Chapter 125: Ganging Up

When Xavier saw the mischievous glint in Jared's eyes, a chill ran down his spine. Regaining his composure, he quickly replied, "What are you talking about? All that matters is that you're back."

"Jared, you returned at an unfortunate time; we've finished for the evening. If you're still hungry, there are leftovers you can have. Otherwise, they'll go to waste," Zayne suggested sarcastically.

Zayne's comment erupted in mocking laughter.

"Oh? Does your mouth not hurt anymore?" Jared retorted with a smirk.

Zayne winced, covering his face with his hands.

"Zayne, ignore him. Let's go," Maria said, pulling Zayne away, worried Jared would strike him again.

Once everyone else had left, only Jared and Hilda remained.

"Jared, if you're hungry, we can grab a bite outside instead of eating leftovers here," Hilda offered.

"Didn't you eat enough?" Jared asked, surprised.

"When you were taken away, I was worried about you, so" Hilda admitted she'd barely eaten.

Jared's guilt was evident in Hilda's expression. He smiled. "Come, let's get something to eat."

They left together. Meanwhile, outside Vintage Restaurant, Zayne politely opened the car door for Xavier. "Mr. Jennings, please"

Xavier hesitated, stepping back. "You go ahead. I just remembered I have some unfinished business to attend to."

He intended to question Felix about what had happened and demand a refund if Felix had failed.

Jared and Hilda approached. Jared smiled. "Mr. Jennings, if you need anything, I can help."

Zayne scoffed. "Jared, who do you think you are, handling Mr. Jennings' affairs?" He turned to Xavier. "Mr. Jennings, I can assist you with anything you need."

"It's a private matter. You should leave."

Xavier glanced at Jared before returning to Vintage Restaurant.

Lydia suddenly spoke sarcastically. "Jared, didn't you arrive in a Bentley? Is it picking you up now? I've never seen one; could you have your friend drive it over to show us?"

"Yes, I want to see a Bentley too!"

"Me too! I want to see this friend of Jared's."

"Let's hope you didn't arrive in a Bentley and are going home on a scooter!"

The crowd began to ridicule Jared.

"Why should I show you?" Jared sneered.

"You're just bragging! You don't even have such a friend!"

"It's too easy to get away with boasting these days. If it were illegal, you'd have been arrested long ago!"

"It doesn't matter. Jared has been arrested before. He was recently released from prison, haven't you forgotten?"

The crowd, eager to curry favor with Zayne, bombarded Jared with insults. Zayne, caught up in the moment and forgetting his earlier pain, joined in. "I heard Jared was cheated on after prison. What a loser! How dare he brag to us?"

Jared's expression darkened. He raised his hand, frightening Zayne, who cowered behind Maria, covering his face.

"Jared, what are you doing? If you touch him, I won't let you get away with it!" Maria scowled.

The extraneous website promotion has been removed. The language has been made more concise and natural-sounding. Grammar and punctuation have been corrected throughout.