Chapter 1825
Zachary furrowed his brows, clearly frustrated. He didn't want to choose Terry as his opponent; they were both from Gabo Creek province, and whoever lost would be a significant loss for their side.
Down below, Calvin was initially stunned. Then, he sneered coldly, “Zachary, tough luck going up against Terry. You’re screwed.”
Zachary spoke steadily, “Mr. Peck Senior, I have no desire to hurt Terry. Do you think there’s still room for negotiation?”
Calvin let out a mocking snort. “Negotiate my ass! Mr. Thornton arranged this match. I can’t do anything about it, and frankly, Terry doesn’t know how to hold back. If something happens to you, well, bad luck. Don’t blame anyone.”
Zachary’s face darkened. He thought Calvin was incredibly arrogant. He had only given a kind warning because he was afraid of crippling Terry, but judging by Calvin's attitude, he was mocking him.
“Hey, are we fighting or not?” Terry was already losing his patience. With one hand on his hip, he sneered, staring Zachary down. “I started training at three. Since childhood, I’ve studied under martial arts masters in Goldridge. You’re no match for me, so forfeit now and get lost. Otherwise, when I beat you to a pulp, you’ll be paying your own hospital bills!”
Zachary looked toward Andrew below. Andrew stepped forward, saying flatly, “In the arena, skill is all that matters. That’s the rule. If you want to become one of Mr. Thornton’s inner disciples, you have to fight your way up. A man who trains shouldn’t waste time whining; just go for it!”
Zachary straightened, energized by Andrew’s words. He looked Terry in the eye and said firmly, “No hard feelings.” Then, with a sharp exhale, he lunged forward with a powerful punch. To be fair, Terry was not all talk. He quickly stepped back, shifted his stance, and engaged Zachary in a flurry of exchanges.
Calvin turned toward Andrew’s side of the hall with a smug grin. “Andrew, pitting Zachary against Terry is a fool’s move. Terry is the most promising of the entire Peck family. Zachary’s just a brawler with no pedigree. He’s done for!”
Andrew didn’t even look at him, replying flatly, “We’ll see who ends up on the floor. Terry’s footwork is a mess, clearly from too much drinking and womanizing. In fact, he’s just like you. He’s truly your son.”
Calvin’s face twitched with rage. He barked, “Watch your mouth! This is Goldridge, not Blumedale! I’ve spent years building ties with the most powerful families here. Don’t blame me if things get ugly because of your stupid arrogance!”
Back in Blumedale, Calvin hadn’t dared to lay a finger on Andrew. Andrew’s network in Gabo Creek ran deep, rivaling the Peck family. And more importantly, Victoria had always treated Andrew with special regard, even borderline affection. All Calvin could do was seethe with jealousy.
But now, they were in a different city. Away from Gabo Creek, Calvin’s sense of superiority surged. He finally saw a chance to put Andrew in his place, and he wouldn’t waste it.
Andrew glanced at him, expression flat. “If you want to step up, Mr. Peck Senior, I’d be happy to accommodate.”
There was only so much Calvin could tolerate out of respect for Victoria.