The school’s security guards had already called the administrators out.

One of the so-called leaders, Mr. Nathan Hyde, dressed up in a suit, glared at Bran with contempt.

“You’re only here because of Mr. Andy Stormbringer’s influence, yet you’re trying to assault his son? Who can prove it was he who tore your acceptance letter?

“You ripped it up yourself and framed him.

“And now, you’re fighting at the school gates? This is a serious offense.

“Not only are you barred from university this year, but your student record has been wiped. Don’t even think about retrieving your file.

“No school will accept you now.

“If you still want an education, then get on your knees and lick the dirt off Mr. John Stormbringer’s shoes.

“Maybe, just maybe, I’ll consider letting you re-enroll and take next year’s SAT exam.”

Seeing that Andy’s bodyguards had already surrounded me, Celina raised her shrill voice and joined in.

“You little brat, didn’t you hear what he said? Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness!

“Don’t forget—your school ID is still in my hands.

“If you keep acting like your dead father, stubborn as a mule, I’ll make sure you don’t even qualify to go out and earn a living!”

All those years I had been fighting to survive abroad… and this was the abuse my son endured?

Nathan deserved to die.

I took a step forward and grabbed Nathan by the collar of his dress shirt. Then I slammed a kick into the back of his knees, forcing him to kneel before Bran.

“You said Bran tore up his own acceptance letter? Say it again. I dare you.

“You think I won’t rip you apart for that?”

Sweat poured down Nathan’s face as he writhed and shouted, “Call the police! Shoot this lunatic!”

I clamped a hand around his throat. “You don’t have much time left. Think carefully—what do you have to do to make me spare your pathetic life?”

Celina fumbled with her phone, stammering incoherently as she called the police.

My phone buzzed with a new message.

My personal file had just been declassified.

A dedicated security detail had been assigned to me immediately.

Headquarters had requested my return to discuss my reintegration into civilian life and finalize my benefits package.

But right now, I didn’t care about those benefits. All I wanted was to help my son reclaim his dignity.

Celina laughed smugly.

“Everyone saw it! He attacked Mr. Hyde for no reason. There are plenty of witnesses here.

“Keep him surrounded. Don’t let him run. The police will be here any minute!

“We’re civilized people—we’d never lay a hand on anyone without cause.”

I was certain now that Celina had recognized me.

She knew that no one here could match me in a fight.

Even if all the bodyguards jumped in at once, the odds would still be in my favor.

This was a setup.

They were trying to pin charges on me, to get me thrown into prison.

And if they could pull some strings behind closed doors, they'd make sure I never walked out alive.

I had suspected long ago that she couldn’t be trusted.

That’s why I left money to Andy, hoping he would keep her in check.

But who would’ve thought the two snakes would fall for each other—like a pair of toads locking eyes—and end up in bed together?

Realizing I had handed them the knife they were now stabbing me with made my fists clench with rage.

Nathan struggled in my grip as he screamed for help.

Andy’s bodyguards, clearly under orders, didn’t move in to attack.

They just stood around me, forming a ring, waiting to see if I’d crush Nathan’s throat.

Hoping, perhaps, to see me gunned down in the street.

Too bad they’d be disappointed today.

I tightened my grip.

Nathan’s face turned a deep shade of purple as he gasped for air.

“Please, spare me, Sir! Mrs. Stormbringer has already called the police. You should run while you still can!”

Bran tugged gently at my sleeve and whispered, “Dad… revenge can wait. A gentleman takes his time— it’s never too late.”

I let out a cold snort. “Unless he licks your shoes clean today, I’ll crush his throat right here.”

Nathan shifted tactics, trying to reason with me through choked gasps. “Holding me hostage won’t work. The snipers will shoot you. They’re professionals—veterans.

“Let me go now, and you might still get away. That’s your best option.”

I tightened my grip and replied calmly, “Don’t worry. Even if I strangle a piece of trash like you with my bare hands, those snipers won’t be able to stop me. Trust me—I’m no rookie either.”

I raised my voice, locking eyes with him. “Still haven’t figured out what to say to save your pathetic life?”

Suddenly, sirens blared in the distance. Dozens of vehicles were pulling up.

Nathan, his voice hoarse and cracked, screamed, “You’re done for! They’re here now—just wait for the bullets! Mr. Andy Stormbringer will never let you live!”

I clenched my hand even harder.

But how could I let him die so easily?

After what he did to Bran, choking him to death here would be too merciful.

Then Celina shrieked from behind, “Help! He’s killing Mr. Hyde! Shoot the madman!”

As if on cue, the door of the lead vehicle swung open.

A tall man in uniform stepped quickly to my side and said calmly, “Commander, I’m Captain Pierce Poldark, head of your security detail.”