Arthur’s thoughts were tangled with plans for the future when, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a familiar figure. It was just a brief glimpse, but he knew that silhouette too well. Without hesitation, he sped up and followed. Around the corner, a fair-skinned boy was cornering Ashley against the wall, holding a large bouquet of roses. Even from a distance, Arthur recognized him instantly—Richie Xander. The Xander family was classic new money. No one knew what kind of dumb luck they had stumbled upon, but overnight, they had risen in power, nearly rivaling the Gray family at one point. According to Richie’s father, their sudden fortune was thanks to the name he had chosen for his son—Richie Xander, believing it would bring them wealth. Richie was one of Zac’s usual lackeys. He had been among those who had bullied Arthur countless times. Now, he was flashing what he thought was his most charming smile. “Ashley, how about a nice dinner with me?” he asked. Ashley crossed her arms and frowned at him. “Move.” Richie shoved the bouquet toward her, grinning like a scoundrel. “Take the flowers, and I’ll move.” Ashley’s frown deepened. “If you keep bothering me, don’t blame me for what happens next.” Arthur couldn’t hear their conversation clearly from where he stood, but he didn’t like how close Richie was to Ashley. Richie let out a sleazy chuckle and leaned in even closer. “Oh? And what exactly are you gonna do to me?” Ashley stiffened at his sudden movement and immediately lashed out—her foot striking him square in the stomach. Richie had never expected her to just kick him without warning. Caught completely off guard, he was sent flying backward, landing on the ground with a heavy thud.He clutched his stomach, his face twisted in disbelief. “You actually kicked me?” He was Richie Xander! The Richie Xander! The ladies’ man of South City! The heartbreaker who could have any girl he wanted! And yet, he had just been humiliated like this? Richie’s face darkened with rage. If Zac hadn’t asked him to win Ashley over, he wouldn’t have even bothered with such a temperamental woman. Arthur was just as surprised by Ashley’s reaction. That kick looked painful. But damn, it was satisfying to watch. Richie abandoned any pretense of being a gentleman. He scrambled up, fists clenched, and charged at Ashley in pure rage. His speed was quick, and in the confined space of the alley, Ashley had nowhere to dodge. She had some training, but if it came down to brute force, she wasn’t sure she could hold her own against a furious man. As Richie’s fist came flying toward her, Ashley instinctively shut her eyes, bracing for impact. But the pain never came. She quickly opened her eyes—only to see a figure standing firmly in front of her. Despite his lean frame, his back was straight, and his strong grip had stopped Richie’s punch cold. Arthur stood in front of her, shielding her completely. Ashley felt as if he had just created a safe world for her, blocking out all danger. “Arthur!” she called out in surprise. Arthur glanced back at her and reassured her calmly, “Don’t be scared.” Just three words. But at that moment, Ashley felt completely at ease. This was someone who had been bullied and looked down upon for years. Yet standing here now, Arthur gave off an unshakable sense of security.Richie, still trying to process what had just happened, finally snapped. “You worthless piece of trash! You dare interfere in my business?” Arthur’s eyes darkened. He glared at Richie and spat, “Richie, you’re asking for it.” Before Richie could react, Arthur’s fist slammed into his face. Richie had never expected Arthur to actually hit him. His head snapped back, and he collapsed to the ground, clutching his eye, which was already swelling up. “Arthur!” Realizing what had happened, Richie screamed, his voice full of fury and disbelief. “You bastard! How dare you hit me? You must have a death wish!” “You deserve worse! Lifting a hand against a woman? You’re filth!” Arthur didn’t give him a chance to recover. He stepped forward and—bam, bam—delivered two more punches square to Richie’s face. Richie tried to fight back, but Arthur pinned him down. He couldn’t move. Arthur had no intention of letting him off easy. Punch after punch landed, each one striking Richie’s precious face. Richie howled in agony. He wanted to hit back, to stand up, but no matter how hard he struggled, Arthur wouldn’t let him. The once untouchable Richie Xander was now lying helpless beneath Arthur’s fists.