Chapter 11: Avenging His Grudge

Jared stared at Juliette Jones, his former classmate, her face heavily made up. A look of repugnance crossed his features. Juliette had pursued him in university, when his father's secure job made him a desirable catch. He'd rejected her, choosing Sandy instead, believing Sandy far superior in looks and personality. Now, however, he saw them as equally shallow. "I made the wrong choice," he thought.

Warrick Fox, Jared's former roommate and a rival for Sandy's affections, interjected, "Why the silence? You were impressive in university, student council president! What would the dean think of an exemplary student becoming an ex-convict?"

Warrick had harbored a grudge since Jared started dating Sandy, repeatedly trying (and failing) to break them up. Their friendship ended after graduation. Their presence at Sandy's wedding implied an invitation; otherwise, they wouldn't be there.

Jared ignored them, taking a sip of water. He wasn't interested in engaging. Their smugness, mistaking his quietness for fear, only fueled their taunts.

Juliette sneered, "I'm sure you're jobless, fresh out of prison. Need a toilet-cleaning recommendation? Your father's lost his job, so don't count on him."

Warrick, ecstatic at his perceived victory, gloated, "Back then, I'd have beaten him if his father hadn't had a secure job!"

Juliette giggled, "Don't be absurd, Warrick. The student council president cleaning toilets? Street cleaner, at least!" Their laughter echoed through the hall.

Jared slowly raised his head. His tone was calm, but his words sent chills down their spines. "If you value your lives, leave."

Juliette felt a sudden, icy dread, her prepared insults forgotten. Warrick, eventually exploding in rage, shouted, "High and mighty, an ex-convict? Your girlfriend's marrying someone else, and you're acting tough here?"

Juliette chimed in, "Exactly! Are you afraid to offend the wealthy Scotts?" She jabbed a finger at him. "Don't provoke me," Jared warned, lowering his head again.

Warrick, enraged, lunged, grabbing Jared's collar. They were clearly trying to curry favor with Leyton, the groom's father, hoping for career advancement.

Jared slapped Warrick hard across the face. The resounding slap startled everyone; Warrick crashed into a table, shattering it. All eyes turned to them.

Baldy, seeing an opportunity for revenge, yelled, "Get him! Kill him!" A dozen goons, armed with batons, charged Jared. The guests watched, knowing Jared's chances of survival were slim.