Taylor had been yelling for half an hour; by the time she finally stopped, both Arthur and Ashley's lips had returned to normal. It was Arthur’s first time witnessing just how vicious Taylor could be with her words. She really was good at tearing people apart, she went off for thirty minutes straight without repeating herself once. Elsewhere, on a deserted rooftop, Finley stood near the edge, staring down at the scattered groups of people below, all talking animatedly about something. Zac stood respectfully behind him, thoughts racing through his mind. Even from up on the roof, the two of them could hear snatches of the conversation being carried up by the breeze. "I really didn’t expect this; I can’t believe Finley’s been doing something so disgusting all this time! I used to think he was a kind guy — turns out, he’s lower than scum! I never applied for financial aid, so I didn’t know any of this was happening… I mean, how is it even possible for something like bullying to exist at a place like Governance University?" "Right? This is just another spoiled rich kid bullying poor students!" "My family’s always struggled. I applied for financial aid before, but Finley rejected it with excuse after excuse; he even threatened us into keeping quiet. Now Arthur’s finally spoken up! He’s the light of my life! If Arthur wasn’t with Ashley, I swear I’d marry him myself — he’s just so kind and selfless!" "But… didn’t Finley also sponsor a few students? I’m not trying to defend him; I’m just wondering — why would he help some students go to school, but block the rest of us from getting aid?" "Because he was trying to buy loyalty, obviously! You ever notice how the students he funded always hang around him like puppies? Sure, you could say it’s gratitude — but really, they just took the money and became his lapdogs!" "Well, we really can’t judge a book by its cover. I used to think he was so charming and gentle, a real Prince Charming… but no — he’s rotten to the core! Arthur’s our savior! If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t even be able to pay tuition next semester. And now, I can finally afford to grab an actual meal in the cafeteria!" "Same here! I haven’t eaten this well in ages. Arthur is my lucky star, my guardian angel! I swear, if I ever get the chance, I’m going to repay him however I can." The crowd was loud; none of them realized that the person they were talking about was right above them, listening. Every single one of them was condemning Finley’s cruelty, praising Arthur’s courage and kindness. In just a few short days, Finley’s name had become poison across Governance University — loathed, despised by all.Meanwhile, Arthur’s name had become synonymous with salvation; to struggling students, he was a hero who had pulled them out of the fire. As they cheered Arthur, they wished they could drag Finley out and flog him in public. Finley stood there, hearing every filthy word. His voice turned cold as he ordered Zac, "Go. Find out who spread the news." He turned to glance at Zac; his eyes were filled with cold malice. "Track down the source — and get rid of them." Zac kept his head down, whatever was running through his mind hidden from view. He simply replied with deference, "Already done." Finley raised an eyebrow. Even I didn’t order him to investigate yet… and he’s already got the answer? Finley couldn’t tell whether Zac was just exceptionally efficient — or if he had crossed the line. His tone dropped further; then suddenly, he exploded, "If you already found them, why haven’t you handled it yet? You standing around here waiting to see me humiliated?" As he shouted, Finley grabbed a broken table beside him and hurled it straight at Zac’s head. Zac didn’t flinch or dodge. The wooden chair slammed against his skull with a sickening crunch. He let out a muffled grunt as blood immediately streamed from a wide gash on his forehead. It was obvious Finley had poured all of his rage into that single blow; and Zac — head bowed, face unreadable — didn’t move, didn’t defend himself, didn’t show a single flicker of resentment, even with blood pouring down his face. The arrogant kid of the past had been worn down into someone with the patience of a saint. The truth was simple. It wasn’t just his own life on the line. Solivair had already marked his entire family—the Yarbroughs—and all four of Raelynn’s siblings. If he dared to fight back, Solivair would wipe them all out without a second thought.