Chapter 52
The young leader wore a smirk that hinted at malice.
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Everyone at the table was just a bunch of students. None of them had ever seen such a show of force in the real world. A few brave souls attempted to speak, but the sight of the intimidating men outside made them swallow their words.
Shirley never expected that the young man would find her here.
Her brother had gotten into a scuffle at a late–night food stall and ended up beating someone up a few days earlier.
She thought the matter was over, but it turned out the person her brother had fought was the son of an underground figure and the very young man before her, Finn Coppell.
Her family had to pay a hefty sum, yet Finn still wouldn’t back down. He had insisted she agree to be his girlfriend before he would let things slide.
She felt helpless, so she could only stall Finn while looking for a solution.
This was why she was eager to choose between Liam and Owen.
“That’s him, Owen,” Shirley said. She looked at Owen with desperation.
“Oh? That’s him? Don’t worry, Shirley. I’ll handle it!” Owen assured her and offered a comforting look before rising from his seat.
He was full of confidence. He envisioned a scene where he could scare off the other party with just a few words and bask in the admiration of everyone around him, especially with the beautiful Madeline Gardner nearby. The thought of showcasing his prowess in front of her made him even more excited.
Owen stood up and tried to look imposing as he asked. “What’s your name, buddy p>
“Who do you think you are to call me buddy?” Finn scoffed and gave Owen a dismissive glance.
Owen felt a surge of anger as Finn had made it clear he wasn’t taking him seriously,
He blurted out in a moment of rashness. “I’m Owen Harmon. This restaurant is family–owned, and my cousin Mateo runs the Eastvale District. Am I qualified enough p>
His voice turned cold as he revealed his card.
“Mateo?” Finn’s brows furrowed slightly at the mention of the name.
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Owen felt a swell of pride by seeing Finn’s expression change. Mateo’s reputation was enough to alter the atmosphere. He had turned the tide in his favor with just a name.
All he needed to do was say a few formal words and resolve Shirley’s issue. Then, she would surely be his girlfriend before long.
Shirley noticed Finn’s reaction and felt a flicker of hope. She wouldn’t mind being Owen’s girlfriend if this could be resolved.
The rest of the students watched as Finn lost his bravado the moment Owen mentioned Mateo’s name. They secretly envied him and realized the weight a powerful name could carry.
This was the mark of a true heavyweight. Just mentioning his name was enough to intimidate
anyone.
Finn hesitated for a moment, and then a strange smile spread across his face.
“I thought you had some clout for talking back to me. Turns out you’re just Mateo’s cousin p>
Everyone was puzzled. Why did Finn sound so unconcerned?
As the students pondered this, Finn suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Owen by the collar and spitting words in his face.
“Kid, even Mateo has to be polite when he talks to me. He even offers me women when I visit the Eastvale District. Do you think you can intimidate me with his name p>
Owen was momentarily stunned, and the others in the room were equally dumbfounded. Even Victor, who was the son of a prominent businessman, couldn’t believe what he had just heard.
Madeline’s eyes widened in shock. Mateo was on the same level as Tobias, a powerful figure who controlled the North District and the Eastvale District. How could this arrogant youth disregard someone like Mateo?
Owen struggled to process this. He nervously fished his phone from his pocket and dialed Mateo’s number.
“Is this Owen? What do you need?” Mateo’s voice came through rough and authoritative.
“Mateo, I’m at the restaurant, and I’m facing some trouble. I told them I’m your cousin, but they don’t seem to care,” Owen stammered.
He gathered his courage and laid everything out before the crowd. After all, Mateo was a prominent figure in Ravenridge, and he had the powerful Frankie backing him. Owen found it hard to imagine anyone who would dismiss Mateo so easily. He suspected that Finn might be trying to bluff his way through.
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“Let me talk to him. I want to know who has the guts to disrespect me!” Mateo’s voice was low and laced with anger.
Owen handed the phone to Finn. He felt emboldened by Mateo’s tone.
Finn nonchalantly took the phone and addressed Mateo casually. “Hey, is this you, Mateo? I’m Finn Coppell. I’m busy here, and your cousin is making a fuss in front of me. What do you want me to do p>
“Oh, is that so? Well, you tell him to leave. Don’t blame me for being ruthless if he’s still there talking nonsense,” Mateo replied.
Finn’s nonchalant demeanor made everyone feel uneasy. He handed the phone back to Owen, who instantly felt the weight of dread.
Owen bowed deeply to Finn after hanging up. His tone shifted to panic. “I’m sorry, Finn. I didn’t realize it was you. Please disregard my earlier words p>
All the bravado he had just moments ago evaporated.
Finn looked at him mockingly. “Do you still want to meddle in my business with Shirley p>
Owen glanced at Shirley and saw her desperate and disbelieving gaze. He felt his cheeks flush with shame.
All the bravado he had previously exuded had vanished.
He shook his head and forced a smile. “Finn, Shirley and I are just classmates. I wouldn’t dare interfere with what you want with her p>
Finn laughed triumphantly. “Piss off. I won’t make things difficult for you since you’re Mateo’s cousin p>
Owen obediently stepped aside. He couldn’t bear to face the gazes of the crowd, so he quickly left the private room.
Shirley’s heart sank. She had hoped Owen would leverage his connection to Mateo to handle Finn, but it seemed Finn was far more formidable than anyone had anticipated.
Could we really find a way out after provoking him?
“Shirley, you’ve had a few days to think. I can’t just let you go back since you’ve come to me willingly today,” Finn said with a sly grin.
Shirley felt trapped by that. She was at his mercy now.
Victor remained silent. He was fully aware of Mateo’s power, as even his father had to respect
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Chapter 52 Who Gave You The Courage?
Mateo. What could he possibly do if Finn had the audacity to disregard Mateo?
Finished
Madeline and the others were equally paralyzed with fear. Nobody could offer Shirley any help with Finn looming over them, and no one had the courage to step forward.
Liam, who had been sitting quietly beside Shirley, suddenly stood up at that moment.
“Hey, listen. I’ll apologize on her behalf if Shirley has done something to offend you. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll do my best to accommodate you. Please let her go,” he pleaded with Finn and bowed slightly.
Shirley was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Liam to stand up for her in such a situation. A wave of gratitude washed over her.
However, Finn barely acknowledged Liam’s presence. “Who do you think you are to speak for her? This has nothing to do with you. Get lost p>
Finn was already growing impatient. He waved his hand to signal his men to grab Shirley.
Liam clenched his jaw and stepped in front of Shirley as he determined to protect her. The others quickly retreated because they did not want to get involved.
Liam stood firm when the men approached. He had made up his mind that he wouldn’t let Shirley be taken away so easily, even if it meant he would end up getting hurt.
The big man’s eyes glinted coldly. It was clear that someone like him could take on ten high school students like Liam without breaking a sweat.
A voice suddenly rang out in the room just as Liam was about to confront the men.
“Who gave you the courage to grab people in front of me p>
Send Gifts
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