Chapter 58
Just as Eleanor was about to say something, her vision was suddenly blocked by something, followed by a loud shout, “What are you all staring at? Look any longer, and I’ll start charging you!”
It was Felix. The moment he entered the classroom, he noticed the wolfish stares from the guys around him. His face darkened instantly.
He grumbled inwardly, “That’s my sister! I haven’t even had my fill of looking at her, and they dare to ogle her like this right in front of me? Do they think I’m dead?‘ Although his reaction wasn’t exactly appropriate, it certainly had the desired effect. The shameless gazes started to lessen after his warning.
Just when Eleanor was about to breathe a sigh of relief, she saw Liam stand up with a cheeky grin. He pulled out 60 dollars from his pocket and said, “Uh… Can I look for 60 dollars?”
Seeing him take the lead, several other guys began digging into their pockets.
“I’ll look for 90 dollars,” one of them said.
Another added, “I’ll go for 50 dollars.”
Yet another chimed in, “I’ll outbid them. I’ll look for 150 dollars!”
Both Eleanor and Felix were left speechless. Great, now it really felt like she was on
display like a zoo animal.
She then pulled out her trump card. “In five minutes, I’ll be collecting the physics test papers. Anyone who hasn’t finished will have their names submitted to the teacher.” The physics teacher was notoriously strict and ruthless.
Since the change in homeroom teacher, Eleanor had earned their trust, becoming both class president and the physics class rep. If she hadn’t stood her ground, the teacher probably would’ve thrown even more positions her way.
Sure enough, her words worked better than any threat. The boys, who had been sneaking glances just moments ago, immediately straightened up and focused all their attention on furiously copying their papers.
Seeing that, Eleanor was finally able to relax. The world was quiet at last. But that peace didn’t last long, as a loud yell broke through the classroom door. “Who the hell is Eleanor?”
The newcomer was a tall guy in a basketball jersey, so tall that he nearly reached the doorframe. His brows were furrowed, and his fierce, impatient expression twisted his handsome face into a look of annoyance, like a wolf pup. A few other guys stood behind him, their demeanor suggesting they weren’t here for anything friendly.
Just as Eleanor was about to stand up, Liam blocked her. “Boss, hold up. That guy’s a basketball player from the first–year team. Total troublemaker. Don’t act recklessly.”
She raised an eyebrow and asked, “You know him?”
“I’ve come across him playing ball before. The guy’s bad news. He’s a rich kid and a bully–uses his strength to push people around. Word is, he’s even been to juvie,” Liam explained.
Eleanor eyed the guy, and sure enough, he didn’t look like someone who could be reasoned with.
boss?” Liam stood up fearlessly, meeting the guy’s fierce gaze head–on. There was a bit of a “knight in shining armor” vibe to his stance. “Brock, right? What do you want with
my
Brock Byron narrowed his eyes, his expression full of malice, making him look even more terrifying. He tilted his head, sizing up Liam. With a raised brow, he sneered, “Your boss is that ugly chick, Eleanor?”
Liam’s eyes
widened in anger as he rolled up his sleeves. “Say that again, I dare you! I’ll knock you so hard, you won’t know
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Chapter 58
which way is up!”
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Hearing Liam’s outburst, Eleanor was speechless. Sometimes, she really wondered how he managed to stay second in their grade.
Brock wasn’t intimidated by Liam at all. He bounced the basketball on the ground with a few loud thuds, his gaze locked on Liam. “Yeah, I called her ugly. So what? That ugly chick dared to steal my sister’s role, and today, I’m gonna teach you both a
lesson!”
With that, Brock hurled the basketball straight at Liam. But Liam was ready. He reached out and caught the ball easily. Grinning widely, he pulled a pair of scissors from who–knows–where and, without hesitation, stabbed them into the ball.
In an instant, the brownish basketball was punctured, and air hissed out as it slowly deflated.
“You son of a bitch!” Brock was utterly stunned. Liam had moved so quickly that he hadn’t even had time to react.
By the time Brock snapped out of it, his eyes were bloodshot with rage. He bared his teeth, looking like he wanted to rip Liam apart on the spot. “That ball was signed by my idol, and you destroyed it!”
Liam put the scissors away and tossed the deflated ball back to Brock. His aim was spot on, landing it right at Brock’s feet. “Yeah, I did. What are you gonna do about it, huh?” His tone was annoyingly cocky.
Brock’s chest heaved with fury, but he knew that if he started a fight here, the teachers would get involved. Not that he was scared of the teachers, but his dad always got a call whenever he caused trouble, and then his dad would freeze his credit card. So he felt that it wasn’t worth it.
Clenching his fists, Brock pointed a shaking finger at Liam, barely holding back his rage. He said, “Fine, you’re gonna regret this. You want a beating? I’ll make sure you get one!
“If you’re so tough, tell me your name then. Meet me after school in the woods behind the west field, and we’ll see if I don’t have you crying for your mommy!”
Brock was an athlete, always out of school for training, and being a freshman, he didn’t have much interaction with seniors, so he didn’t know Liam at all.
Seeing his fierce demeanor, Eleanor pressed her lips together, her worried gaze falling on Liam.
She reasoned that, sure, Liam’s actions earlier had been pretty infuriating, but he was just trying to look out for her. If he ended up getting beaten up because of her, she’d definitely feel guilty about it.
Before Eleanor could say anything, Liam, completely unfazed, crossed his arms and lifted his chin arrogantly, looking as if he were untouchable. He sneered, “Ha! Of course I’m tough. I’m Felix Vanderbilt from Senior Class A. If you’ve got the guts, come hit me then!”
Eleanor, who was still worried about Liam, and Felix, who was quietly working on his assignment, were both left speechless. Brock gritted his teeth, pointing a finger viciously at Liam as he threw down another threat. “Alright. Felix, huh? You’ve got guts. I’ll give you that. I’ll be waiting after school. If you don’t show up, you’re a coward!”
Liam shouted back, “Fine. I’ll definitely be there to get beaten up. And if I don’t show up, I’ll be your coward!”
“Deal!” Brock spat.
The class bell was about to ring, and Brock knew it was time to leave. He stormed off with his posse in tow, but not before shooting Liam one last glare.
As soon as they left, Liam immediately wagged his tail and cozied up to Eleanor for praise. “Boss, wasn’t I awesome? That trick I pulled–quick as lightning, huh? Not only did I scare off those troublemakers, but I also put Felix in his place! Two birds with one stone!”
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Chapter 58
Eleanor massaged her aching temples, unable to find the words look up at her at that moment. “Ellie, don’t worry. I’ll take care o
Even if Liam hadn’t stepped in earlier,
