How could they be released so soon? I could understand Lina being released. However, Ryan had stolen money. I figured he'd probably pulled some strings to post bail.

"I've told you that I'm not the one asking for it. It's the police! I'll be imprisoned if I don't return the money in time!"

"What has that got to do with me? You framed me in front of the police. How could you, Ryan?"

"Framing you? Would I have resorted to stealing if you hadn't forced me to buy jewelry in exchange for dinner? If I'd known you were a greedy bitch who would do anything for money, I wouldn't have spent a single cent on you. You better pay me back right now, or I'm not letting you leave the restaurant."

Their heated argument drew everyone's attention, and heads turned to them. However, they still didn't know what was going on. They only knew that a couple had suddenly turned on each other and felt extremely curious.

Even Benjamin and Liam were confused. "Why are they arguing?"

"Who will be next in line to obtain Lina's fancy? We haven't even finished our first year, and she's already blown through three boyfriends."

"Ryan screaming at Lina? Wasn't he infamous for sucking up to her? Why has he undergone a complete change?"

Only Felicia and I knew what was going on. We exchanged weary smiles and shook our heads. They were turning on each other, and it would prove to be a good show.

"Lina, are you going to give me the money?"

"No means no! You gave it to me, so now it belongs to me. I'll give it to you if I want, but you can't do anything about it if I don't!"

"Fuck, you really think I can't do anything about this? Give it to me!"

Ryan had been forced into a dire situation. He was desperate, so he surged forward and choked her, yanking the jewelry off her.

"What are you doing? Help, someone help me!"

Lina was terrified and anxious as she called for help.

However, the people around them had no idea what had happened. Their meddling might be unwelcome if the couple were just arguing for fun. Thus, no one helped.

After taking all her jewelry, Ryan seemed to calm down slightly. In contrast, Lina was fuming. She slapped Ryan.

Ryan didn't let it slide. He immediately raised his hand and slapped her, too. Everyone was dumbfounded.

Although sucking up tended not to end well, it was rare for a man to lose his marbles and turn against the woman.

"Y-You hit me? Ryan Hudson, I see your true colors. You're a useless coward pretending to be rich by stealing from the school. Now that you've been discovered, you're trying to blame me rather than turning to your family for a solution. Fuck you!"

Lina went mad as well after being hit. The weak persona disappeared completely. She went at him like a raging bitch.

Ryan's eyes blazed. "How dare you curse me? I'd only intended to make you give the jewelry back. Now, I'm formally telling you to return every single cent I've ever spent on you!"

"Any less, and I'll immediately call the police and report you for using dirty money. You'll have a mark on your record as well!"