Because people had discovered something Derek never expected.

The quiet man had a past.

A serious one.

Derek hated that.

He hated that the conversation was no longer about him.

He hated that inmates were talking about someone else.

Most of all, he hated the question everyone was silently asking:

Could Derek actually beat Marcus?

During evening recreation, Derek approached him again.

The entire block noticed.

Marcus looked up.

"Derek."

Derek smiled.

"So it's true."

Marcus said nothing.

"You were a fighter."

"Years ago."

Derek laughed.

"Years ago?"

He stepped closer.

"You think a few trophies make you special?"

Marcus shook his head.

"No."

"Then what makes you think you're better than me?"

Marcus looked at him calmly.

"I don't."

That answer confused Derek.

Because he expected arrogance.

He expected Marcus to brag.

Instead, Marcus refused to compete with his ego.

And that made Derek even more frustrated.

"You know what your problem is?"

Derek said.

"You think you're above everyone here."

Marcus looked at him.

"No."

"Then prove it."

The room became silent.

Everyone knew what Derek meant.

A real challenge.

CHAPTER 7 — THE FIGHT NOBODY EXPECTED TO SEE

The next day, the prison recreation yard was unusually quiet.

Everyone knew something was happening.

Derek had challenged Marcus.

Not for entertainment this time.

For pride.

The guards watched carefully.