Chapter 382

Axel strolled up to James and gave his shoulder a friendly pat. "Hey, perfect timing! I've got something cool planned for tonight. We're heading to this awesome spot where the guys hang out. It's gonna be epic, trust me."

James arched an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice, "I'm not into crazy stuff, man. I don't want to end up in trouble."

Axel chuckled, looking down at James. "Whoa, hold up there, buddy. You're jumping to conclusions. Chill out, it's not what you're thinking."

The place Axel led James to turned out to be a restaurant. But not just any restaurant—it was a boxing joint. Perched on the second floor, the place had a boxing ring smack dab in the center of the first floor, offering a prime view of the action.

Taking a seat, Axel gestured around. "Check this out. This place is rad. You can chow down and catch some boxing matches. They bring in top-notch fighters with big cash prizes. It's like a daily boxing showdown here."

James was intrigued. "I've heard about Starry Capital's quirky eateries, but this is next level."

Axel filled him in, "Yeah, it's a new spot, so no worries. And guess who owns this joint?"

James shook his head, curious.

With a grin, Axel revealed, "It's Armando."

At the mention of Armando, James couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly.

Axel went on, "And get this, guests can even step into the ring and challenge the boxers. Beat the champ of the day, and you're set for free grub for life."

James glanced down at the ring, noticing the growing crowd around it. Excitement buzzed through the air.

The host grabbed the microphone, stepping onto the stage. "Alright, folks, time for a challenge match. Who's brave enough to take on our reigning boxing queen, Ms. Johnson?"

As a figure strode onto the stage, the crowd burst into applause. But when James caught sight of the figure, a shadow crossed his eyes.

Axel sputtered, nearly spitting out his tea. "Wait, isn't that Emily?"

Today, Armando called Emily to join the action.

It had been years since Emily had set foot in the ring. The last time she had fought was during those underground boxing matches Harry had dragged them to, claiming it was for training. Emily later discovered it was all a money-making scheme by Harry. However, training with Armando had indeed honed her skills rapidly back then.

Watching Emily in the ring now brought back memories of her youth. Feeling a twinge of nostalgia, Emily decided to step up for a friendly match. To her surprise, she won three games in a row.

Emily's success took her aback. As a participant, she had to abide by the rules of the establishment. The victor of three rounds would earn a challenge match—a chance for guests to take on the reigning boxer. It was all in good fun, though. None of the guests were pros; they were there for entertainment, not a real brawl.

In the week since the restaurant's opening, no one had dared to step up for the challenge. Just as Emily thought she could call it a day, a voice rang out from below the stage, "I'll take the challenge."

Emily glanced down to see Armando stepping forward.

Armando wasn't decked out in typical boxing gear. Clad in black pants and a white shirt, hands casually tucked in his pockets, a rare smile graced his face as he made his way onto the stage.

The audience erupted in cheers, intrigued by the mystery surrounding Armando's identity.

The audience assumed Armando was just another random challenger after such a long time.

The host chimed in, "Sir, don't underestimate Ms. Johnson. She's on a winning streak today with three back-to-back victories."

Armando responded coolly, "I know her better than you do."

The host was momentarily surprised before insisting, "If you're challenging Ms. Johnson, you need to head backstage and suit up in proper gear."

Armando shook his head, "No need."

The host thought Armando was underestimating the situation. Hadn't he witnessed the intensity of the previous three matches? Despite Emily's slender appearance, she was a force to be reckoned with—fighting with precision and strength.

Undeterred by the host's warnings, Armando was unfazed. The host announced, "Let the match begin."

Locking eyes with Emily, Armando remarked, "It's been a while since we sparred. Let's see what you've got."

In their past sparring sessions, Emily had lost nine out of ten times to Armando, leaving her with a lingering sense of resentment. With Armando lacking proper gear today, it was a chance for Emily to even the score.

Emily warned, "Don't expect me to hold back."

She initiated the attack, moving with the speed of a cheetah, launching a powerful punch at Armando's face. But Armando stood his ground, effortlessly sidestepping the blow. Undeterred, Emily followed up with a high kick aimed at Armando's chest. He swiftly seized her ankle, yanking hard. Emily reacted swiftly, executing a mid-air flip to break free from his grasp.

Armando seized the opportunity to counterattack. Initially evenly matched, after about thirty exchanges, Emily collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

Raising her hand in surrender, she admitted, "I concede."

The crowd erupted in cheers, impressed by the unexpected turn of events.

Even though she had lost, Emily felt a rush of excitement coursing through her veins.

It had been ages since she had felt this alive.

Armando outmatched her, and Emily accepted that fact.

Pouring her heart into the competition and reaching this level of challenge left her feeling fulfilled.

Approaching Emily, Armando inquired, "You alright?"

Still catching her breath on the ground, Emily replied, "I'm good."

Armando bent down slightly, extending a hand to help her up, "Come on, get up."

Emily had removed her gloves, and she placed her hand in Armando's, allowing him to assist her to her feet.

The host approached and declared Armando as the victor of the challenge.

He announced, "Thank you both for an incredible display. Today's champion is this gentleman, and we have some great prizes for him later."

Suddenly, a new figure strode onto the stage, his voice icy, "Is the match over after just one round?"

All eyes shifted to the source of the voice.

A tall, handsome man exuding a calm aura entered the ring.

Emily's expression flickered with surprise as she recognized him.

It was James.

How had he appeared here so unexpectedly?

Even Axel on the second floor was taken aback.

Glancing beside him, Axel wondered when James had descended.

Despite the excitement of the unfolding drama, Axel's concern grew.

James, the coddled heir of the Smith Family, seemed out of his depth against Armando.

Axel hadn't anticipated Emily's presence either.

He had only sought entertainment, not trouble.

Quickly making his way downstairs, Axel observed the scene with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

Approaching James in astonishment, Emily questioned, "How did you get here?"

However, James remained silent, not even sparing a glance in Emily's direction.