Milo Roland squeezed through the broken gap in the school's back wall, arriving at Class 3 of Grade 11 completely out of breath. The bell had already rung long ago.

He stood at the classroom door and called out, "Reporting in." The homeroom teacher glanced at him and waved him inside without comment.

Ryan Watson was dozing at his desk but jerked awake at the noise. He spotted beads of sweat still clinging to Milo's forehead.

"You're actually late?" Ryan whispered, disbelief written all over his face.

Milo shoved his backpack under the desk and pulled out his textbook. "Got cornered by two rabid dogs at the school gate."

"Dogs?" Ryan's eyes widened. "Since when are there dogs near campus?"

"No idea where they came from." Milo flipped open his book, fingers trembling slightly.

Ryan picked up on the unease. "Why were they chasing you?"

"Maybe..." Milo hesitated. "They wanted something I had."

The morning's close call flashed through his mind. Jason Roland had been lying in wait at the school entrance with Heidi and Victor, like starving wolves. If he hadn't been quick enough to slip through the wall, they'd have caught him for sure.

That family was like a bad penny. After failing to extort his sister, they'd now set their sights on him.

When the dismissal bell rang, Milo grabbed Ryan before he could bolt for the cafeteria. "We're eating out today."

They'd barely stepped off school grounds when three figures darted from an alleyway, blocking their path.

"Milo!" Jason advanced with a nasty grin. "Nowhere to run this time!"

Ryan instantly moved in front. "Who the hell are you?"

Heidi shrieked, "None of your damn business! Get lost!"

"Who you calling a hag, you old witch?" Ryan pulled out his phone. "Want me to call the cops right now?"

Milo spoke coldly. "Perfect timing. My sister has voice recordings of you as evidence."

Jason's expression faltered. He quickly pasted on a smile. "Milo, we just came to take you home. Family shouldn't hold grudges overnight."

Ryan finally understood—these were the parasitic relatives Milo always complained about.

"Cut the fake concern." Ryan snorted. "Get lost or I'm dialing 911!"

The three exchanged uneasy glances before retreating across the street. But their greedy eyes remained fixed on the boys.