Chapter 3: Fear My Return

Dorothy frowned, about to reply, but her words were cut short by Maverick's interruption. He slung an arm around her neck, planting a kiss on her cheeks.

"Don't worry about talking too much Dorothy. Let me handle this," he assured.

Dorothy smiled in agreement, nodding. Maverick took a step forward, addressing Benjamin sharply.

"Benjamin Hayes, I didn't catch what you said. Repeat it."

Benjamin's lips curled into a sneer. "Ask her then. I don't have time to repeat myself."

A brief furrow of Maverick's brow revealed his irritation. "Fine, forget it. You want your $1000 back that you lent her?"

"You heard it clearly, so why are you asking again?" Benjamin retorted, his tone laced with impatience.

Maverick's patience was waning, but he maintained his composure. "You claim she owes you. First of all, are you a loan officer? Secondly do you have any evidence to prove that Dorothy owes you?"

"Mind your own business. Who are you, and what do you know? Where were you when she asked for the money? Why are you interfering? Is your own not to behave like a spoiled rich kid and flirt?" Benjamin shot back, his tone sharp.

Maverick's temper flared, his hand darting forward to grasp Benjamin's collar. He growled, "You watch your mouth! You don't speak to me like that and incase you've forgotten, I've given you some coins before just not to go broke." He laughed

Benjamin's own hand shot out, gripping Maverick's collar in return. "You're nobody. You have no right to lay a hand on me and you paid me for an errand not a free thing from you."

Maverick's eyes narrowed, his voice seething with anger. "You're playing with fire, Benjamin. You don't know who you're messing with."

Benjamin's tone was sharp and defiant. "I don't care who you think you are. You won't intimidate me."

Maverick's laugh was bitter and mocking. "You're so out of your depth, it's almost comical. You're just a broke little boy trying to play in the big leagues."

Benjamin's jaw clenched, his retort cutting. "At least it's because I don't have parents funding my lifestyle. Unlike some people here. You think if I had rich parents you would have said all this bullsh*t to my face?"

Maverick's lips curled into a cruel smile. "You know, Benjamin, it's no surprise you turned out like this. Who even knows who your parents are? They're probably as worthless as you."

"Haha." Everyone broke into laughter after hearing what Maverick said.

Benjamin's face twisted with rage. The words hit a nerve, striking deep. He couldn't hold back any longer. With a sudden surge of fury, he lunged at Maverick, fists flying.

Bang!"

The boys around them scrambled to intervene, trying to restrain Benjamin, but something within him had snapped. Maverick's insult had cut too deep. In a fast, unanticipated move, Benjamin broke free from their grasp.

Slap!"

His hand connected with a resounding slap across Maverick's face. The force of it sent a shockwave through the gathered crowd, leaving a stunned silence in its wake.

The whole place was quiet before someone's voice broke through. "Did you see that? Benjamin just slapped Maverick!"

"I can't believe he had the nerve to do that."

"Benjamin's lost it. He's done for now."

"He's going to regret this. Maverick won't let him get away with it."

"Someone needs to stop this before it gets worse."

"He's going to pay for disrespecting Maverick like that."

"I've never seen Benjamin act like this before. What's gotten into him?"

This time, the guys held Benjamin firmly, leaving no chance for him to break free. Maverick's face contorted into a twisted smile.

"Nice, nice. It seems the poor guy has found some nerve, hasn't he? The same guy I've even sent on errands before—I won't do anything to you now, but trust me, you'll regret this later. For now, I'm going to make a proposal in front of Dorothy while you watch, so you know I'm always one step ahead of you."

Turning to Dorothy, Maverick took a step closer, his voice oozing confidence. "Dorothy, I want to ask you something important. Will you be my girlfriend? I promise to give you a life of luxury and happiness."

Benjamin watched Dorothy intently, his heart pounding in his chest, waiting for her answer. Even though he already knew what the answer would be, he wanted to hear it himself.

Dorothy met Benjamin's gaze for a moment, a smile playing on her lips. Then, turning back to Maverick, she smiled and nodded. "Yes, Maverick. I'll be your girlfriend."

Damn!" Benjamin muttered as he felt the pain of a longsword being pierced through his chest.

Maverick's face lit up, and without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed Dorothy, sealing their new status as a couple. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

The boys who had been holding Benjamin now released him, allowing him to stand on his own.

Maverick walked over to Benjamin, a smug smirk on his face.

"Well, Benjamin, it seems you've had your little moment of rebellion. But in the end, you're just a pawn in this game. I'll always be one step ahead of you, no matter how hard you try."

He glanced back at Dorothy, his arm now draped possessively around her. "You see, some of us are just destined for success. It's a shame you'll never truly understand that."

Benjamin's gaze fixed on Dorothy, pain and betrayal etched across his face. "You've betrayed me, Dorothy. For what? For someone with more money?" His voice trembled. "I thought you were different."

Dorothy met his gaze with a cold, mocking smile. "Well, Benjamin, maybe you should go make some money then. That's how the world works, after all."

A fire kindled in Benjamin's eyes. "Of course, I'll make money. So much money that you'll regret ever doubting me."

Dorothy laughed, the sound joined by the chorus of mocking voices from the students around them.

"You think this is some sort of Chinese rags-to-riches story? What would we even call it? Benjamin, the poor student who became a billionaire? The student billionaire, Rise of the student billionaire or the campus billionaire? This is real life, Benjamin; stop daydreaming."

Benjamin nodded. "You are right, maybe it only happens in movies and books by the famous author Dragon Sly, but trust me, my success will surpass any rags-to-riches story ever shown on screen or printed in a book."

With that, he turned around and walked away.