Chapter 2

The head of campus security, Herbert Allen, pushed through the crowd with several guards. When he saw the bodyguard lying on the ground, his face darkened.

He barked, "What the hell are you doing on the first day of the semester?"

Harvey immediately pointed at me. "Mr. Allen, this guy showed up wearing a fake designer suit and slandered me. Then, he attacked my bodyguard. Arrest him right now."

Herbert followed his finger and looked at me. His eyes lingered on my face for several seconds, but it was obvious he didn't recognize me.

I'd only arrived in Jolmont the previous evening.

The university's official website had been preparing to publish my profile and photo, but I'd stopped them at the last minute. I wanted to see what this century-old university was really like before revealing who I was.

Judging by what I'd seen so far, I'd made the right decision.

Herbert walked up to me, his tone firm. "Show me your student ID."

I said, "I don't have one."

"Which university are you from?"

"None."

Herbert gave a cold laugh. "You're not even a student here, and you still had the nerve to come onto campus and cause trouble? Security, take him to the security office."

I looked at him. "You're not even going to ask what happened or check the security footage?"

Herbert said nonchalantly, "Mr. Jetson already explained everything."

I challenged, "And you believe everything he says?"

A flicker of impatience crossed Herbert's face.

"Mr. Jetson has no reason to frame you," he retorted. "You're the one who sneaked onto campus wearing fake designer clothes and approached him. I have every reason to suspect you were up to something. Search his briefcase. See if he's carrying any hidden recording or surveillance equipment."

Two security guards stepped forward and reached for my briefcase.

I gripped the strap, my voice turning colder. "You have no right to search my personal belongings without law enforcement present."

Herbert waved dismissively. "Spare me the legal lecture. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."

"Oh, but you can't afford to," I warned.

Herbert stared at me for a moment before laughing out loud. "You're a student who can't even afford the clothes you're wearing, but you have quite an attitude. I've worked at this university for over ten years, and I've never seen a troublemaker like you."

Harvey crossed his arms, watching me with satisfaction. "Mr. Allen, you need to make him take off that suit. I don't want someone walking around campus in a cheap knockoff and ruining my reputation."

Herbert hesitated. "That might be going too far."

Harvey responded casually, "My aunt will be here any minute. Maybe I could have her handle it herself."

Herbert immediately changed his tune. "Don't worry, Mr. Jetson. I'll take care of it."

He turned to the two security guards beside him. "Take him away."

One of the guards grabbed my arm. "Let's go. Don't make us use force."

I didn't move. "My phone was damaged. Deal with the property damage first."

Harvey laughed. "It's just some cheap phone. I'll pay for it."

He pulled a thick stack of cash from his bag and threw it at me. The bills scattered across the floor.

Harvey said arrogantly, "Here's ten grand. It's more than enough to buy your crappy phone and that knockoff you're wearing. Happy?"

A wave of gasps swept through the crowd. Several people held up their phones and started recording.

Harvey clearly enjoyed having everyone's attention. He stepped over the scattered bills and walked up to me.

"Pick them up and apologize. I might decide not to press charges over you injuring my bodyguard."

I looked at the money scattered by my feet and made no move to bend down.

In a firm voice, I said, "You apologize to me and pay for my phone. Then, go to the security office and cooperate with their investigation. I might consider going easy on you."