Chapter 383

James didn't say a word, just stared at the host. "So, what are the rules for this challenge match? Can anyone step up and challenge the previous winner?"

The host was taken aback. "Well, technically, yes, but..."

No one had ever dared to challenge a winner twice before.

Today, Armando was the first to challenge the reigning champion.

James's tone was icy, "I'm challenging him."

His eyes remained fixed on Armando.

It was evident that James was singling out Armando.

A hush fell over the room.

Then whispers and gossiping erupted among the crowd.

"What's happening today? Has the WBO ever been this intense?"

"Can't you see? The one stepping up is James, the rich kid from Starry Capital, now the head of the Smith Group. And that lady on stage, Ms. Johnson, is his wife. She lost to Mr. Gomez, and now he's here to defend her honor."

"I don't know about that. Didn't you hear Ms. Johnson call Mr. Gomez 'senior brother'? They seem to have a special bond. Their moves were so in sync, I thought they were a couple."

"I agree. James is definitely feeling jealous."

"I know Ms. Johnson's 'senior brother,' the chairman of Cassia Jewelry Group."

"Is the bar for boxing set this high now? How are we regular folks supposed to compete?"

Emily sensed that James was in a bad mood.

James was not just angry; he was seething.

He exuded a fierce energy.

Emily furrowed her brow, vaguely understanding the situation.

But it was also a headache for her.

She had explained to James numerous times.

She couldn't sever ties with Armando because of his suspicions.

Today, they were here for dinner.

Several designers had gathered.

"James, don't act childish."

Emily didn't want to witness a confrontation between them.

However, Armando approached.

In a flat tone, he stated, "I've been wanting to spar with James for a while."

The audience erupted in excitement.

Emily grabbed James's arm. "Don't do it. Armando has been practicing Sanda for twenty years. He's a tough opponent."

James shot Emily a cold look. "You think he's that formidable? We haven't even fought, and you're already betting against me?"

Emily didn't doubt James's abilities.

She just knew they shouldn't fight.

In the three years they had been together, Emily had seen James be gentle and caring at home, but also a guy who would pretend his hand hurt after doing chores for a while.

How could this pampered young man stand a chance against someone like Armando, who had been through real battles?

"Emily, I have to face him today. Keep your eyes peeled."

Emily couldn't dissuade James.

The two men began to spar.

The host was shocked and took a few steps back.

Then, with a hint of fear, he declared, "Let the challenge begin, and today's rule is no rules."

Initially worried, Emily frowned as James threw a few punches.

James's skill suggested he had been training in Sanda for at least a decade.

It became apparent that James had been keeping secrets from Emily all this time.

Emily had a hunch about it before.

When James leaped from an 8-foot window unscathed, catching her without a scratch, she had her doubts.

But James insisted he only knew two military boxing sets.

James harbored many mysteries, but Emily never pried.

She believed that if James wanted to share, she would listen, and if he preferred to keep it to himself, she wouldn't push.

Lost in contemplation, Emily observed as James and Armando engaged in a fierce battle.

Each strike landed with impact.

Emily could see that both men were evenly matched.

Armando's swift kick forced James to step back.

As James evaded, Armando unexpectedly kicked his shoulder.

Just when everyone thought the kick would hit James's head, he swiftly dodged and seized Armando's arm, executing a shoulder throw.

Quick, precise, and merciless.

His movements were as swift as lightning.

The arena buzzed with spectators.

The cheers from the supporters fell silent at the spectacle.

It was evident to all that the throw was swift and brutal.

Gasps of shock filled the air.

Emily's heart skipped a beat.

Armando hit the ground hard on his back.

The impact echoed like bones shattering.

Standing over Armando, James's eyes were cold and proud.

Armando gazed at James, his expression barely changing.

He coughed and spat out blood.

Seeing this, Emily tensed.

She hurried to assist Armando. "Armando, are you alright?"

Emily appeared genuinely concerned.

Spitting blood could indicate severe internal injuries.

She didn't spare a glance at James.

Helping Armando up, they passed by James.

Emily seemed to shoot a look at James.

But all James saw in her eyes was disapproval and resentment.

Emily remained silent, but her anger and disapproval were palpable through her gaze.

James felt as though her eyes were daggers piercing his chest.

He clutched his chest, feeling a sharp pain.

James coughed lightly, blood trickling from his mouth.

Axel, witnessing this, was horrified.

He hurried to the stage and supported James. "How did you get hurt too?"

Armando's strength far surpassed his own.

His tactics were not just aggressive but also ruthless.

Armando's flashy kicks might have appeared showy to others, but one of them had struck James's chest hard.

It felt like a ton of bricks crashing down.

James had remarkable endurance, focusing on defense to wear down his opponent.

But when he seized the moment and countered Armando, he ended the fight swiftly.

If it had dragged on for three more minutes, James would have been the one on the ground now.

Axel remarked, "Let's get you to the hospital. My bad, I didn't expect Emily to be here."

Supporting James, Axel escorted him out, muttering, "But you're something else. Armando seems seriously hurt. You're the boss from now on. Impressive."