Rise of the Fallen Son-in-law

Chapter 55

As Xavier stepped off the field, he spotted Dean standing nearby. He smiled, feeling a rush of pride and gratitude for the man who had trained him. "Thanks, Dean," he said, reaching out to shake his mentor's hand. But to his surprise, Dean pulled away, his face twisted in anger.

Dean's anger was not simply about the outcome of the match. It was about the months, perhaps, that he had spent training Xavier, only to see his student turn away from the brutal style of combat that he had taught him. In his eyes, this was a betrayal, and he was quick to place the blame at Elliott's feet. But Elliott was having none of it.

Dean's face remained impassive, betraying none of the emotions roiling within him. He turned on his heel and strode toward Elliott, his jaw set in a hard line. As he reached Elliott, he fixed him with a cold stare. "A word, please," he said, his tone icy.

"Don't play innocent, Elliott," Dean snapped. "Your soft, touchy-feely approach is infecting my student, and I won't sta