The Pauper heir rises

chapter 7

The two of them exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unsettled by my newfound confidence. I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving them standing there in stunned silence.

As I walked, my mind raced with possibilities. My life had changed in an instant—I now had resources beyond their wildest dreams. Ethan and Linda had no idea what was coming for them, but soon enough, they would.

I smiled to myself, my heart filled with resolve. The power and wealth I now possessed would not only protect my family but would also ensure that no one ever dared to cross me again.

And my enemies? They had no idea what kind of storm was about to descend on them.

My smile faded as I crossed the courtyard, the cold wind whipping around me as I made my way toward the school's main building. My thoughts spiraled—I had done well to keep my newfound power hidden for now, but Linda and Ethan were like snakes, waiting for the right moment to strike. They had humiliated my grandmother, and no amount of apologies or explanations could erase that from my mind. They would pay dearly.

As I approached the school entrance, my phone buzzed again. I didn't even need to check it to know who it was. Marcus had been keeping tabs for me ever since that morning, updating me on every detail.

"Marcus," I answered, my tone clipped. "What's going on inside?"

"They're waiting for you," Marcus whispered urgently. "Linda just called the director. He's on his way to stop you. You need to be careful. They're planning to have you expelled—permanently this time."

I clenched my jaw. So, they were pulling strings to take me down once and for all. I should've expected that, but now wasn't the time to back down.

"I'll handle it," I said firmly, hanging up.

I entered the school building, the familiar hallways now buzzing with students who either glared or whispered behind my back. The rumors had spread like wildfire since my suspension. Everyone was expecting a showdown. I ignored them, my eyes locked on the corridor ahead.

As I neared the gym, I spotted Ethan standing near the entrance, leaning casually against the wall as if waiting for me. Linda was by his side, phone still in hand, an arrogant smirk plastered on his face. They hadn't noticed me yet.

"Jason Walkers," Ethan drawled, finally seeing me approach. "I was wondering when you'd show up. Still think you can walk around here after what you did?"

I didn't answer. My eyes were fixed on Ethan, but my mind was elsewhere. I was calculating, weighing my options. I couldn't afford to make a scene—not yet. The director would arrive any moment, and if I acted too impulsively, it would play right into their hands. But the sight of my grandmother's tear-streaked face flashed in my mind, and the fury within me bubbled dangerously close to the surface.

"Not going to talk, huh?" Linda chimed in, stepping closer with a sneer. "Your grandma sure was generous, wasn't she? That little bag of money she threw at us? Pathetic. We're not cheap charity cases, Jason. You should know better."

My fist twitched, but I forced myself to stay calm. "Get out of my way."

Ethan chuckled, stepping in front of me. "Or what? You'll hit me again? Don't forget—you're already suspended. One more slip-up, and you're gone for good."

My gaze flickered between them. I knew what they were doing—baiting me, trying to push me over the edge. But something had shifted in me since learning the truth about my inheritance. I was no longer the wretched boy that had thought I was.

Without warning, Ethan shoved me hard against the wall. "Apologize. Now. And don't forget my medical bill for last time."

My eyes darkened, my muscles tensing as I fought the urge to retaliate. "I'm not apologizing for anything."

Linda's grin widened. "Then we'll make sure you're gone for good." He glanced at his watch. "The director should be here any second."

Suddenly, a small voice interrupted the tense standoff.

"Jason!"

My heart dropped as I saw my grandmother rushing down the hallway, her face etched with fear. She had followed me despite my instructions to go home. "Jason, please, don't fight! Let's just leave!"

Before I could respond, Ethan turned to her with a cruel sneer. "You again? Didn't you get enough of a show outside, old lady? You're really trying to protect this loser?"

My vision blurred with rage as I saw Ethan spit at the ground in front of my grandmother's feet. My grandmother flinched, tears welling in her eyes.

That was the final straw.

With a snarl of fury, I launched myself at Ethan, my fist connecting with his jaw with a sickening crack. Ethan staggered back, clutching his face in shock as I continued my assault, landing blow after blow, my anger consuming me.

"Jason, stop!" my grandmother cried out, her voice trembling.

But I didn't stop. I had lost control. My vision tunneled, focusing only on Ethan's bleeding face beneath me as I pressed him to the floor, my knee digging into his chest.

"You think you can get away with humiliating my family?" I growled, my voice dark and filled with venom. "You're wrong."

Ethan, panicking, fumbled for his phone. "Director, come quick—he's going to kill him!"

Just as I raised my fist to strike again, a hand grabbed my arm, pulling me back.

It was the school director, his face pale with fury. "That's enough, Jason!"

I froze, my breathing ragged as I realized what I had done. Ethan lay beneath me, bruised and bleeding, while the entire hallway watched in stunned silence.