Chapter 17 Burning Bridges

“Mr. Walston, your words are rather harsh. We gathered here tonight to have a good time, there's no need for such a fuss.” At that moment, noticing that something was amiss, Simeon hastily intervened to mediate. “Professor O'Dorney, this matter has nothing to do with you! Don't interfere.” Theodore had absolutely no regard for Simeon. Although Simeon had worked as a teacher at the school for a long time, Theodore was still the vice-chancellor. Regardless of status or power, Simeon simply couldn't compete! “Some people will never learn their place until they've been put in their place! Mr. Yowell's kind words were a gesture of respect! I, Theodore, don't need to extend the same courtesy. I have no respect for those who lack ability, yet love to put on airs! They're nothing more than a waste of space!” Theodore looked at Finneas, launching into a critique without any hesitation. In reality, he had taken a dislike to Finneas back in the main hall. Now, he was merely using an excuse to lash out. “Do you think you're all that by acting in such a way?” Finneas lifted his gaze, his deep-set eyes calmly observing Theodore. For reasons unknown, upon meeting Finneas' gaze, Theodore felt an unexpected twinge in his heart. It was as though he was being hunted by some demonic entity! But quickly, he managed to gather his wits! As the esteemed vice-chancellor of a prestigious university, was there any need to fear a nobody? “Am I not speaking the truth?” Theodore let out a cold, derisive laugh. “You being right or wrong is a separate issue! But you just yelled at my sister. I swear that upon my return, I won't allow anyone to mistreat my sister again.” Finneas rose to his feet, his face expressionless as he stared at Theodore. “Now, I'm giving you a chance to make amends. Apologize to my sister, and I might consider sparing you.” “Apologize to this little girl? Do you think that's possible?” Theodore had a face full of mockery. “So... is this your choice then?” There wasn't a trace of emotion on Finneas' face. At that moment, the atmosphere in the room had become incredibly tense. Some people felt a chill in their hearts, sensing a certain level of anxiety. What on earth was Finneas trying to do? Did he really intend to pick a fight with Mr. Walston? Meanwhile, the corners of Jayson's mouth lifted slightly. He knew it was his turn to step up! All it took was a casual remark from him, and the crisis at hand could be easily resolved! This not only allowed him to show off in front of everyone, but it would also make Finneas feel indebted to him. With these thoughts in mind, Jayson gave a light cough, rose from his seat, and walked over to Finneas. He patted Finneas' shoulder and said with a smile, “All right, alright! I'm the host today, everyone, please, let's keep the chatter to a minimum, shall we? No need for all this commotion!” Having said that, he turned to Theodore and said, “Mr. Walston, do me a favor, let's just let this matter go! Finneas is an old classmate of mine, so his sister is like a sister to me.” “Since Mr. Yowell has spoken, I naturally have to give him face.” Theodore nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. His objective was to get on good terms with Jayson. Since Jayson had already spoken in such a manner, he naturally had to give him face. As for Finneas and Alyssa, in his eyes, they were merely insignificant figures. When he was in a good mood, he would give them a treat, and when he was not, he would suppress them a bit, all just for his amusement. Upon witnessing this scene, everyone in the room quietly nodded in agreement. Truly, Jayson's composure was extraordinary! Despite being previously ignored by Finneas, he continued to treat him with genuine sincerity! In today's society, finding such people was truly rare! No wonder he was recognized as one of the top ten outstanding youths in Jacaster. There was a reason his career had developed to this extent. “Finneas, you haven't thanked Jayson yet! If it weren't for Jayson's help today, you would have been in a real mess.” From a distance, Sabrina spoke up loudly. “No need, we're old classmates after all!” Jayson smiled. However, his gaze was fixed on Finneas. Anyone with discernment could tell he was waiting for Finneas' gratitude. However, at that moment, bang! Finneas sent Jayson flying. Turning to Theodore with an icy stare, he declared, “I'm giving you ten seconds to make your choice. If you don't apologize to my sister, I assure you, you won't see tomorrow. If you think I'm joking, feel free to gamble with your own life.” This sudden turn of events caused the entire room to fall into immediate silence. Everyone was taken aback, their mouths agape in surprise. Simeon's gaze became distant. Sabrina was completely flabbergasted! Jayson lay on the ground, holding his swollen, red face, his expression full of disbelief. How dare he hit me? How dare he? Jayson clenched his fists tightly, his voice cold as he said, “Finneas, what the hell are you trying to imply? I stood up for you, and you repay me with a punch?” Finneas blatantly ignored him, continuing to stare coldly at Theodore, beginning the countdown. “Three!” “Two” “I-I'm sorry!” Theodore spoke up, his voice laced with tension. Beads of cold sweat had already begun to form on his forehead. Finneas' gaze was truly unnerving, akin to those ruthless assassins from television shows, which instilled in him a profound sense of fear. This overwhelming fear made him shudder from head to toe, as if he would truly meet his end if he didn't apologize! Forget it. Finneas