Alex sported wavy hair that curled at his neck, making him look like the lead actor from some early–noughties movie. He warned, “Arthur, Gavin’s with me.”


    Arthur released Gavin at once and snorted. “So that’s what happened. You took him


    in, huh?”


    The eight students who had sided with Gavin were regretting their choice even more


    now.


    Gavin said loudly, “From now on, we’ll answer to Alex! He’s Jalen Holder’s nephew<i>!</i>”


    The students behind Gavin couldn’t hide their surprise. They had guessed that Alex came from some formidable background, but they didn’t think his uncle was Jalen,


    one of the Heroes of Rivend.


    Alex shoved his hands into his pockets and smiled. “Those who want to hang out with me, you may do so free of charge. I’ll even throw in a weing pack of cigarettes and put your drinks on my tab.”


    Gavin straightened his cor and eyed Arthur menacingly. “I’m Alex’s man from now on, so you might want to watch yourself if you run into me in the future.”


    With that, he led the eight students over to Alex.


    Alex gave one of hisckeys a look, prompting thetter to quickly produce a half- dozen packs of cigarettes and distribute them to the new recruits.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    “Come on, Arthur. Join us and I’ll give you a thousand–dor allowance every month,”


    Alex said to Arthur.


    This was not the first time he had tried to recruit Arthur. If he could have someone as


    strong and capable as Arthur in his gang, he could secure his position on campus.


    Arthur sneered, “Forget it. I’m not the type to betray someone’s trust in me.”


    What a shame that Alex couldn’t persuade someone with such admirable loyalty to


    join his gang.


    A pauseter, he chuckled and said, “It’s fine. I can keep waiting. Let me know once


    apter 367


    you’ve given my offer some thought. I’m ready to wee <i>you </i>into my gang


    anytime. I’ll even let you be my right–hand man!”


    With that, Alex turned on his heels and left with hisckeys.


    Arthur watched them leave as scorn and disgust shed across his eyes. He then looked at Jamie quizzically and asked, “Why didn’t you join Gavin and his group?”


    Jamie smiled breezily. “Give me some credit, Arthur. I’m not disloyal.”


    If he were frank, Gavin’s and Alex’s offers were tempting.


    Everyone had heard about what happened to Heath. Even if Heath’s men were


    released, they would be no better than a leaderless pack with neither direction nor


    structure.


    Besides, Jalen and Titan likely had their ns for Heath’s henchmen.


    They were the Heroes of Rivend, and Benjamin might not evenst until the end of


    the month if they were toe for Heath’s forces.


    The only reason Jamie chose to stay on Carlisle’s side was because of thetter’s history with Heath.


    Jamie heard that Heath had reported to Carlisle. In other words, Heath and his forces likely rose to power because they had help from Carlisle.


    Although Heath’s rise to power had been as quick as his downfall, it was still impressive how his forces had gained traction in just half a month.


    Jalen and Titan, on the other hand, had treaded the edge of a de for over a


    decade to attain their infamous reputation.


    There was no denying that Carlisle’s sharp judgment allowed him to aid Heath’s rise


    to power, though Heath’s capabilities yed an important role as well.


    Jamie thought Carlisle was a rather interesting figure, and he would like to see if


    Carlisle could help Benjamin carry on Heath’s legacy.


    Meanwhile, Carlisle had escorted Wanda to her ss.


    Charter 463


    Susan had only juste out of the office when she spotted Carlisle and Wanda holding hands.


    She froze and quickly backed into the office once more.


    Just then, Peter came out of his office and announced, “Ms. Lowe, Mr. Be, I’d


    like to see both of you in my office.”


    Timothy Be was a middle–aged balding man who was the homeroom teacher of


    ss 1.


    Exchanging a look with Susan, Timothy quickly headed into the dean’s office with Susan following closely behind.


    In the privacy of the office, Peter adjusted his sses and said, “I assume you’ve both heard of Wanda’s kidnapping incident yesterday?”


    Timothy and Susan nodded in unison. Timothy said, “I’ll have the female students in


    my ss reach out to her with empathy andpassion.”


    Peter shook his head. “Here’s the thing, Wanda’s kidnapper killed one of the


    Thompsons‘ bodyguards in front of her.


    “She’s been traumatized since, and our resident psychology professor suggested that we have Wanda stay with someone she’s close with.”


    Susan’s eyes lit up at this. “So you’re saying that Wanda will be transferred back to <i>my </i>ss?”


    Peter nodded and said, “That’st