"Your school is not safe. In the past year, thirteen children have left and transferred because of bullying. That's not healthy," said Alexander, shocking Nathan.
He had never counted how many people had left his school, but it was a lot. In his own class, two people had left. How did Alexander know the exact number?
"I'm not saying there are places free from bullying, but if it becomes news and outsiders can see it, that means the school is not good at handling cases," continued Alexander.
Nathan frowned, not understanding what the man meant. He didn't care about bullying or anything else. So far, he had been comfortable at school, mostly because of Vale's influence.
He didn't want to move. He liked his school.
"I don't want to move. I'll graduate soon, so why should I worry about moving?" Nathan refused.
Alexander thought about it. Nathan might have trouble adapting, but it was still the best choice. The school was one system from elementary to university. After high school, Nathan could go straight to university there.
"We've taken care of everything. You don't need to worry about anything else. Just study hard," Alexander replied.
Nathan still refused. "I'm only going to be here for six months. I don't want to move and make my life difficult because of you."
"Difficult? I'm sure what I'm offering is the best for you. Why don't you agree to transfer to the best school like X-Starling?"
Nathan blinked in disbelief at Alexander's words.
"X-Starling?" he asked. The best elite school in the whole country, where the children of the rich and powerful studied. Alexander said he would transfer him there?
"Don't be short-sighted. You still have to think about your future. If after six months you decide you don't want to be part of the Salazar family, you'll still have the chance to continue your education there. Their university is also one of the best," said Alexander.
Nathan felt his heart beating too fast. Was he dreaming? In just a few days, his world had changed like this. How could he ever dream of going to X-Starling? He knew it was a great opportunity. He could get many chances after becoming an alumnus of that school.
The only thing tying him to his current school was probably Vale. Other than that, he had no regrets. He had no other friends. He hated everyone.
Nathan didn't say anything, but Alexander knew he agreed to move.
Alexander then stood up, feeling that the discussion was over. He looked at Nathan.
"Welcome, and today you can enjoy your day off. Tomorrow, you may need to go to your old school to take care of your transfer."
Nathan immediately shook his head. "I don't want to stay here. I want to go to the cafe," he said.
He couldn't believe he said that. All his life he had hated working, but right now the cafe seemed much better than the huge mansion that felt so scary to him.
Alexander shook his head. "No. You won't go to the cafe anymore."
Nathan glared, not liking being ordered around. "I agreed to stay in this house, but that doesn't mean you have the right to control everything in my life."
Alexander smiled. "I do have that right. And you signed the agreement and read it."
Nathan glared. "You're not seriously forbidding me from doing what I want, are you?"
"No. But I won't let you work. And if you want to go out, tell me. Louis will accompany you," he said, pointing to one of the young bodyguards behind him, who immediately smiled.
Nathan shook his head, not liking this at all. "What? Why do I have to tell you? And I don't like strangers following me everywhere!"
"You have to accept it. And I won't be lenient when it comes to your safety. Instead of going to the cafe, you should go buy some clothes," said Alexander.
Nathan insisted. "No. I'm not going anywhere except the cafe. You can't control me!"
Alexander sighed and looked at Louis, his bodyguard. "Watch him. If he goes to the cafe, drag him home."
Ignoring Nathan's protests, Alexander left.
Roger stood up and suddenly hugged Nathan, making the boy jump in surprise.
"Arrgh! What are you doing?!" Nathan shouted, trying to free himself from Roger's tight embrace. The man was taller and more muscular, making it hard for him to push away.
"Let me go!" Nathan yelled, struggling.
"Ssshhh, how about we go together? I'll pick out some of the latest styles for you," said Roger, hugging his younger brother affectionately, ignoring Nathan's protests.
"You're ridiculous! Let me go!"
Roger clicked his tongue and released his embrace when Nathan stomped hard on his foot. "Damn, why are you so fierce? I just want to take you shopping, I'm not trying to kill you!" He rubbed his sore foot.
Nathan glared. "I don't care! Don't act so friendly with me!"
Malvin and Leo held their breath watching how wild Nathan was. A few minutes ago, in front of Alexander, the boy looked controlled, but now he was back to his wild self. But wasn't that a challenge for them? They had six months to get their brother back.
Lucas suddenly stood up, still angry about how Nathan had kicked him twice. This time he grabbed the boy without warning, making Nathan scream in surprise.
Roger was shocked and pulled Lucas back, but Lucas didn't let go of Nathan's hair.
"What are you doing, you idiot!" Nathan yelled, and in an instant, a fistfight and kicking match broke out between them.
"Lucas! Stop!" Malvin shouted, trying to pull his younger brother away.
Lucas was usually the one who caused trouble there, and Nael was usually the victim. But they always joked around, never serious. This time, though, they were worried because Lucas and Nathan were fighting like two gangs. It was brutal.
"What's your problem with me?!" Nathan shouted, throwing a punch.
"You think you're the only one who can kick?" Lucas kicked back.
The sofa and papers on the table were scattered. They looked like they wanted to kill each other.
Roger pulled Lucas back, holding his hands. Malvin dragged Nathan away before he could kick again.
They were both panting like dogs in a fight. Even though they were being held back, they still tried to attack each other, making it hard for Roger and Malvin.
Leo helped Malvin pull Lucas out of the room. "Let's go!"
"Let me go! Let me teach him a lesson!" Lucas shouted, struggling. But Malvin's grip was too strong.
"Go away! Loser!" Nathan shouted, making Lucas even angrier.
"You're the loser! You—" but before he could finish cursing, Leo covered his mouth.
Leo quickly closed Nathan's room door.
When they were finally out of sight and Nathan stopped struggling, Roger let go of him.
"Are you crazy? Damn!" Roger snapped, shaking his head. Now he had to worry about both Lucas and Nathan. Why were they both the same?
Nathan glared at him. "Go away!"
"What? Now you're kicking me out?"
"GO!!"
Roger clicked his tongue. "Let's go shopping!" he said, sounding like a child begging for ice cream, making Nathan look at him with disgust.
"I will not go anywhere with you! Freak!"
Roger made a pitiful face. "You're hurting my feelings."
"GO!!"
But Roger grabbed Nathan's hand. "No, no. I'll clear my schedule today and go shopping with you, okay?" he said.
"No!" Nathan resisted, making it hard for Roger until he finally gave up trying to force him.
"All right. Okay, okay, we can do it another time. But what are you going to do now? Stay here all day?" he asked.
"That's none of your business!" Nathan pushed Roger out of the room and slammed the door.
Nathan snorted, feeling his heart still racing from the fight with Lucas. What's wrong with that guy? he cursed silently.
He had to go to the cafe, no matter Alexander's threats.