Chapter 52: Inviting Trouble
Steven trembled with fear as he stared at Jared, his mind blank. He hadn't understood what had just transpired. Jared's powerful punch had rendered his "Impenetrable Skill" useless.
"Sir, may I know your name? One day, I will return to learn from you!" Realizing he was outmatched, Steven decided to retreat while he still could.
"Do you think you can leave, Steven? Let me tell you—Mr. Chance is here, and this is where your life ends!" Tommy said smugly.
Steven's expression changed. If he attacks, I'm dead! he thought.
"The name's Chance. Jared Chance. Seek revenge anytime. If you can't handle me, bring your mentor," Jared said, having read Steven's mind.
"Mr. Chance, you can't let him go! You're inviting trouble!" Tommy protested Jared's leniency.
"Back away! I know what I'm doing!" Jared frowned.
Sensing Jared's anger, Tommy, frightened, remained silent.
"All right, then! See you next time!" Steven stood, wiped blood from his mouth, and waved to his subordinates. "Let's go!"
After Steven's departure, the spacious hall held only the banquet's remaining attendees.
"Mr. Chance, you were incredible! I've seen it with my own eyes!"
"Truly incredible for such a young man! Your future strength is unimaginable!"
"Indeed, valor shines brightest in youth!"
The crowd showered Jared with praise. Walter, too, was impressed, his respect for Jared soaring.
"Please forgive my earlier foolishness, Mr. Chance," Luca apologized, embarrassment evident.
"It's all right," Jared smiled.
William beamed at Jared, his approval of Jared and Josephine's relationship solidified.
"Why didn't you tell me you knew martial arts? I was so worried!" Josephine playfully pinched his arm.
"Ouch! That hurts!" Jared feigned pain.
Josephine panicked. "I… I didn't use much force! How can it hurt?"
"I was injured by Steven, but I hid it. You made it worse!" Jared continued his act.
"I… I didn't know! Let me see your injury!" Josephine, oblivious to the prank, was near tears.
William and the others knew Jared was teasing, but remained silent, observing the couple. Only Josephine remained unaware.
"Okay, I'm fine now. All healed after you touched me," Jared said, seeing Josephine's tears.
Josephine realized she'd been tricked. "Jared! How could you?" She threw a punch, which he dodged.
The crowd laughed at their playful bickering. Walter tapped William's shoulder. "Mr. Sullivan, the Sullivan family's future looks brighter than ever!"
William replied humbly, "Oh, no, we still need your guidance, Mr. Grange!"
Walter laughed. "I'm sure it'll be the other way around!"
The addition of italics for internal monologue and removal of the extraneous website plug improves the readability and professionalism of the passage. The sentences are restructured for better flow and clarity.