Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn

"Yep."

James nodded, giving his answer.

Alec squared his shoulders, gearing up for what was ahead. "Well, no point in more chit-chat. Let's get this show on the road."

Hearing that, Fiona was convinced Alec had lost it. "Alec! Do you seriously think you're Iron Man or something? You can't win this! Godfather is just messing with us; he wouldn't actually attack!"

She quickly turned to James, her face filled with worry. "Godfather, isn't that right?"

"I don't joke."

James turned on his heel, his face unreadable, and walked back towards the school entrance. Fifty men were already lined up, ready to go.

Just when Fiona thought Alec was toast, a ruckus broke out outside the school.

Catching the noise, Fiona's eyes darted to the school gate. In rushed a squad of bodyguards, also in black bulletproof vests, but with the Tredgold Corporation emblem proudly displayed on their chests.

"Uncle James just asked if I could protect Fiona. He never said I had to do it solo."

Fiona was floored. "Wow, pulling out the big guns, huh?"

Backing Alec were bodyguards trained by the Tredgold family. The two groups faced off, locked in a tense standoff. Neither side dared to make a move, holding each other in check.

Watching it all unfold, James finally allowed a small, satisfied smile. Alec had a decent grasp on handling things after all.

Fiona, seeing her chance, dashed to Alec's side and whispered, "How did you know what Godfather was up to? You were ready for this?"

"Do you think I'm as clueless as you? We're up against the legendary James. I'd be nuts not to prep."

Despite his confident words, Alec felt a knot of anxiety. His team was nowhere near the caliber of Burke International's mercenaries; they only looked like they could hold their own. en

If it came down to a real fight, his team wouldn't stand a chance. This was his way of showing James he meant business. Protecting Fiona was more than just words.

"Mr. Burke, Mr. Alec has done a commendable job," someone chimed in.

"Not impressive enough."

Thinking you could fool him was a rookie mistake. James signaled the mercenaries to go ahead.

On the field, the mercenaries

snapped into action, moving like a well-oiled machine. In no time, theynoveldrama

BUMS

had reformed and surrounded Alec's team.

A sudden scream tore through the air. One of Alec's bodyguards had been hit.

Before Alec and Fiona could process what was happening, the Tredgold family bodyguards started dropping like flies.

Realizing James's men had real bullets left Alec and Fiona in shock.

Thirty seconds later, everyone behind Alec was down.

James spoke with chilling calmness, "Arrogance comes with a price, a heavy one for those who follow."

He went on, "Now that everyone behind you is gone, how will you face their families?"

Alec's mind went blank. Fiona was just as shell-shocked.

Gone? All this for just a test? So many lives lost?

Alec felt like his blood had turned to ice.