Chapter 21

Everyone at the gym watched with bated breath as Emma deftly evaded Ruby's initial attack.

"What just happened? I can barely follow it!" someone exclaimed.

"What do we do? Ruby wants to kill her!" another voice cried.

"Someone get Emma out of there! Stop them, or she's going to die!"

Ruby's movements were precise and swift. Each punch and kick landed exactly where intended. Another deadly blow was imminent, but as Ruby's fist neared Emma's face, Emma seized her wrist and twisted.

Ruby yelped and lunged again, her eyes blazing.

Emma had initially intended to go easy on Ruby, to avoid campus-wide panic. However, discovering Ruby's intent to kill, and her concealment of her champion boxing skills, changed her mind. This was attempted murder.

"I'd respect you if you'd fought fairly," Emma said, her voice hardening, "but your malice disgusts me. Consider this a lesson." She crossed her arms, locked them around Ruby's neck, and twisted forcefully.

Ruby attempted a head kick, but Emma was quicker, countering with a kick to Ruby's leg followed by a series of punches to her neck.

Emma hadn't been in a trance during Ruby's warm-up; she'd been studying Ruby's movements, searching for weaknesses.

The blows landed with devastating accuracy. Ruby's breathing became ragged, her eyes blackened. She struggled, but Emma's relentless assault continued.

The onlookers hadn't even registered what happened. They merely witnessed Ruby being pummeled like a rag doll, their eyes widening in shock.

"What was that? I've never seen anything like it!"

"A boomerang on Ruby."

"Those moves were incredible. I actually like Emma now."

Then, recognition dawned on someone in the crowd. "That's Yaltanian military martial arts!" they cried out in alarm.

"No way! How does Emma know that? I thought they only taught that in the military!"

Emma subdued Ruby with only a couple of decisive moves. Though she hadn't fully revealed her capabilities, some had recognized her skill. Maintaining her composure, she ceased her attack once Ruby was incapacitated.

Ruby lay on the ground, disbelieving, wide-eyed, and nearly unconscious. "It's... impossible," she gasped, bewildered by the speed of her defeat. The thought flashed through her mind: No one could take me down this fast unless... No! Emma can't be the legendary martial artist my coach mentioned.

Earlier, Ruby had won her fight to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Now, many of those same people had become Emma’s fans.

"Awesome, Emma!"

"You're my god!"

"Can I learn martial arts from you, Emma?"

Emma looked down at the prone Ruby, her voice icy. "Now, go to the cafeteria and apologize, as we agreed," she stated firmly, showing no mercy to the bully. If I hadn't learned military martial arts, she would have beaten me half to death. It's her bad luck she picked on me, Emma thought, viewing this as an opportunity to rid the school of a tormentor.

Reluctantly, Ruby obeyed. Standing at the cafeteria entrance under the harsh sun and scrutinizing eyes, sweat mingled with blood on her lips. She had never felt such humiliation. Regret washed over her, but it was too late.

Ruby raised her hand and slapped herself repeatedly, each time whispering, "I'm a mouthy bitch."

Some onlookers shook their heads. "She deserves this. She was a terrible bully, and this is just karma."

"Yeah, she clearly tried to ambush Emma."

Ruby’s fury simmered, but Emma’s presence kept her in check. The memory of their gym encounter flooded back, a stark reminder of Emma’s terrifying strength.

Emma remained impassive as Ruby continued to slap herself, repeating the phrase.

Liam, having received Emma’s message, eagerly awaited the surprise. Half an hour later, an email arrived – a video showcasing only the highlights of the fight. Even a martial arts novice could appreciate Emma's skill; for Liam, a lifelong martial artist, the effect was profound.

Emma, knowing this, had sent the video for a talent show submission. The video ended at the crucial moment of Ruby's defeat. Despite the edits, Liam recognized Emma as a highly trained fighter, far more skilled than she’d been at the hospital.

Liam's eyes darkened. Who is she? I can't just say she learned to fight on the streets. What I saw shows she’s had extensive training.

"Emma," he murmured, "you always surprise me, and I love it."

Liam was captivated. He contacted Levi. "I need to know everything about Emma."

Levi was stunned. "Mr. Hall, you already do," he replied, thinking, I mean, she’s your wife, isn’t she?

Liam's tone was firm. "I said everything."

Levi understood Liam wanted a deeper dive into Emma’s background. "Got it, Mr. Hall. I’ll have some reliable people look into it on the black market. It might take some time."

Liam hung up. A knock sounded at his study door.

"Mr. Hall?"

Liam frowned, his thoughts still on Emma, clearly irritated by the interruption. "Come in," he said, his voice flat.

A young maid, perhaps in her early twenties, with large eyes and a double ponytail, entered. "The kitchen prepared some bouillon, Mr. Hall," she offered.