Chapter 454

Lindsay and Aylin were the first to step onto the fencing strip.

Lindsay's eyes gleamed sharply as she struck with ferocity; her blade lunged like lightning, her footwork brisk and unrelenting, each move aimed straight at vital openings.

Aylin, though no novice, stood her ground with a steady defense, and the two quickly founy themselves locked in a duel where neither woukt yield an inch.

At the edge of the platform, Hannah watched in silence, her gaze riveted on Lindsay's movements as if studying every detail with hawk-like intensity.

At some point, Vincent appeared by her side, his posture relaxed, his tone confident as he remarked "They're not half as skilled as you." Hannah did not turn her head her eyes locked on Lindsay "And why are you so sure?"

A faint sm le curved Vincent's I ps, his gaze carrying depth like still waters that run deep. "I just know it."

Just then, Claude approached and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Hannah, just play your usual game.No need for nerves."

She inclined her head slightly, her reply calm and unwavering."Alright."

Her focus returned to the strip. With a keen eye, she noticed Lindsay's habit-whenever she pressed the attack, she often struck toward the opponent's underarm.

Moreover, whenever Lindsay shifted to a defensive block against a thrust, a fleeting gap opened at her lower right abdomen. The window was brief, a mere heartbeat long, yet enough for Hannah to seize upon when the time came.

The clash on the strip reached its end. Dwawing upon her wider experience ad ruierss style, Lindsay finally securedThe victory

"Well donel" Elvin bursit MRO YBUCDUS aDMSA.laughter booming from his chest, his face glowing with triumph. He turned smugly to Nikolss, whose expression mes already ciouded with trushvation "Ha-ha! Mr. MacLeod, r'l be taking What land and property without hesitation!"

Nikolas's eyes fell on Aylin, trudging off the fiekd in defeat. His voice dropped to a growd,anger simmering beneath his breath. "Usaless."

Elvin's jeer fanned Nikoles' fury, and he snapped back, voice tight with restrained rage, "Don't start celebrating yet, Mr. Cortez! Your daughter wont necessarily win every round!"

Confidence shone from Elvin's face; arrogance roda his every word. Casting a disdainful glance toward Hannah, he scoffed. "Mr. MacLeod, I have full confidence in my daughter. I invested much in nurturing her. Fencing is second nature to her. As for that Hannah-my men have just checked her background. Hailed from a modest family. Likely never éngaging with such an elite sport as fencing.She's just pretending to be skilled! My daughter is bound to win. And an easy win,no less."

Nikolas's frustration only deepened, his chest burning with outrage.

Lindsay, removing her helmet, walked forward wearing the pride of a victor. Her voice brimmed with smugness as she said to Hannah, "You still have time to give up. At least then, you won't lose too disgracefully."

Meeting Lindsay's challenging gaze, Hannah's tone was calm, her eyes steady. "You haven't competed with me yet. How can you be so certain I'll lose?"

.Hannah's unflinching reply lit a spark of admiration in Vincent's eyes. He relished this side of her-the spirit that refused to bend.

Claude, too, found himself drawn to this quiet defiance.Without wasting more words on Lindsay, Hannah walked toward the equipment area to choose her foil.

Vincent lifted his hand ever so slightly. At once, a manager stepped forward, presenting a finely crafted case toward Hannah with utmost respect. When opened, it revealed a silver-white foil, its hilt adorned with subtle patterns of elegance.

"You should wield this one," Vincent said in a low voice. It was his personal saber, forged from aerospace-grade alloy-light as a feather, yet bending with perfect resilience. He kept it stored at this club, using it for his entertainment whenever he visited.

Hannah studied the blade and then accepted it. The foil sat comfortably in her hand, almost as if it belonged there. She nodded once. "Thank you."

Seeing this, Claude hastened to pick up the protective gear, preparing to assist. "Hannah, the gear."

But before Claude could act, Vincent raised his hand

again.

At once, the professional staff, waiting nearby,stepped forward and efficiently dressed Hannah in her fencing equipment.

Vincent's eyes flicked toward Claude, his words smooth but edged. "I've already arranged everything. Mr. Hobbes, no need to trouble yourself."

Claude's hand stiffened mid-air, his face darkening in silence.

Once fully equipped, Hannah flexed her wrist, her words measured. "Let's begin."

Hannah and Lindsay stepped onto the fencing piste,squaring off.

The referee's hand came down. "Begin!"

0

A ruthless glint sparked in Lindsay's eyes. Without even testing the waters, she hurled herself into attack.

Hannah seemed pressed back under thestorm of blows. Her footing wavered, her guard strained, and she was driven to parry and retreat again and again.

Lindsay scored her points again and again.

Elvin's laughter rang out, filled with certainty. "Mr.Jones, it looks like my daughter has the match in her pocket once again."

Vincent's smirk cut cold as steel. "It's too early to call the outcome."

"Oh, she's the one who'll win," Nikolas suddenly commented.

Elvin, brimming with certainty, replied without missing a beat, "Of course-my daughter will claim the victory."

"I wasn't speaking of her," Nikolas countered at once,his tone like iron striking flint. "I meant Ms. Scott will be the one to triumph."

Elvin froze, momentarily caught off guard. "What did you just say?"