Chapter 106 Making a Name at New York University
Eric's laughter echoed in the open space, tinged with a hint of contempt. "If you don't kneel and apologize right here, right now, I guarantee you'll find New York University's gates barred to you."
Fred's face contorted with rage, his voice rising to match the challenge. "You think you can intimidate me? Look around you, Eric. This is NYU, not your backyard. I've got people in this crowd, and they're recording every move. Lay a hand on me, and it'll go viral before you can blink."
Eric's eyes became slits, his voice a blade of ice. "Still trying to provoke me? Seems I was too lenient before. Maybe you need another lesson in manners."
Eric's tone dropped to a sinister whisper. "You should know, I don't just mingle with NBA stars; I've got connections that... specialize in resolving disputes. Push me too far, and you might just vanish before dawn."
Fred's bravado crumbled, leaving him visibly shaking. He knew Eric was not one for empty threats.
Gritting his teeth, Fred demanded, "Who are you, exactly?" It dawned on him that if Eric could casually name-drop NBA stars, his reach was undoubtedly beyond Fred's sphere.
Big Teddy, who had been looming silently, stepped forward. His voice boomed with pride, "Eric is none other than the Chairman of the Power Group's New York operations, and his grandfather is the respected Sean!"
"Sean's grandson?" The words hit him like a ton of bricks, sending ripples of shock through the onlookers.
Fred's knees gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, his face a mask of shock and despair. He knew of Sean's influence.
The revelation of Eric's lineage hit Fred's teammates like a tidal wave, draining the color from their faces. They had been foolish enough to challenge a titan.
Eric stood with an air of authority, hands clasped behind his back, gazing down at Fred's crumpled form. "Now, will you honor the agreement you made yesterday?"
Considering Eric's powerful background, Fred, swallowing his pride and any lingering defiance, lowered his head in acquiescence. "I... I am willing."
In full view of the gathered NYU students—four thousand strong—Fred and his teammates bowed deeply, their posture one of submission and regret.
"On behalf of the New York School basketball team, I offer our sincerest apologies to NYU," Fred stated, his voice laced with bitterness.
The once haughty Fred now cut a pitiful figure.
As his words dissipated into the crisp autumn air, the students erupted into a chorus of jubilant cheers. Mobile phones were hoisted high, capturing the downfall of arrogance.
"How sweet it is to see Fred brought to his knees!"
"Absolutely! He was all high and mighty, and now he's eating humble pie, thanks to Eric!"
"Eric was wronged, accused of provoking them. This must be mortifying for Fred!"
"Without Eric, we would've never had this vindication!"
The classmates who had doubted Eric felt a flush of shame for their earlier mistrust.
Once Fred had finished his public mea culpa, Eric addressed him with a note of finality, "You can go now. Just remember, humility goes a long way. Flashiness invites only trouble."
Had Fred not been so ostentatious, none of this would have escalated as it did.
Fred could do nothing but nod, leading his team away in a state of utter dejection.
The applause that followed was deafening.
"Eric! Eric! Eric!"
Spontaneously, as if moved by a single spirit, all four thousand students chanted Eric's name, their voices merging into a thunderous roar.
It was clear to everyone that NYU's pride had been restored by Eric's hand.
They marveled at his clout, his ability to summon NBA celebrities to their campus to aid in a mere university match.
As the day's excitement settled, the school's online forums lit up with chatter. The event had been historic—NBA legends gracing NYU's courts was a tale for the ages.
While Eric's wealth was a known quantity, his exact heritage was a topic of fervent speculation. The forum threads were awash with praise and wild guesses about his family's identity.
Today, Eric Phillips had cemented his legacy at NYU. His name was synonymous with influence, whispered in every corridor and classroom.
Inside a Classroom at New York University
Royce stared at his phone, his jaw clenched in frustration. "This guy's practically a campus god now!"
As he scrolled through the barrage of praise for Eric, a dark cloud settled over him.
Royce had long harbored animosity toward Eric, especially after the fiasco with Tina, and witnessing Eric's rise to stardom only fueled his resentment.
"Royce, could this guy really be from some big-shot family?" one of his lackeys ventured.
Royce's response was swift and certain. "No chance. I've got tabs on all the major players in New York's elite, and he's not on the list. Plus, I dug up his school profile. His family's broke; he's been on scholarship for two years!"
"But what about the sports car? And now, rubbing elbows with NBA players? How do you explain that?" another follower pressed.
Royce's voice was a hiss of contempt. "He's got you all duped, but I'm not buying it," he said coldly. "He's dating Tina, right? Maybe he sweet-talked her into getting those NBA stars here."
The lackeys nodded, latching onto Royce's narrative.
"I can't let this slide! He's conned the whole school into idolizing him! I'll expose him!" Royce seethed, his fingers flying over his phone's keyboard.
Royce saw Eric as a nemesis. He couldn't stand the thought of him basking in adulation.
A new post soon appeared on the school's forum, authored by Royce.
"Fellow students, it's Royce. Time to unmask Eric. He's no rich heir; he's a pretender. Below is his info from the school's records."
A photo followed, stamped with the school's seal, detailing Eric's financial struggles, complete with his scholarship history.
"Is he really not rich?"
"Why would a wealthy guy need a scholarship?"
"Has Eric been faking it all along?"
The forum exploded with shock and speculation. If Royce's claims held water, Eric's carefully constructed facade was crumbling.
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