Chapter 17

Once Cordelia was ready, Calvert extended a hand in front of him, emphasizing with a bit of a taunt, “Hit it hard and fast. But then, you’re a girl so your reflexes might be slower…

He didn’t get to finish his sentence before Cordelia’s foot came flying at him.

“Thud!” Calvert was sent staggering back several steps by the powerful kick before he managed to regain his

balance.

As he caught his breath, he was dumbfounded. How could this little lady pack such a punch?

Cordelia landed gracefully and turned her head towards him, “Need me to go harder?”

nd that of

She’d grown up in an orphanage, accustomed to the heavy labor, which had given her strength beyond the average person.

Unfortunately, she had never learned any form of fighting.

Calvert quickly waved off, “That’s enough.” He flexed his numb hand, continuing. “Let’s work on the punching motion, and take it easy. Don’t need all that strength.”

After going through the moves twice, Cordelia had the basics down pat. Checking the time, she hurried over to where Merry was.

By now, the alley was dimly lit, the streetlights casting a soft glow. When Cordelia arrived, she saw the seven members of the Flame Union plus Merry squatting under the faint light. Yates was still leaning against the wall nearby, engrossed in his video game. The scene had an inexplicable comedic feel to it.

Flame No. 1, who had found a blade of grass to chew on, grumbled, “Damn it! She’s not gonna bail on us, is she?”

Merry piped up anxiously, “It’s not even her fight. Yates, just beat me up and let me go!”

Yates snorted dismissively and didn’t reply. Instead, he perked up his ears and heard light footsteps. approaching.

He glanced sideways to see Cordelia making her way over, her expression blank, her eyes indifferent, and her speech slow as she said, “I’ve learned it.”

Merry was quick to say, “Cordelia, don’t be foolish, you better leave! Yates is tough. No one around here can

beat him…

raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t picky about his opponents, taking on both guys and gals, but something about this docile girl made him hesitate to strike.

her, so she wouldn’t lose too badly. At this thought, Yates said, “Let’s

spoken than the seemingly demure Cordelia sprang into action, “Kick, punch, throw, seize, twist“. With a fluid sequence of maneuvers, Yates was on the ground, his

time to stand and cheer before

her seemingly effortless hold, he was

wasn’t ready, let’s go again!”

resumed her stance. Fist ready, right leg back, her face serious but

eyes vacant.

up, he called out, “Start!”

He had anticipated her moves, yet he couldn’t keep up with her

13.06

to

clenched his fists and

him go.

and defeat, “You wait, one day I’ll beat you, and

responded with a noncommittal, “Okay”

like his punch had landed in cotton, with no strength behind it.

to his gang, and they all straightened up and bowed in unison, “Boss Cordelia” Cordelia was puzzled.

No. 1 glanced at Yates and then asked, “Boss Cordelia, do we need to dye our hair

their locks, replying,

in individuality and wouldn’t impose

from Merry,

“Where

replying, ‘Home to do

followed her

had gone, Everard and

your girlfriend got some moves. She’s

at Everard, only to find him tense, his gaze lost

him a cool look, and Calvert promptly shut up, pretending his question had never been asked. At the Griffin household, the sixty–something Hackett paced his study anxiously. When his secretary arrived, he

secretary bowed respectfully, “There’s no trace

we can’t find him. But since he’s come to Greenmeadow, we need to be cautious. Tell

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255