Richie scrambled to explain himself, but David’s expression only got darker. So he had really lied. He had actually tried to assault a female classmate and then turned around and bullied others on top of that. David prided himself on his success and despised people who accused him of being low-class. His reputation was everything. If people found out what his son had done, the Xander family would be a laughingstock. Arthur smirked slightly. Still just a reckless sixteen-year-old. Push him a little, and he spills everything. That alley had no cameras at all. Arthur had completely made it up. Without warning, David yanked Richie by the ear. "You little punk! You pull something like this and still have the guts to cause a scene? And you even had the nerve to lie to me!" Richie’s face was already covered in injuries, and now, with David twisting his ear, he yelped in pain. David wasn’t holding back at all. Richie didn’t even care that they were in the Gray family’s home—he immediately started pleading. "Dad Dad stop! I get it I was wrong! Please let go! My ear’s gonna fall off!" David watched his son struggle in his grip, completely unmoved. The sudden turn of events shocked everyone in the Gray family. Whether Richie had really bullied a female classmate or targeted Arthur didn’t even matter right now— They were still at the Gray family estate. The Xander family had come here to demand justice for Richie. Arthur had beaten him badly, and that much was an undeniable fact. Yet, right in front of everyone, David was disciplining his son? Not to mention, the Xander family was one of the most influential families in South City. For a girl from school to be noticed by a Xander heir should have been considered a privilege. She had no right to refuse him. Arthur had no reason to interfere. And yet, David was publicly scolding his own son over it? The Gray family members couldn’t wrap their heads around it, but Arthur’s impression of the Xander family changed slightly. At least David wasn’t completely blind to reality. Once David finished punishing Richie, he turned back to Arthur, his face now wearing a friendly smile. "Arthur, I owe you an apology," he said sincerely. "I was wrong to blame you. This is entirely my fault for not raising my son properly. You did the right thing by teaching him a lesson. Tell me exactly how he bullied you before. I’ll make it up to you, I promise." Make it up to him? How was that even possible? Arthur’s expression darkened as memories of the past resurfaced. When David saw the shift in Arthur’s expression, guilt flooded through him. He would get to the bottom of what Richie had done himself. He had spent too much time chasing success and had completely failed in raising his son, allowing him to make such a serious mistake. Bullying wasn’t just bad behavior—it was a crime. If Arthur hadn’t spoken up today, he would have never known. Now, standing face to face with Arthur, the victim, David didn’t even know what to say. From the way Arthur reacted, Richie had probably done far worse than he initially thought. David had heard about the effects of bullying before, and he knew the damage it caused couldn’t be undone with a few words of regret. The arrogance he had walked into the Gray family estate with had completely disappeared. He glanced at his son, who was now battered and bruised, and let out a long sigh. In that moment, Richie, who had been watching from the side, suddenly realized something—his father looked like he had aged several years in the span of just a few seconds. David placed a firm hand on Arthur’s shoulder and said seriously, "Arthur, if you ever need anything, come to me. This is a debt the Xander family will never forget." Arthur remained silent, watching David closely. Richie had never physically hit him before, but that didn’t mean he was innocent. He had been right there alongside Zac, part of the constant bullying. The insults, the taunts—they had cut just as deep as any punch. David stood before him, full of regret, but Arthur couldn’t tell if it was real or just an act. David, on the other hand, knew there was no excuse for what had happened. He sighed again, saying nothing. But when his gaze shifted to Richie, his entire demeanor changed. His eyes burned with fury. At sixteen, Richie should have known better. His voice was cold and firm. "Come here! Apologize to Arthur!" Richie locked eyes with his father and felt a chill run down his spine. David had always spoiled him, always protected him. But this time, there was no warmth in his father’s gaze. No shouting, no insults—just pure, seething anger. And that was even more terrifying. Richie didn’t dare defy him. He quickly stood up and walked over to Arthur. "I’m sorry, Arthur." "Louder!" David snapped. Richie jumped at the command and immediately raised his voice. He even bent at the waist in a deep bow. "I’m sorry! Arthur! I was wrong to bully you!"