The maltreated Heir

chapter three

The moment the office door shut behind them, the atmosphere changed.

The murmurs outside disappeared, replaced by a suffocating silence.

Everyone of the students were eager and ready to hear what the Dean's judgement was going to be.

No one has ever challenged Jason and won.

He was the school's golden boy and not only that, his father also pumped a reasonable amount of money into the school's bank.

Liam stood in the middle of the spacious room, his bruised face still swollen from the beating he received the night before.

Across from him sat Dean Harold Whitmore, a silver-haired man with sharp eyes and an expression that looked like he already made his final wish just as Liam walked into the room.

Jason Reed casually took the seat to the right, crossing one leg over the other like he owned the place.

Vanessa remained standing beside him, one hand resting lightly on his shoulder.

Liam noticed all of this but tried to calm his raging nerves. He was still in shock wondering why the Dean would call him to his office when Jason was the culprit and also the one who cheated him.

Dean Whitmore adjusted the cuff of his expensive suit before speaking.

“Mr. Reed has informed me that you assaulted him yesterday in public, causing unnecessary disturbance and damaging the reputation of this institution.”

Liam stared in disbelief. “Sir, that’s not what happened.”

“Then enlighten me,” the Dean said coldly, his harsh gaze fixed on Liam.

Liam swallowed the phlegm at the back of his throat. His eyes darted between Jason and his ex-girlfriend.

“He came to my apartment with Vanessa. He provoked me. His men attacked me after I punched him.”

Jason gave a soft laugh.

“You hear that?” Jason said, glancing at the Dean. “He admits to punching me.”

Liam’s jaw clenched. “He stole my girlfriend!” he said with anger.

Vanessa rolled her eyes dramatically. “You make it seem like I was some chicken to be stolen or some domesticated animal. I was never his to steal.”

The words struck Liam like another slap.

Dean Whitmore folded his hands neatly on the desk.“Miss Vanessa, is there any truth to Mr. Gray’s version of the story?”

Vanessa didn’t hesitate. “None. Why would you believe this wretched boy over my lovely,Jason. We both know he is honourable and would never do something like that.”

Liam turned sharply toward her. “Vanessa—” he called out with a gentle voice.

“You embarrassed yourself yesterday,” she said coolly. “You got violent because you couldn’t accept that I moved on.”

Jason smirked. “She’s being generous. Personally, I think you’re unstable.”

Liam took a step forward.“You’re lying!” he said with a sharp gaze.

“Enough!”The Dean’s voice boomed through the room like thunder.

Liam froze.

Dean Whitmore slowly stood from his chair and walked around the desk.

He stopped directly in front of Liam, his gaze lowering to the torn shirt, worn shoes, and bruised face.

There was no sympathy in his eyes. He was having a look of contempt on his face the moment he stared at Liam.

“You students on scholarship always carry the same disease,” the Dean said quietly. “Entitlement.”

Liam blinked.“Sir?”

“You arrive here through charity and begin to believe you belong among those who built this school with donations and legacy.”

Liam’s breathing became uneven.“I worked hard to get into this university.”

“Worked hard?” the Dean said with a dry chuckle. “Working hard does not place you above your station.”

Jason lowered his head to hide a smile while Vanessa didn’t even bother to talk.

Liam’s fists slowly tightened.“I earned my place here. I worked for everything just like the rest of the students.”

Dean Whitmore turned away dismissively.“No, Mr. Gray. You were allowed a place here. Not because you were smart and definitely not because you were wanted here!”

Those words echoed through the room and for a moment, Liam couldn’t speak.

Everything he had sacrificed, every sleepless night, every double shift and every exam was reduced to a favor.

The Dean returned to his seat and opened a file.“In addition to your overdue tuition, there is now a disciplinary complaint filed against you by Mr. Reed.”

Jason casually straightened his sleeve. “I’m willing to be lenient,” he said.

Liam looked at him with disgust while Jason smiled wider.

“On one condition.”

Dean Whitmore nodded. “Speak.”

Jason stood and walked toward Liam slowly. The scent of his expensive perfume filled the air.

“Get on your knees,” Jason said softly. “ Beg. Ask me not to have you sent out of thus institution.”

The room went still.

Liam stared at him with disbelief in his eyes and looked at the Dean who pretended not to see a thing.

“What?” he said with his hands clenched in anger.

“Get on your knees,” Jason repeated. “Apologize for touching me. Apologize for disturbing Vanessa. Apologize for pretending you belong here.”

Vanessa folded her arms and watched with interest.

“And if I don’t?” Liam asked.

Jason’s smile vanished.“You’ll be expelled today.”

Dean Whitmore said nothing. He simply stared at her tab on his face with interest while Liam and Jason battled things out.

That silence said enough.

“ And what if I am not ready to bow to you like you are asking me too? What happens then? Are you going to send me out of this school?” Liam asked, his gaze furrowed.

Jason laughed so hard holding down his stomach. “ You don't seem to get it for you?” he said, his gaze piercing through Liam's defensive armour.

He walked closer to Liam on the chair he sat on. “ I alone give command to what goes on around here. The Dean and the educators all worship the ground that I walked on and the air that I breathe in. Do you honestly think you can get away with this?”

Liam slowly stood up, his gaze locked with Jason. “ You disgraced and had your men beat me up and now you are playing the victim? Who do you think you are?!”

Jason laughed, “ The only person who is going to make you bow at my feet. You have till I count ten to fall at my feet or you lose your place in this school. The ball is in your court, Liam. Why don't we find out who actually runs things around here.” he said with a grin