round up the guys and get you so drunk tonight. Let's see if you spill your guts then!" Bradley teased.
"Wait, you actually got Isaac DeShazo and the others to come?" Joel asked, surprised.
"Obviously! You barely come back, and our crowd's never gonna let you get away. Don't even try to dodge us. Tonight, we're heading over to old Solon's hot dog stand, just chilling and shooting the breeze like back in the day!" Bradley said, grinning.
Joel hesitated for a moment, then glanced over at Kaia.
Kaia caught that and headed his way.
"Is something up?" she asked.
"I was supposed to hang out with my friends tonight, but then there's you…" Joel hesitated.
"No worries, really. You go have fun," Kaia said with a smile.
Joel frowned, struggling for a moment before turning to Bradley. "Hey, let others know I'm sorry. I won't make it tonight."
'Nothing in the world came before Kaia's safety,' Joel thought firmly.
"Dude, seriously? You're bailing on us? We all came from miles away to hang out with you, and now you're backing out?" Bradley complained.
As Bradley spoke, he kept sneaking glances at Kaia, his gut telling him Joel was ditching the guys because of her.
Bradley thought, 'It doesn't make sense. Joel had said they weren't together, so why is Joel so worried about her?
'Even if she is Joel's girlfriend, isn't Joel taking it a little too far? Most guys won't skip a reunion with their friends because of girls.'
After thinking it over and remembering what Joel had said earlier, Bradley became convinced Kaia must have some serious status or background; no wonder Joel was acting so protective.
"Sorry," Joel muttered, his brows knotted with guilt.
"You..." Bradley huffed. Then a lightbulb went off, and he turned to Kaia. "Miss Bennett, why don't you come along with us?"
"No way!" Joel shot back instantly.
"The town gets crazy at night, and Solon's hot dog stand turns into a total mad spot. Everyone hangs out there, young and old. What if there's trouble, or some creep tries something?" Joel said, sounding protective.
Kaia laughed. "Come on, what's there to be scared of? I've got you, the King of Boxing, to keep me safe, right? Honestly, I kinda wanna go. I finally made it here, so it'd be lame not to have some fun!"