Chapter 17 He Is Nothing

• Upon seeing Nathan, Gavin greeted frivolously, “Chief Zachmann! We meet again! How are we going to deal with this matter?”
• With a serious expression on his face, Nathan pulled a chair over and sat down.
• “Gavin, it's one thing for you to act foolishly usually. How could you go to the university and hit a student? What was more, it was the district leader's son! You truly know how to pick them!”
• Gavin wore a helpless expression.
• “I had no idea who that student was. Just give me a straight answer. How are we going to sort this out? If they want compensation, name their price!”
• Nathan glanced at me and let out a sigh.
• “The student said he can put this matter behind him as long as you pay him five thousand, but not him.”
• Pointing at me, Nathan continued, “He claimed that your buddy here has a record and wants him in jail for a few days!”
• After listening to it all, I wasn't at all surprised. After all, I was Howard's love rival, so he wished nothing more than for me to be dead.
• With a grave expression, Gavin said, “Can't you help to mediate some more, Chief Zachmann? I'll pay. It's not a big deal. All that matters is to put this behind us!”
• “Gavin, you should know that it isn't money he lacks. He just wants his revenge!”
• No sooner had Nathan said that than the phone in his pocket rang.
• As he answered the phone, his demeanor immediately changed.
• “Old Mr. Zimmer? How may I help you? Oh, sure, sure! I've got it!”
• After he had finished speaking, he hung up the phone. I scoffed at his sudden shift to a subservient attitude.
• Putting his phone down, he looked at me with a grin.
• “I underestimated you, kid. You're one of Linus' men, huh? Your boss reached out to Old Mr. Zimmer, asking to have you released and saying that his son can hit you back however you hit him!”
• Upon hearing that, I went silent, unease brewing within me.
• It wasn't that I feared being hit, but the fact that Linus intervened on my behalf and spoke to the district leader for such a minor issue resulted in me being greatly indebted to the man.
• When Gavin and I had completed the necessary procedures and had our statements taken, we left the police station.
• As soon as I stepped out, I saw that Matthias was already waiting for me in his Santana right at the entrance.
• Matthias rolled down the car window and hollered, “Get in, Theros!”
• I glanced back at Gavin awkwardly, but the latter nonchalantly waved a hand.
• “Get in the car. I'll take a taxi home myself. Since we didn't get to drink today, we'll do so another time!”
• After Gavin had finished speaking, he snorted softly with his eyes locked on Matthias before he turned around and left.
• I got into the car, taking the passenger seat. Looking at Matthias, I greeted in slight embarrassment, “Mr. Carlson.”
• Matthias turned the keys in the ignition.
• With his gaze fixed straight ahead, he started, “Theros, I've warned you to keep your distance from Gavin. His temperament is bound to cause trouble! Let's go. We'll be going to Mr. Linus' karaoke lounge. Both Mr. Hackett and Howard are waiting for you there!”
• I nodded silently. Matthias glanced at me before stepping on the gas and speeding toward Bellaros Karaoke.
• Half an hour later, we both pushed open the door and walked into the office. As I took in the people inside, I was momentarily taken aback, for Rosalie was too there.
• Upon seeing that I had arrived, Rosalie quickly rushed over, asking in concern, “Are you okay, Theros? They didn't give you a hard time, did they?”
• I shook my head. The moment my gaze landed on Howard who was nonchalantly sitting on the couch with his legs crossed beside Linus, a surge of anger welled up within me.
• It doesn't matter to me if he wants to hit me. I'd accept that. But this b*stard even brought Rosalie here. It's clear as day that he wants to embarrass me before her and also show her how impressive he is!
• “Theros, come here!”
• Since Tigre had spoken, I took a deep breath and walked with a cold expression on my face.
• Linus didn't even spare me a glance, absorbed in toying with the beaded bracelet in his hand. Howard, on the other hand, wore a smug expression and had his nose in the air.
• “Theros, apologize to Mr. Zimmer! Let him slap you twice, and this matter will be over!” Tigre said in a solemn voice.
• “I'm sorry, Mr. Zimmer. Please pardon my ignorance!”
• Gritting my teeth, I forced out an apology. Howard snorted before turning to look at Rosalie with a smirk on his face.
• “Did you see that, Rosalie? He's nothing before me!”
• Rosalie crossed her arms and snapped, “The only reason you're anything at all is because of your father. Without him, you'd also be nothing!”
• When Howard heard that, his expression went cold. It seemed that her words struck a painful chord in him.
• He rose to his feet and glared at me. I knew he was about to vent his anger on me.
• Snorting coldly, Howard declared arrogantly, “Mr. Linus, I'm not one for physical confrontations. How about this? Have Theros prostrate himself before me thrice, and we can put this matter behind us!”
• Linus' hand stilled on the beaded bracelet. He turned to look at Howard, flashing him a faint smile.
• “Whatever you decide is fine, Mr. Zimmer. We won't interfere in the matter between you both!”
• “Kneel down, Theros!” Howard ordered smugly.
• However, I was lost in thought, mulling over Linus' words earlier. Why does it feel like there was a hidden meaning behind that remark?