What Anita mentioned wasn't just about Armageddon's past, but also about identity. NUP was essentially a nobility and wealthy family rule, infiltrating NUP's politics, and the Murphy family was one of the rotating chairmen in the NUP BlueBlood Club. After winning the title, Van Levitt managed to barely attain the qualification to enter the BlueBlood Club along with the support of Bai Wuliu, leading him to a new domain. Perhaps Van Levitt believed that Hilary couldn't defeat him, but if Hilary was present at least he would save face. He would wait until his wings were full grown to speak up. Without Hilary there to restrain him, there was no limit to his outburst. If Li Hao didn't provoke him, he wouldn't initiate, but if Li Hao showed disrespect, Van Levitt would explode instantly.
Once a person stands in a high position, the least tolerated thing is provocation from those who were previously inferior. Essentially this was also his own inner obsession.