Chapter 862

Chapter 862:

However, they would get no help from Andrew, as he seemed to be even more scared than they were.

A look of fear was fixed on his face, and he trembled slightly.

“You have three seconds,” Fernanda said, her lips curving into a cold smile.

“Three…”

Three seconds? What was she talking about?

“TWO…”

It was then they realized she was counting down before beating them up. Before she could get to one, Andrew turned to Ritchie and bowed deeply. “I am sorry!”

The others quickly followed suit, bowing and muttering their apologies. The apologies echoed through the studio, startling the students who had just returned.

They had all seen these guys harass Ritchie, but things unfolded differently this time.

Ritchie sat with his hands clenched into fists on his lap.

“I don’t accept your apologies,” he said.

Andrew immediately grew panicked. “We really didn’t mean it like that, Ritchie. It was just a joke. Please don’t be angry. We’ll replace your spilled paints and even double the compensation!”

“Yes, we’ll get the new paints for you right away!”

“We’ll compensate you for everything!”

“There’s no need for that,” Ritchie said, his voice curt. “I just want you to leave me alone from now on.”

An apology couldn’t undo all that had been done to him.

“I promise you’ll never hear or see us again,” Andrew said frantically.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⨁𝗰𝗈𝗺

Ritchie swallowed hard and, with a voice full of venom, ordered, “Get out!” The look on his face was cold and resolute, and in his eyes was a glimmer of defiance.

Andrew glanced at Fernanda, who nodded at him. He immediately looked away and led his group out of the studio.

“Don’t forget to pay for the paints and his clothes,” Neal called after them.

“Yes, we’ll go get them now,” Andrew called back, bowing deeply.

The studio was finally quiet once the bullies were gone.

The other students stole curious glances at Fernanda, Neal, and Ritchie. Fernanda gave Neal a meaningful look, and he patted Ritchie on the shoulder. “Let’s go talk outside.”

Ritchie nodded, gathered his palette and brushes, and then followed them out.

The sunlight cast long, slanted shadows through the corridor’s glass window.

Ritchie stared at the floor, his eyes refusing to meet theirs.

“If anything like this happens again, tell us. We’re friends, remember?” Neal said.

Ritchie finally looked up and met Neal’s eyes. “I won’t join your team.”

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