Evil MC's NTR Harem

Chapter 41: Chapter 41 Fallout

"Breaking news! A renowned lawyer, Ryan Whitaker, was caught on camera attempting to assault a college student but ended up knocked out instead! Stay tuned for the video recording from the school," the news anchor announced with evident intrigue.

Moments later, the screen switched to the footage: Ryan Whitaker, throwing the first punch, his expression tense and filled with anger—only to be swiftly countered and floored by the college student's unexpected reflexes.

The video froze on the moment of impact, capturing Ryan's defeat as the scene unfolded.

The story spread like wildfire, turning into the hottest topic on news stations and social media platforms nationwide. And it wasn't just the shocking altercation that drew public attention; it was the fact that the man humiliated was none other than Ryan Whitaker.

At only 25 years old, Ryan had earned an impressive reputation as a rising star in the legal field, known for his relentless pursuit of justice and ability to bring down notorious criminals.

He had already made headlines multiple times for successfully prosecuting high-profile drug kingpins, a feat that had secured him a sterling reputation as one of the country's brightest young lawyers.

Until now, Ryan's record had been spotless—a symbol of ambition, success, and integrity. Yet, today's footage painted a very different picture. The incident didn't just impact his public image; it cast a shadow over everything he had worked to build.

The clean-cut, untouchable lawyer was now the subject of memes, commentary, and widespread debate about his conduct, with people questioning what had driven him to such an extreme action.

Speculations ran wild. News anchors and commentators discussed the incident on prime-time segments, dissecting Ryan's motives and the circumstances that led him to confront a mere college student.

Was it a personal vendetta? A loss of self-control? And why would a lawyer, famous for his calm composure in high-stakes courtrooms, resort to physical violence in a schoolyard setting?

Legal analysts debated whether this altercation could impact his career, potentially even leading to disciplinary actions.

For Ryan, who had once symbolized untarnished ambition, today's incident marked a fall from grace that might change the course of his life and career forever.

"What have you done, Ryan?" The older man's voice echoed through the room, disappointment mingling with a barely-contained fury. He stood with arms crossed, his gaze sharp and unyielding as it bore down on his son.

He was unmistakably an older version of Ryan, sharing the same piercing eyes and strong jawline that only seemed to intensify his disapproval.

"Dad, I…" Ryan trailed off, rubbing his sore jaw and casting his gaze downward. He knew he couldn't dodge this conversation, so he began to explain, recounting the details of the incident in as few words as possible, hoping that maybe, somehow, his father would understand.

But his father's face only grew darker with each word. "You did this because of one woman? One?" His voice rose, incredulous and filled with anger. "Do you know how many women there are in this world, Ryan? Billions! And you're telling me you threw everything away over this? Over one person? You let your… your emotions control you?" He shook his head, looking almost bewildered. "I didn't raise you to let a fleeting attachment ruin everything you've worked for. You've ruined your name and reputation! Our family's name is in the mud because of you!"

Ryan's mouth opened, but no words came out. What could he say? He'd lost control. In a moment of anger and frustration, he'd let himself get swept up, crossing a line he couldn't uncross. His father's words hit him hard because he knew they were true.

"You're a lawyer, for God's sake," his father continued, his voice dropping to a low, stern tone. "Someone who's supposed to know how to handle pressure, how to act with restraint. And now look at you! You've humiliated yourself, our family, and your profession. Do you have any idea the damage you've done to your reputation? To us!"

Ryan clenched his fists, feeling his father's words like a physical weight on his shoulders. He wanted to defend himself, to explain, but he knew deep down there was no excuse. He had acted recklessly, and now he was facing the consequences.

His father took a deep breath, visibly reining in his temper. "You're supposed to be the man people look up to, the one who sets an example. But today, you've only shown them a fool who can't control his impulses. I expected better from you, Ryan."

Ryan was left speechless, standing there as his father's words echoed in his mind. This was more than just disappointment—this was the kind of moment that could define the rest of his life, and he knew it.

"Where's Mom?" Ryan asked, his voice quiet as he tried to avoid meeting his father's fiery gaze. He knew the disappointment in his father's eyes was too much to bear, and he instinctively turned to the one person he could always rely on for understanding—his mother.

She was the one who had always stood by him, the one who never judged, the one who loved him unconditionally. In his mind, she would never be as harsh as his father, and perhaps she could provide the comfort he desperately needed.

His father let out a sigh, his tone softening a little as he answered. "She called earlier. Said she'd be late. She's finishing up some things at the company."

Ryan nodded, relieved to know that at least he wouldn't have to face both of their disappointments at the same time. His mother had always been a calming presence in their household.

She would know how to handle this, to make him feel like he wasn't completely lost.

But what neither father nor son knew was that, at that very moment, the woman they both relied on and loved dearly was caught up in something far more dangerous than they could have imagined.

In the quiet of her office, she had unknowingly stepped into a precarious situation, one that would soon threaten not just her safety, but the stability of everything the family had worked so hard to build.

Unseen by either of them, a storm was brewing, one that could change everything for all of them—forever.