Chapter 21
Jason rushed back to the States, finally learning what the emergency was about–Peterson’s situation had escalated.
Ryan Peterson wasn’t just any student at Culver; he came from a family nearly as wealthy and powerful as the Stans. Though the Petersons didn’t quite match the Stan family’s influence, they were certainly not people to be crossed lightly.
At Tyler’s party, when Jason had carelessly told his teammates to “teach Kelsey a lesson,” Peterson had been the one leading the attempt to remove her clothes. When Jason returned and saw what was happening, he’d completely lost control, beating Peterson so severely that he was hospitalized. Even now that Peterson had been released, his leg was permanently damaged.]]
The Peterson family wasn’t about to let this slide.[]
They had been working through various channels to pressure the Stan family. Jason’s father was reportedly flying back from overseas to deal with the situation personally.]
But the immediate problem wasn’t the family feud–Peterson had announced that he had explicit photos of Kelsey, and he intended to post them online.
Jason immediately rushed to Peterson’s private room at the rehabilitation center.
He kicked the door open, shouting, “Where the hell did you get photos of her, Peterson?!“]]
Peterson lay in his bed, staring at Jason with undisguised hatred in his eyes.
“Where did I get them?” he sneered. “You were always bragging in the locker room about where you’d taken her, what you’d done. All I had to do was stake out a few of those places in advance. Not exactly rocket science.”
Jason’s face turned ashen, his fists clenching with rage. “You’re a dead man!“]]
He lunged forward, ready to finish what he’d started at the party, but Peterson had anticipated this. His family had hired security–several professionals immediately stepped in, restraining Jason with practiced efficiency.
“Just as I thought,” Peterson said, his voice dripping with malice. “I heard you actually fell for Harbour. Turns out it’s true. What happened to Russell? You were ready to ruin Harbour for her sake, and now you’re willing to fight for Harbour instead?“]
“Too bad for you. Once these photos hit the internet, your precious Kelsey is finished. And I’m not talking about those pathetic fakes that circulated before. These are the real deal.“]
“I have to say, she looks quite tempting in them. No wonder you fell for her. Too bad I never got a taste myself…”
“You sick bastard!” Jason roared, somehow finding the strength to break free from the security guards. He grabbed Peterson by the collar, ready to slam his fist into the smug face he’d already rearranged once before.[]
Peterson panicked, immediately shouting, “I’m warning you! One more hit and I’ll release the photos right now!”
Jason’s fist froze mid–air.
Peterson, realizing he had found Jason’s weakness, smiled with cruel satisfaction.[]
“Worried about those photos destroying little Kelsey’s ballet career? It’s simple. Kneel down right now and tell me you were wrong to attack me. Say you’re my dog, and I’ll delete all the photos of Kelsey. What do you say?“[]
“Peterson, you-!“)
Jason moved to strike him again, but Peterson immediately pulled out his phone, the screen displaying thumbnails of what were clearly the photos in question.[]
He smiled coldly. “I’ll give you three seconds to decide. If you don’t kneel, I’m posting everything online. Three, two…”
Thud.
Jason abruptly released Peterson’s collar and dropped heavily to his knees.
