Arthur had never once left the Gray residence without being humiliated. “Don’t worry about it.” He reached out and ruffled Ashley’s hair, smiling at her concern. “You two have fun. It’s nothing serious, I’ll handle it quickly.” Ashley still frowned, reluctant to let him go alone, but seeing his unwavering determination, she sighed and nodded. “Fine. But if anything happens, call me.” “Of course.” Arthur grinned. After saying his goodbyes to the Gibson sisters, he stepped out of the estate—only to see a familiar car and an even more familiar figure standing beside it. “Peter?” Arthur blinked in surprise. Peter, the Gray family’s long-time chauffeur, straightened at the sight of him and immediately stepped forward. “Mr. Gray.” Arthur’s brows furrowed. “What are you doing here?” “Your father sent me to pick you up,” Peter said as he respectfully opened the car door. A cold chuckle escaped Arthur’s lips. John was actually worried he might run away? As soon as he got in the car, Peter hesitated before speaking, “Mr. Gray, the Xander family came to the Gray residence. Richie Xander’s face was bruised and swollen—he’s claiming that you beat him up. Your father… is furious.” Arthur leaned back against the seat, staring at the scenery flashing by. It was time to put an end to things. “Peter,” he said, tone calm. “Drive. I did beat him.” Peter’s hands jerked on the steering wheel. “What?” He had watched Arthur grow up. Arthur had always been a kind child, never one to start fights. Every time Zac accused him of violence, the staff knew it was nonsense. But this time, Arthur had actually done it? Still, knowing Richie’s character, Peter could guess that Arthur had been forced into it. Seeing how composed Arthur was now, he chose to remain silent and simply drove toward the Gray residence. Arthur was John’s son. No matter how much he avoided conflict, he would have to face it eventually.The car rolled to a stop at the grand gates of the Gray estate. Arthur stepped out, staring at the mansion that was both familiar and foreign. This was likely the last time he would ever set foot here. With steady steps, he walked inside. Inside the Gray residence’s living room, Zac was in the middle of putting on a show—dramatically recounting how Arthur had humiliated him in public, reducing him to a laughingstock. He had even brought up Arthur’s broken engagement, painting himself as a victim. Beside him, Richie Xander sat with an ice pack against his face, watching in admiration. At the sound of Arthur’s arrival, the room instantly fell silent. All heads turned toward the entrance. Arthur walked in at an unhurried pace, his back straight, his posture exuding calm authority. For a brief moment, under the glow of the afternoon sun, he looked like someone truly untouchable—a force to be reckoned with. The illusion shattered when the crowd realized who he was. Zac immediately shrank back against John and Raelynn, looking as if he had just seen a nightmare come to life. He clutched John’s sleeve, his voice trembling, “Arthur’s back… I’m scared…” John’s expression darkened instantly. “Arthur! You ungrateful brat! Do you have any idea what you’ve done? Get over here right now!” Arthur watched their performance with amusement. Raelynn shook her head in disappointment. “Arthur, how could you? I really thought you had changed these past few days… but here you are, causing trouble again!” Susie scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I knew it! I knew he was trash! First, he embarrassed the family, and now he’s out there beating people up? Looks like all that talk about Zac bullying him was just an act! Now the truth is out—he’s the real troublemaker!” John and Raelynn both frowned slightly at Susie’s crude remarks, but neither reprimanded her. John glared at Arthur. “Apologize to Zac and Richie right now!”A cold chuckle escaped Arthur’s lips. “Are none of you even going to ask what happened? Do you think I went out of my way to beat Richie for no reason? As for Zac—go outside and ask literally anyone what he was doing today. See what they say about him.” John’s eyes flickered with hesitation. His gaze darted to Zac, who looked visibly nervous. But he quickly hardened his expression again, snapping, “Why should we ask anyone? Arthur, do you expect us to go around questioning people about what you did? Do you want the entire city to laugh at the Gray family?”