Chapter 99: This Is Anger

Ericko received a message from Nathael before arriving home, causing him to furrow his brow.

The fruit wine at the barbecue restaurant wasn't strong enough to intoxicate him, but combined with lively conversation with Maggie, he became excited. A brief walk in the night air calmed him.

He answered Nathael's call. "What's up?"

"Iron Fist Club," Nathael said in a deep, cold voice.

"Half an hour," Ericko replied, needing no further explanation. He and Nathael had been friends for years and understood his temperament. However, he inexplicably felt this meeting wouldn't be good.

Nathael arrived at a private boxing room, changed clothes, and his gaze fell on Alex. "Let's practice."

Alex looked despairing. Who wants to practice with you? That's not practice; that's getting beaten up! he thought.

However, facing Nathael's chilling black eyes, Alex remained silent, feeling the world was ending. Nathael had reprimanded Maggie, yet he was suffering! Meanwhile, Ethan and Henry whispered gleefully, "Mr. Harris is personally teaching you, so make the most of this opportunity."

"Opportunity, my ass! Whoever wants it can have it," Alex retorted, then shouted at Nathael, who was already on the stage, "Mr. Harris, Henry and Ethan also want to practice with you." Nathael's eyes were pitch-black. He glanced at them before saying, "Okay."

"Fuck!!!"

Henry and Ethan's smiles froze.

Alex is such a jerk!

Seeing them wail, Alex felt satisfied. Facing difficulties together—that's what good brothers do! he thought.

Minutes later, a bruised and expressionless Alex left the stage. He knew this was the outcome. They were all top-notch fighters, but they were facing Nathael, the ring's king.

Jimmy, happening to be at the club, arrived to smoke a cigarette upon hearing Nathael's arrival. The handsome man, with his red lips and white teeth, stood by the window.

A woman whispered, "Who's idiotic enough to provoke Mr. Harris?" She didn't understand. When had men like them ever been provoked?

Jimmy smirked. "It's not a matter of daring."

"Then what is it?" the woman asked, puzzled.

Jimmy, his peach-blossom eyes charming yet indifferent, didn't answer. Whether he'd accept it or not was another matter. Who else could upset him?

Ericko arrived to find Henry and Alex battered at the stage's base, while Nathael fought Ethan. Seeing their condition, Ericko approached Jimmy. "What's gotten into him?"

Jimmy raised an eyebrow. "What brings you here?"

"He called me," Ericko replied.

Jimmy, amused, said, "I guess he wants to fight you."

Ericko frowned, but a loud thud interrupted him. Ethan, kicked off the stage, groaned in pain.

Rubbing his head, Ethan wondered if he'd done something wrong. Why did Nathael look like he wanted to kill him? Damn it!

Nathael, his gaze on the newly arrived Ericko, felt a pang remembering Ericko and Maggie's embrace. His Adam's apple bobbed; his face cold and stern as he said, "Come up."

Ericko, unafraid, changed clothes and prepared to fight. Nathael removed his shirt, sweat glistening on his muscular body. "Jimmy, who do you think will win?" the woman asked.

Leaning against the window, Jimmy, looking dissolute, said, "I've never seen anyone beat Nathael." The woman nodded. "I didn't expect Mr. Harris to be so powerful."

Jimmy chuckled, but didn't finish his sentence.

Ericko was cunning. He appeared gentle and humble, but could be ruthless. He could betray you and still have you paying him.

Facing Ericko, Nathael attacked fiercely, full of killing intent. Ericko retaliated effectively.

The room echoed with the sounds of fists hitting flesh. Nathael relentlessly attacked, leaving Ericko struggling defensively; he was punched twice in the face. Ericko, realizing this wasn't simple practice, became serious.

Ethan breathed a sigh of relief; he wasn't Nathael's target. Nathael was strong, but Ericko wasn't weak. Since Maggie's kidnapping, the Adams had intensified their training.

However, Nathael's every move was deadly, and his fury made it difficult for Ericko. The fight lasted longer than expected. After twenty minutes, sweat and blood filled the air.

Half an hour later, exploiting a momentary lapse in Ericko's defense, Nathael landed three punches. Ericko dodged further engagement. He knew Nathael was out of control. If they continued, who knew when it would end?

Both were bruised and panting, silent. Nathael cleared his throat, then grabbed two water bottles, tossing one to Ericko.

Ericko drank deeply, his eyes cold as he stared at Nathael. "What's this about?"

Nathael, still enraged, tossed his phone at Ericko before leaving the stage to light a cigarette.

Ericko saw several photos of himself and Maggie hugging.