Chapter 597: The Fight

The world fell silent. Hannah’s gaze remained fixed on Oscar, longing for his decision, though uncertain of what it would be.

“One!”

Oscar regarded them coldly, offering no compromise. Tears welled in Hannah’s eyes, but she didn’t blame him; everyone had their choices. She’d promised him a bright future, yet she now held him back. Her revenge accomplished, she should let go. She closed her eyes, a single tear escaping.

Theodore and Jimmy remained silent, fearing to disrupt Oscar’s judgment. Tan sneered, his face cruel, finger on the trigger.

“Bang!”

The pistol fired blank. No bullet, yet the recoil sent a jarring pain through Hannah’s head; she felt as though she’d been shot. Oscar, fists clenched, stared at Tan, cold sweat beading on his skin.

Tan dropped the pistol, swiftly drawing another. “Did you see? No bullets.”

Oscar remained silent, a tremor running through him like a hallucination, yet his demeanor held steady.

“Is it enough?” Oscar asked.

Tan laughed. “No. It only proves you don’t love Hannah enough. Career trumps love.”

“So what do you want?” Oscar’s gaze remained cold.

“The former royal Wells family’s secret guard organization, loyal protectors since they ruled Northfield, vanished after the aristocratic families’ ascension. Yet, recent activity suggests otherwise. Despite extensive efforts, including those of us, the Men of Sacrifice, no clues have emerged. The families dare not eliminate us all; training costs are prohibitive. Given the current unrest surrounding the royal Wells family, they hesitate to place you in a position of power without verifying your lineage.”

Oscar listened impassively, his eyes fixed on Tan.

“Rumor has it, the organization has infiltrated the Men of Sacrifice. We haven't identified the infiltrator. The aristocratic families dare not eliminate us all; the cost of training is too high. They can't afford the consequences. Because of the current agitation of the royal Wells family, they are hesitant to put you in a position of importance without verifying your identity. You could refuse to cooperate. But the aristocratic families are desperate for talent. Charles’s death necessitates a replacement, and they hold higher expectations for you. My identity is now revealed. Two outcomes await: you join us, or you die. No other option exists.”

Oscar's fists clenched, pent-up anger simmering.

“This organization’s strength is unmatched. If you’re a member of that guard, you’ll defeat any Man of Sacrifice. Defeat me, and your lineage will be proven!” Tan paused. “I intended to verify this sooner, but inadvertently damaged your relationship with your wife…”

“Will you shut up?” Theodore exploded. “Fight if you want! Verify me too! I'll fight you first!”

“Am I stupid? Fighting you means releasing Hannah. If I lose, I die.”

“You’re a Man of Sacrifice. Do you think you’ll survive defeat?” Theodore pressed.

“So I won’t fight,” Tan said coldly.

“Fuck!” Theodore cursed.

Tan remained unmoved, his gaze shifting to Jimmy.

Jimmy met his eyes.

“Jimmy was once one of us,” Tan stated bluntly.

Jimmy remained silent.

“How did you survive a fatal mission? Your survival remained unknown until the investigation of Oscar began. You are truly lucky!” Tan's tone held a hint of envy. “Let’s be direct. Jimmy, once among the best of us, can represent any of us. He will fight Oscar.”

“I’ll shoot you!” Theodore threatened.

Ignoring him, Tan said, “Three, and I shoot Hannah if you don't fight. Don’t doubt my ammunition! Three, two…”

Before he finished, Oscar punched Jimmy. Jimmy didn’t retaliate. Oscar struck again, employing Taekwondo and Chinese boxing techniques with full force. Jimmy remained passive, his face bruised, nose bleeding.

“If Jimmy doesn’t fight back, Hannah dies!” Tan threatened.

Oscar, desperate, yelled at Jimmy, “Do it!”

Jimmy looked at him simply.

“Beat me!” Oscar roared, eyes bloodshot.