As soon as Malcolm finished speaking, Thaliaimmediately stepped forward to back him up. "Griffin, what do you mean by that? Do you think I’m no longer good enough for you now? You’re not leaving here today unless you explain yourself clearly."

Although that was indeed what I thought, I bit back the words to save them some dignity. "I don’t have time to chat with you two. Tell your people to open the door."

Despite Malcolm’s repeated provocations, I didn’t get angry. Instead, I chose to back down again and again. After all, this was a class reunion. I didn’t want to ruin the mood.

But just as I was about to leave, Malcolm’s bodyguards seized me firmly, blocking my way.

Malcolm strutted over, exuding arrogance and slapped my face with force. "You really think you’re somebody now, huh? Do you even know whose name this hotel carries? Back in school, weren’t you the one always tattling on people? Go ahead, make a call. I’d like to see if anyone’s still willing to help you now that we’re no longer in school."

Clenching my teeth, I locked eyes with him. "Malcolm, this is your last warning."

"Back in school, you were lazy and useless, always fighting or skipping class. I told the teachers for your own good. Now that you're an adult, remember to think about the consequences before you act!"

Malcolm’s eyes scanned the room, surveying our classmates. "You all heard that, right? He says I should think about the consequences, hahaha. Griffin, even if I ruin you today, what are you going to do about it? Do you really think being a top student makes you a big shot? Before you step out of here, you should’ve checked just how much weight the Fitzroy Family carries in Langston!"

I slowly lifted my head, holding back my anger with great effort. "Malcolm, have you ever heard the saying ‘There’s always someone bigger, someone stronger’? Some people are not to be trifled with."

"I advise you to let go of me now, or you’ll be the one regretting it later, not me."

As soon as I finished speaking, Malcolm sneered. "What did you say? I can’t afford to offend you? Let me tell you, Griffin, I haven't met a single opponent in Langston. You, a mere civil servant, are as easy to crush as an ant."

The classmates around us laughed mockingly after hearing Malcolm’s words. Only the class leader seemed anxious.