Chapter 458

Lindsay's and Elvin's faces twisted with more than mere frustration-raw panic seized them.

Lindsay's composure shattered as she lunged forward, yanking her sword from the staff member's grasp. "Don't touch my sword!" she shrieked.

Vincent watched her unravel, a mocking smirk curling his lips. "What's wrong, Miss Cortez? Guilty conscience?"

Lindsay faltered, her lips quivering. "I-I just don't like others touching my things!"

From the sidelines, Hannah watched as Vincent, with just a handful of words, boxed Lindsay and Elvin in.A playful curve played at her lips. Earlier, she'd noticed that after Vincent took Lindsay's sword, he'd whispered something to the club manager. It turned out that his silence hadn't been indecision from weighing Lindsay's unreasonable demand-it was the calm before a devastating strike. This man was merciless, yet his precision was chillingly effective.

Claude's gaze hardened as he watched Lindsay's demeanor crumble. Initially, he'd thought she was just sore about losing, but her guilty expression and Elvin's ashen face told a different story. Lindsay had likely cheated.

A staff member hurried forward, breaking the tension. "Mr. Jones, the sword used by Ms. Scott has been fully tested. It meets all International Fencing Federation standards-weight, balance, elasticity,resilience-all within regulation. No issues at all."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, their eyes on ·Hannah now filled with respect. She had won fair and square.

Vincent gave a subtle nod, his piercing gaze locking onto Lindsay. "Ms. Scott's victory is legitimate. Miss Cortez, will you hand over the sword for a test now?" Hannah's brows lifted slightly. Vincent's move had validated her ability and affirmed her clear win.

Whispers grew among the club staff.

"Could Miss Cortez actually have cheated?"

"No way-Lindsay Cortez? She's had a record of consecutive wins here."

The murmurs reached Lindsay's ears.

Elvin, seeing the situation spiral beyond salvage,stepped in front of Lindsay, his forced smile pleading."Mr. Jones, let's not take this too far. No need to sour things with the Cortez family-let's keep it amicable for the future."

Vincent's cold smile deepened, unfazed by Elvin's posturing. "Too far? We're just getting started."

With a casual wave, Vincent signaled the waiting staff, who stepped forward and deftly snatched Lindsay's customized sword from her hands. Lindsay stumbled, nearly collapsing as the sword

was taken.

The test results came swiftly.

A staff member approached, face grim. "Mr. Jones,Miss Cortez's sword is severely non-compliant. The balance was altered to enhance thrust speed and stability, and the tip sensor's sensitivity was illegally boosted."

The crowd erupted, their shock and scorn crashing over Lindsay like a tidal wave.

"Lindsay actually cheated! So all her winning streaks were unfair?"

"No wonder Lindsay was so cocky. If this gets out,she is done in the fencing world-she'll be a joke every time she steps onto the piste."

Vincent approached Elvin, his presence looming."This, Mr. Cortez, is what 'too far' looks like."

Elvin swayed, his vision darkening as the weight of ruin settled in. The Cortez family's reputation lay in tatters.

Nikolas finally snapped back to his senses and slapped his thigh, his voice thick with outrage and disdain. "So that's it! I knew something was off! My Aylin didn't lose-Miss Cortez cheated! MAr. Cortez,you and your daughter are despicable, and you had the gall to accuse Ms. Scott of cheating?Shameless!"

Hannah watched the drama unfold, her heart steady and unmoved. She stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Then it's settled. I won fair and square."

Turning to Nikolas and Elvin, Hannah continued,"Time to honor the wager, Mr. MacLeod, Mr.Cortez."

Nikolas, despite his loss, was almost gleeful at the Cortez family's disgrace. He immediately replied cheerfully, "Fair enough, Ms. Scott! You're straightforward, and | appreciate that. I, Nikolas MacLeod,can handle a loss."

Nikolas pulled out his phone. "I'll have my assistant draft the contract now. That parcel of land and the building are yours!"

Hannah gave a slight nod. "Appreciate it, Mr.MacLeod." Her gaze shifted to Elvin, pale and shaken, her tone carrying quiet authority. "And Mr.Cortez, regarding the technology patent, we'll formalize it with a contract. The twenty million dollars -will you pay by transfer or check?"