Bully Lord

Part-119

The following day, it was the turn of Khalid, a quiet boy from James' class. He had fallen victim to a tech scam, paying for a supposedly high-end gaming laptop, only to receive a broken, outdated model.

The cases continued to pile up, each one more distressing than the last. There was Mia, who had lost a significant amount of money on a fake investment scheme, and Ethan, who had purchased a counterfeit designer watch.

The common thread linking these victims was the online marketplace they had used. It was a popular platform, known for its low prices and wide range of products. Yet, it was becoming increasingly clear that the platform was being exploited by scammers.

James felt a growing sense of anger and frustration. These victims, like Sourov, were innocent people who had simply trusted the wrong people.

The situation was spiraling out of control.

The classroom buzzed with anticipation as the teacher entered, a new student trailing in her wake. The girl, a vision of youthful beauty with long, flowing hair and piercing blue eyes, instantly captured everyone's attention.

James, however, felt a jolt of surprise. He recognized the girl immediately. It was Toya, the same girl who had witnessed his confrontation with the bullies at the market. Her fiery defense of her grandmother, coupled with her subsequent judgment of his actions, had left a lasting impression.

The teacher, oblivious to the silent exchange between James and Toya, introduced the new student to the class. "This is Toya Rahman," she announced. "Her father has been transferred to this area, so she'll be joining our class."

A collective gasp rippled through the classroom. A police officer's daughter? It was like having a celebrity join their ranks. But for James, the revelation held a different significance. His father was also a police officer. The connection was undeniable.

Toya, oblivious to the commotion she had caused, returned James' gaze with a cold indifference. The memory of their previous encounter, her accusation of him being a bully, was still fresh in her mind. She had come to this new school with a guarded heart, and James, with his unexpected appearance, had reignited her distrust.

James outwardly maintained his composure, but inwardly, a storm of emotions raged. Toya's cold glare had pierced through his carefully constructed facade, exposing his vulnerability. He was not accustomed to being judged, especially by someone he had tried to help.

The memory of the market incident, the confrontation with the bullies, and the subsequent rescue of the old woman flashed before his eyes. He had acted out of a sense of justice, a desire to protect the innocent. Yet, Toya's judgment had cast a shadow over his actions, questioning his motives and undermining his self-worth.

It was a bitter pill to swallow. He had spent countless hours training, honing his skills, and building his character. To be reduced to a mere 'thug' by a girl he had tried to help was a harsh reality check.

A wave of defiance washed over him. He wouldn't let Toya's judgment define him. He would prove her wrong, not through words but through actions. He would excel in his studies, master his martial arts, and become a role model for others.

As for Toya, he decided to maintain a distance. He would focus on his own path, ignoring her cold glares and letting his actions speak louder than words.