Chapter 305: Are You Not Afraid of Embarrassment?

If they had a proper, serious fight, Josiah could hold his ground for a short while. However, had the battle dragged on, no matter how amazing Josiah’s strength was, he would lose against the larger opponent.

At that moment, Hayden immediately discerned Josiah’s inability to sustain a prolonged battle and demanded, “Referee, I request a redo. It’s clear my side wasn’t ready during that last round.”

Madelyn sneered. “He’s shameless! What a disgusting man. Still, it doesn’t matter. Since he’s dissatisfied, he can have his second round to avoid everyone thinking Josiah’s victory was a fluke.”

“All right, let’s have another round,” Madelyn readily agreed. She turned to Josiah with a look of trust, to which Josiah responded with a knowing nod.

The second round commenced. Everyone was incredibly focused on the duel.

After losing the first round, the larger man became more cautious. He finally stopped underestimating his opponent and was ready for a serious fight. Suddenly, he hurled several speedy and powerful punches at Josiah. Fortunately, Josiah reacted in time and quickly dodged. The burly figure didn’t stop; he launched wave after wave of attacks, but they all missed due to Josiah’s evasive maneuvers. For a moment, Josiah seemed at a disadvantage, but the burly man couldn’t knock him down.

Mary and Benedict were flabbergasted. Since when did our son become so formidable? Felix became even more intrigued, while Josiah’s brothers were thoroughly pleased.

Five minutes later, Josiah lost, as expected, but it wasn’t embarrassing. He lost not because of skill, but because his physical strength couldn’t match his opponent’s.

“He doesn’t seem that bad, right?”

“Didn’t they say he was an unlearned and incompetent good-for-nothing? That doesn’t seem like him.”

“I thought he was pretty okay. Why did the rumors paint him in such a bad light?”

Guests who had initially looked down on Josiah began to whisper, their views shifting. Hayden’s expression turned grim. I didn’t expect him to have improved so much.

Madelyn, however, felt that was far from enough. This was merely the tip of Josiah’s capabilities. These people were calling him a good-for-nothing, and she intended to prove them thoroughly wrong.

“Mr. Hayden, are you satisfied with Josiah’s performance?” Madelyn suddenly asked.

“Hmph, it’s just a fluke,” Hayden said coldly, unwilling to admit the truth.

“Really?” Madelyn smiled nonchalantly. “In that case, why don’t we have another round? This time, you’ll face Josiah directly. How about it?”

“Ms. Thornton, are you joking with me?” Hayden scoffed.

“Are you scared?” Madelyn taunted with a chuckle.

“Of course not!” Hayden was instantly infuriated. “What do you want us to compete in?”

Hayden knew he was immensely capable, second only to Mason within the Blume family. However, Mason had been virtually incapacitated since his injury; therefore, Hayden’s abilities were considered the best among the younger generation.

How dare Josiah think he can win against me! It’s unrealistic, even in a dream! He’s not worthy, but since he’s so eager to humiliate himself, I’ll have him acknowledge his worthlessness! Hayden thought haughtily.

At that moment, Madelyn said with a smile, “Any military officer must be proficient with shooting, right? So how about competing with that?”

That was Josiah’s forte, and since Hayden insisted on looking down on Josiah, Madelyn thought a shooting match would be perfect.

Hayden suddenly laughed. “Ms. Thornton, are you sure you want to go with that?”

Hayden’s henchmen laughed and mocked, “Everyone knows Lieutenant Hayden is the best at shooting! He always comes first in the army’s annual shooting competition!”

Madelyn didn’t seem to care. She smiled and said, “A shooting match is what I want. What’s the matter, Mr. Hayden? Are you scared to accept?”

“Me, scared? What a joke!” Hayden couldn’t stand being provoked. “If you’re so keen on having Josiah embarrass himself and yourself, then let’s head to the shooting range.”

“No problem.” Madelyn flashed a radiant smile.

As a military family, the Blume family owned a private outdoor shooting range. At that moment, all the floodlights were switched on, illuminating the vast area. Madelyn and Josiah led the way, followed by Hayden and Felix. The other family members and guests also gathered. Every guest craned their necks, vying for a glimpse.

The referee explained the rules: “Gentlemen, you will both take turns shooting at a target ten meters away. The one who lands a shot closest to the bullseye wins. The competition consists of three rounds, and the winner of two rounds will emerge victorious.”

After listening to the rules, Hayden nodded confidently. “I’m ready. Let’s do this.”

Madelyn urged, “Josiah, give it your all! Do you hear me?”

Josiah was speechless for a moment before grumbling, “The lighting is terrible at this late hour. Why on earth did you ask for a shooting match?”

Madelyn, practically roaring in her heart, spoke with annoyance, “Because this is your forte! Stop yapping and focus! Weren’t you embarrassed by that loss earlier? Don’t you want to win?”

Her fierce tone prompted Josiah to respond, “All right, I understand.”

His immediate family members were astounded. Ever since Josiah learned to disobey his family, he’d grown rebellious and uncontrollable. Yet, Madelyn managed to rein him in, shocking his family.

At that moment, Josiah looked at Hayden with a cold gaze. Thinking about how his family and Madelyn were humiliated because of him, he scowled, his eyes sharpening. I was too nice to Hayden in the past. This time, I swear I’ll best him!

The match commenced. Hayden and Josiah received an air gun each and began to shoot. In the first round, both were adjusting to the dim lighting. Josiah narrowly missed the bullseye, as did Hayden. They were evenly matched.