Chapter 59: Chapter 59 - Caught Fist
I walked slowly towards the crowd, flanked by Kenneth and Victor Green on either side.
"Mr. Raymond, you’re here!" Mikael Gutierrez’s face brightened with relief upon spotting me.
Quinn O’Connor and his companions, however, looked like they’d just tasted something sour.
"It’s you?" Quinn narrowed his eyes, voice dripping with disdain.
I couldn’t help but sneer. "Why couldn’t it be me?"
"You traitor, you’ve actually switched sides!" Nola O’Connor jabbed a finger in my direction, her words sharp as knives.
I gave her a dismissive glance. "Traitor? What relationship do I share with you exactly?"
"What garbage! Once we reached out to you, you can’t go looking for others. Don’t you understand basic loyalty?" Nola’s voice oozed with entitlement.
My eyes turned cold as I stared her down. "Don’t assume everyone in the world is your father who has to tolerate your nonsense. If you weren’t a girl, I’d have hit you long ago."
Rather than backing down, Nola grew even more aggressive. She thrust her face inches from mine and shouted, "Come on, try hitting me! Show us this great prowess of yours!"
I curled my lip in disgust. "Sorry, I don’t hit dogs."
"You!" Nola’s face contorted with rage as she prepared to lunge.
Luka Winston stepped between us, blocking her. "Evan, didn’t you want revenge? Isn’t this a perfect opportunity?" His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Understanding dawned on Nola’s face. "Yes! Luka, you must beat him badly for me!" Her excitement was palpable.
"Don’t worry." Luka’s eyes glinted with something dangerous.
Quinn nodded slightly in agreement. "Indeed, a fair competition. Even the Sean family can’t say anything about that."
Mikael Gutierrez stood nearby, confusion evident on his face. "So you know each other?" he asked uncertainly.
"We’ve crossed paths," Quinn replied with a thin smile. "So it’s not like we’re acquaintances."
"Who would know such garbage." Nola sniffed dramatically.
I couldn’t be bothered to argue further with them and remained silent.
We all took seats in the audience section, waiting quietly for the competition to begin. By now, the venue had filled considerably.
"Isn’t that kid Mason Raymond? The one who appeared at the Sean family banquet recently."
"Yes, I heard he even broke Xavier Hill’s arm!"
"This kid has indeed been rising lately, quite influential in our River City."
"Without the Sean family, he’s nothing."
The crowd buzzed with various comments, few expressing confidence in my abilities.
"Luka, I want you to break his leg to vent my anger!" Nola whispered viciously.
Luka smiled faintly. "Okay, as you wish. I will break both his legs."
Though they spoke quietly, I heard every word clearly.
"Truly ruthless," I thought, feeling coldness settle over my features.
Just for a verbal dispute, they wanted to break someone’s legs. How domineering.
I shot them a frigid glance and made up my mind about what needed to be done.
Just then, the host walked onto the platform, and with his introduction, the competition officially began.
"Luka, no need to hold back," Quinn shouted as Luka headed for the stage.
Luka bowed slightly. "Uncle Connor, please rest assured."
Mikael leaned toward me, concern etched on his face. "Mr. Raymond, please be careful. The fighters from the O’Connor Family Martial Arts School are famously ruthless."
I smiled reassuringly. "Mr. Gutierrez, don’t worry."
I took my position on stage, facing Luka. Our eyes locked in mutual hostility.
Luka’s mouth curved into a cold smile. "Kid, you can still back out now. As long as you apologize to Evan, I can forgive you."
I shook my head firmly. "Sorry, it’s too late. I’ve already decided not to let you off."
Hearing this, Luka burst into laughter.
"Arrogant! Today I will let you experience what it’s like to face an Inner Strength Expert!" he shouted as his inner strength visibly surged within him.
"Die!" Luka roared, charging toward me with his fist clenched tight!
His move was ruthless, clearly meant to seriously injure or kill me.
My expression hardened further.
"What kind of hatred, what kind of grudge makes him want to kill me?" I wondered silently, eyes narrowing.
"Worthy of being Master Connor’s pupil!" someone shouted from the crowd.
"What speed! O’Connor Family Martial Arts School is becoming increasingly powerful!"
"This kid is probably done for!"
Luka was now directly in front of me, his fist approaching my face with alarming speed.
I remained completely still, merely watching him coldly. Just as his fist was about to connect, I suddenly raised my hand and, with a sharp snap, caught his fist mid-strike!
