Chapter 63

The so-called “elite sports” these wealthy heirs and heiresses enjoyed were unremarkable—expensive hobbies like golf, fencing, and indoor climbing. After half an hour, Andrew was bored and ready to leave.

Meanwhile, Dexter, wearing gloves, engaged in a flashy taekwondo match with Harvey. Christina and Dexter’s date watched from below, snacking and clapping excitedly. Francesca was equally captivated. While not smitten with Harvey, she couldn't deny his allure as a wealthy young man from a prominent family.

In contrast, Andrew sat aside, looking more like a spectator than a participant. Francesca assumed he didn't know taekwondo and would flail wildly if he tried. Worried he would leave, she reminded him, "Lauren just stepped out, but she'll be back soon. Even if you're bored, you need to wait for her. Don't you dare leave!"

Up on the mat, Harvey and Dexter finished their sparring match with theatrical flourishes, removing their gloves and bowing to the women. Christina smiled proudly. Harvey was her prince charming, and everything seemed perfect—except for Andrew's presence, a minor but irritating eyesore.

"Harvey, your taekwondo skills have improved tremendously during your years abroad. You must be near professional level now!" Dexter exclaimed.

Harvey chuckled modestly. "Well, between my studies, I managed to reach an eighth-degree black belt. It's nothing special."

Dexter gasped. "Eighth degree? That's incredible! No wonder I only lasted two rounds! You must be tougher than most professionals!"

Harvey laughed. "Don't sell yourself short, Dexter. You held out for two rounds. With my rank, I'm probably as good as it gets in Holtriens."

Andrew's head spun from their excessive mutual admiration; their amateur moves hardly warranted such praise. Dexter glanced at Andrew and addressed Francesca, "Fran, maybe your friend should try. He looks bored!"

Francesca hesitated. "Maybe not! Andrew's untrained. I wouldn't want him to cause trouble."

Dexter threw a few dramatic air punches. "No worries! I'll teach him the basics, but there are no guarantees he won't get a few bumps and bruises. It'll show if he's a real man or…something else."

Harvey, hands in his pockets, smiled. "Let him spar with Dexter, Fran. What's to be afraid of? I'll even give him pointers. He might not beat Dexter, but he'll learn something!"

Francesca forced a smile. "Alright, I'll ask him. But please go easy on him."

She approached Andrew. "They've invited you, so humor them. Don't worry. I've asked them not to hurt you."

Andrew looked unimpressed. "I'm not interested in these childish games."

Francesca frowned. "Childish games? Harvey is an eighth-degree black belt! Don't embarrass yourself by underestimating them!"