Chapter 65

Harvey jumped onto the mat, his expression dark. He growled, “Dexter clearly went easy on you, and you abused his courtesy to hurt him! Andrew, your behavior disgusts me. You’ve violated the spirit of taekwondo, and I must teach you a lesson!”

Dexter's poor performance surprised Harvey, but it didn't matter. He'd been waiting for this opportunity.

Francesca pleaded anxiously, “You’re an eighth-degree black belt. Andrew doesn’t stand a chance! Please don’t do this!”

Christina added, “Harvey, check on Dexter. Don’t hurt anyone!”

Harvey smirked at Andrew. “I didn’t want to fight you—it would seem like bullying—but you seriously injured Dexter after agreeing to a light sparring match. Even if Christie and Lauren get angry, I must teach you about martial arts honor!”

Andrew frowned. “I asked if it was a friendly match. He fought dirty and insulted me; why should I have shown mercy?”

Harvey snapped, “Stop making excuses. Fight me if you’re a man.”

Andrew shook his head. “Let’s not. Someone might get hurt.”

Harvey sneered. “Scared? Just say so. For Lauren and Christie’s sake, I’ll go easy, enough to avoid seriously injuring you.”

“I’m worried about hurting you,” Andrew replied calmly.

Harvey laughed incredulously. “Christie, Fran, did you hear that?”

Christina said coldly, “Andrew, you’ve hurt someone, and now you’re being arrogant. Apologize, and we can move past this.”

Francesca chimed in, “Andrew, apologize to Harvey! If you fight him, I won’t be responsible!” She couldn't understand Andrew's audacity; she believed Harvey was unlike Dexter, and Andrew would be badly injured in a real fight.

Yet, Andrew remained unfazed. “Apologize? Why should I, when I’ve done nothing wrong?” He was weary of their assumptions; they didn't know he'd never back down.

Harvey’s face darkened. “Then don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”

He executed three perfect advancing steps before launching a lightning-fast punch at Andrew’s chest. Andrew frowned, noting Harvey aimed for his heart. If that was the game, Andrew wouldn't hold back. He countered with a simple punch. Compared to Harvey's elaborate technique, Andrew's move looked basic.

Francesca covered her eyes, expecting Andrew's defeat. A loud crack followed by the sound of colliding fists echoed through the room.

Harvey felt his arm bone crack, as if struck by steel. Sweat beaded on his forehead from the pain, but he clenched his teeth, inwardly shocked by Andrew's incredible strength.