Chapter 3

"Look, there he is! Lucas! The heir of Zane Corporation!"

I slowly wiped the egg off my face, frowning and forcing down the urge to vomit. I took in the furious crowd surrounding me.

"How dare you show your face out here! How did you even get out? Who pulled strings for you?!"

"Rich kids' lives are just different. Who else would show up at the police station wearing a watch worth ninety thousand dollars?!"

"Give us an explanation! Why aren't you being detained?!"

The crowd pressed closer, demanding answers. They tore into me. My hair, my clothes, and my appearance were all the proof they needed to label me a villain.

I was stunned by the barrage of shouts and insults. After a moment, I remembered something. I pulled out my phone, which the police officers had confiscated earlier, and opened social media. Sure enough, the story had gone viral, topping the local trending charts.

[Rich Heir Hits Ordinary Citizen and Flees the Scene!]

Shock and anger boiled inside me. I did not even have time to deny it before the crowd moved in closer. Meanwhile, the officials stood by, acting as though they had not seen a thing. Everyone assumed I was just another spoiled rich kid who thought I could hit someone and get away with it.

In a sluggish economy, it seemed everyone harbored the same resentment toward the wealthy.

"I didn't hit anyone! Stop throwing things at me! Don't come closer! It wasn't me! Do you have any proof it was me?!"

I yelled at the crowd, trying to defend myself, but then a car pulled up behind me. A familiar voice called out, "Mr. Lucas! Get in quickly!"

I turned and met the gaze of my butler, and a surge of relief hit me. Of course, my father had sent someone.

Once I got inside the car, I finally felt safe. I pulled out my phone to check the news properly. My eyes went wide with rage.

"Yes, I apologize for occupying public resources, but my husband's actions were completely inappropriate. I sincerely apologize."

Vanessa appeared on the video. Her eyes were red as she sobbed and 'confessed' on my behalf. This made everyone believe I was the one who hit someone.

"The authorities will provide an official explanation. Please remain calm. We will handle this matter responsibly."

In the video, Vanessa's voice cracked as she made her promises, looking pitiful and wronged. She looked completely different from the expression she wore when she pointed fingers at me.

I watched her act coldly, then turned to the butler in the passenger seat.

"Mr. Lewis, don't go to my parents' place. Take me home."

"But sir, your parents…"

Mr. Lewis hesitated for a moment. He seemed reluctant, but ultimately complied.

"Wait for me at the door."

I knew they were both at the villa, so I did not let Mr. Lewis follow me upstairs.

Mr. Lewis seemed like he wanted to say something, but knowing who he was, he just sighed and stepped aside.

As I approached, I heard Vanessa laughing in the living room.

"So, when do you think he'll be back?"

"I don't know, Vanessa. But it should be soon, right? Didn't you say the Zane family's influence in this city is absolute?" Ryan answered. Vanessa laughed even longer.

"Better not…"

"Better not what?!"

I stepped forward, cutting them off. I sneered at how close they were sitting on the couch.

Vanessa and Ryan froze in shock. Their faces stiffened, then they quickly faked surprise and tried to separate themselves.

"Lucas! You're back! Things were settled so fast?!"

"Thanks to the Zane family's influence!"

I was boiling with rage watching them act, and without a second thought, I slapped Vanessa across the face, shouting angrily, "Who do you think you're kidding?! Vanessa, are you hoping I rot in prison for the rest of my life?!"

"Lucas! Why are you hitting her?!"

Ryan immediately tried to rush forward. After slapping Vanessa down, I threw a punch at him as well.

"Get out! Who do you think you are, crawling around in my house?! Get the hell out of here!"