:
155 vouchers
“I told you that you’d regret it if you showed up today,” Gemma said coldly.
Kaia glanced at the two huge bodyguards behind Gemma, keeping her cool. “You think they can take me, huh?”
“They’re the best money can buy. Do you think they can’t handle a girl like you?” Gemma sneered. “Come with me quietly, and I’ll let you go after the engagement party. Fight me on this, and I won’t go easy.”
Kaia checked the time. “The party’s about to start, and I’m always on time. You should step aside. If you don’t, well, don’t blame me for what happens next.”
“You’ve got a smart mouth. But still so full of yourself in this situation, huh?” Gemma’s eyes narrowed. “Guess you need a little reminder of where you stand.”
She stepped back and ordered the bodyguards, “Take her and get her out of here. But try not to hurt her.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the bodyguards replied, reaching for Kaia.
Kaia didn’t flinch. Instead, she shoved one into the other, sending them both to the floor.
“I didn’t know you knew boxing moves,” Gemma said, genuinely surprised.
Kaia lowered her hands with a challenging look. “Guess your top bodyguards aren’t all that.”
“Knowing a couple of boxing moves isn’t worth bragging about. They just underestimated you,” Gemma shot back.
She then barked at the two men on the ground, “What are you lying there for? Get up!”
The bodyguards scrambled to their feet. They’d clearly misjudged the small–framed girl. They were the best in the business. Now, they had to prove it or risk becoming a joke.
Encouraging themselves, they came at Kaia from both sides.
Kaia moved like lightning, slipping behind one of them before he even realized she was gone.
Before he could react, Kaia took him down. He didn’t get back up.
The other bodyguard froze in shock.
“What are you waiting for? Get her!” Gemma snapped.
That jolted him into action. He roared, muscles tensing as he charged Kaia with everything he had.
1/3
11:47 pm
Chapter 17
Kaia’s eyes sharpened. She sidestepped and drove a kick into his stomach.
1
56 vouchers
The man flew back like he’d been hit by a speeding train, slammed into the wall, and crumpled,
unconscious.
Gemma’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Kaia walked right up to her. “Are you going to move now?”
“I misjudged you,” Gemma admitted, her voice tight. “But I meant what I said—I’m keeping you here today, no matter what.”
“And if I decide to leave? You think you can stop me, huh?” Kaia asked.
“You can try,” Gemma replied, not backing down an inch.
Kaia narrowed her eyes and stepped forward.
Gemma shoved her shoulder. “Don’t push me. Your little boxing tricks might’ve worked on them, but I can put you down in three moves.”
That caught Kaia off guard–she hadn’t known Tobias’s mother could fight. “Then let’s see if you can actually keep me here.”
She grabbed Gemma’s arm, stepped back, and twisted, pulling her off balance before shoving her
away.
Gemma’s eyes flickered in surprise. Kaia wasn’t just fast—she was skilled. Clearly, she hadn’t even been trying against the bodyguards.
“Fine,” Gemma said, her voice low. “Now I’m getting serious. Be ready.” She slipped into a stance that screamed professional boxer.
Kaia was taken aback again. She hadn’t expected Gemma to be an actual boxing master.
They launched into a rapid, fluid exchange, neither willing to give an inch.
At the Moreno family’s place, the engagement party was set. Guests filled the place, but Kaia, one of the main people, was nowhere in sight.
Keaton glanced toward the door, frowning. “Weird. Why isn’t Kaia here yet? She’s not answering her phone. What’s going on?”
Russell smirked. “Maybe she finally realized she’s not good enough for Tobias and was too embarrassed to show up.”
Keaton smacked him on the back of the head. “Watch your mouth. Say that again, and I’ll throw
2/3
11:47 pm
Chapter 17
you out.”
“Ow! That hurt. Can’t you go easy on me?” Russell complained, rubbing his head.
55 vouchers
Keaton ignored him and waved someone over. “Have the people I sent to look for Kaia come back yet?”
Right then, a servant ran in. “Mr. Keaton Moreno! Big problem! Mrs. Gemma Moreno and Miss Bennett are fighting!”
“What?” Keaton, Tobias, and Ryan all yelled at once. Tobias and Ryan exchanged a look.
“Where are they?” Keaton shot to his feet.
“I’ll take you there,” the servant said.
Russell slid in beside Tobias, whispering, “Your fiancée’s got guts, going toe–to–toe with your mom. And you know, your mom’s no joke.”
Tobias climbed into the car, his brows furrowed. He hadn’t expected Kaia to be a fighter.
*****
Kaia and Gemma were still going at it, fast and relentless, neither gaining the upper hand.
Finally, they shoved each other back and took a step away. Both looked stunned.
“What’s your connection to Myles?” they blurted at the exact same time.
Then they froze, took a step closer, and spoke together again–this time with a spark of excitement. “Are you his student?”
3/3
田