is a mere nobody from the lowest rungs of society, while I am the esteemed vice-chancellor of Jacaster University. There is no need for me to stoop to his level! Theodore comforted himself in his heart. Upon witnessing Theodore actually apologizing, a myriad of complex expressions washed over the faces of those present at the scene. However, upon further reflection, this was nothing out of the ordinary. Those with nothing to lose weren't afraid of those with everything at stake. It seemed like Finneas' mindset was truly twisted. It wasn't that Theodore was scared, it was just that there really was no need to confront such a person head-on. Given their status, they had a myriad of ways to ensure that Finneas face the consequences of his actions. “What's the use of apologizing to me?” Finneas spoke in a cold tone. “Apologies, young lady! I was rather presumptuous just now!” Theodore looked at Alyssa, managing to squeeze out a small smile on his face. He felt incredibly frustrated apologizing to a student, as if he had swallowed a lump of discomfort that he simply couldn't alleviate. “It's okay.” Alyssa's emotions were in turmoil. Although Theodore had apologized now, what about later? She could almost predict the outcome that awaited her, expulsion from school was practically a certainty! However, she couldn't blame her brother! Regardless, her brother was standing up for her! If even she were to criticize her brother's actions, imagine how heartbroken he would be! “Since you've apologized, let's consider the matter settled! I don't want this incident to lead to something like my sister dropping out of school! Do you understand?” Finneas said coldly. “Of course!” Theodore quickly nodded, quietly reminding himself that as an intellectual, there was no need to argue with such people. “I hope you can keep your word, or I swear, there won't be a place left for you to be buried!” Suddenly, Finneas seized a cup from the table. In front of everyone, he crushed it into dust. Seeing this scene, everyone's pupils dilated. Such immense strength! “Professor O'Dorney, I'm afraid we won't be able to have dinner tonight. When I find some time later, I'll treat you separately!” With an apologetic expression, Finneas turned to Simeon and said. Sigh! Simeon didn't respond, he simply let out a long sigh. The unyielding ones broke easily. Why didn't Finneas understand that principle? This left him feeling utterly helpless, accompanied by a wave of heartache. “Let's go, Lyssie!” Finneas said to his younger sister. “Okay!” Alyssa nodded, dutifully following behind her older brother. After some hesitation, Kelly also chose to tag along. But it was at this moment when someone shouted, “Hold it right there!” Jayson coldly blocked the path of the three individuals. Naturally, he couldn't just let it go like that after being slapped by Finneas in front of a crowd. Since Finneas was so unappreciative, then he simply had to oblige him! “Finneas, you slapped me and thought you could just walk away? Do you really think that's possible?” Jayson asked coldly. “What's the matter? One slap wasn't enough for you? Craving for more?” Finneas asked. Jayson's mouth twitch upon his words. D*mn it! That wasn't what he meant. “Get lost. For the sake of our past as classmates, I don't want to embarrass you. You'd better not overestimate yourself,” Finneas said. “Overestimate myself? I really can't fathom where you got the audacity to speak to me in such a manner.” Jayson, in his extreme anger, ended up laughing instead. He clapped his hands, and immediately, seven or eight bodyguards dressed in black rushed into the room. These black-clad bodyguards towered at seven feet tall, their faces set in a stern expression. Their muscles were pronounced, clearly indicating that they were no strangers to combat. Upon witnessing that, everyone present was taken aback. “I knew it. How could someone of Mr. Yowell's status not have bodyguards? So, they've been hidden in the shadows all along.” “Did everyone see that burly man leading the group? I've seen him on TV before. His name is Hunter. Not only is he a retired special forces soldier, but he's also ranked among the top hundred in Jussipi Eight-City MMA Championship.” “Wow, that's impressive! The prestige associated with the Eight-City MMA Championship is substantial, attracting many skilled fighters. If this Hunter can rank within the top hundred, I bet he could easily take on ten opponents at once!” “Mr. Yowell really is wealthy, hiring bodyguards of this caliber. I estimate it must cost at least six to seven hundred thousand a year.” Upon hearing the whispers and chatter of the crowd, a look of disdain appeared on Hunter's face. A bunch of naive, weak-willed scholars! What do they mean by facing ten opponents at once? For mere mortals like you all, it wouldn't be a problem for me to take on fifty or sixty of you! Of course, these were merely his inner thoughts. Naturally, he wouldn't openly express them. After all, in today's society, being able to fight wasn't really useful! Being rich was the way to go. Even though he was incredibly talented, he still had to work for the wealthy to provide for his family. “Mr. Yowell, what happened?” Hunter asked aloud. His large, contemptuous eyes, reminiscent of bronze furnaces, swept over the crowd. It was as if a flame was burning within his pupils. Those who found themselves under his gaze felt a chill run down their spine, as if they were being targeted by a human-shaped beast, making them shudder without any cold. Even Kelly and Alyssa were somewhat scared, hiding behind Finneas.