Chapter 415
hapter 415
Michael could hardly believe it – a slip of a girl had outmatched him. She looked so young, yet her combat skills were undeniably formidable. She had blocked his path to Athena time and again, raising a single, unsettling possibility: she might be Athena’s shadow guard.
What Michael couldn’t wrap his head around was this: when Athena had crossed paths with someone so skilled in combat, and how a woman like her had become entangled with figures from the martial world.
Michael disliked how distant Athena had grown – she hadn’t always been this guarded with him. Still, he knew he was no match for the girl. Trying to force his way in would only make him look foolish.
Though still hesitant, Michael softened his tone and said to Jessa, “I mean no harm. I wish to see Lady Athena. Please announce my visit–if she knows it’s me, she’ll be sure to see me p>
Michael remained confident. Even if Athena no longer cared for him, after all their years together, she wouldn’t have the heart to turn him away. He had come to see her today.
Jessa reacted as if she had just heard the most absurd joke. She cupped her round cheeks with both hands and asked mockingly, “Do you think I’m that shameless? ”
Michael was left speechless. Before he could fully comprehend the situation, Jessa’s voice echoed again, taunting him: “Even someone as shameless as I am wouldn’t sink that low. Do you have even thicker skin than I do p>
Humiliation. Utter and absolute humiliation. That wasn’t merely striking at Michael’s most sensitive nerve–it was akin to spitting directly in his face.
A mere servant daring to humiliate a marquis like him was an insult Michael could never accept. Furious, he bellowed, “How dare you!” before drawing his sword in one swift motion and thrusting it straight toward Jessa’s face.
Jessa seemed to anticipate his sudden attack–she was prepared for it. With a mocking grin, she nimbly leaped back and taunted, “Shame on you! You can’t win with words, so now you resort to using your fists p>
Michael was furious, relentlessly pursuing Jessa. Just as he was about to grab her, a whip suddenly lashed toward his face.
Michael quickly dodged, but he was still a step too slow. While the whip missed his face, it struck his shoulder. The whip cracked fiercely through the air, leaving a bloody welt behind. The impact was so powerful that it even tore through his clothes.
But at that moment, Michael’s expression changed suddenly. His eyes widened in surprise as he gazed at Jessa before him, a hint of confusion crossing his face. “Who are you, exactly?” he demanded.
Though she appeared youthful, the techniques she utilized were strikingly reminiscent of military practices. The military- grade whip in her hand was something Michael recognized all too well–it was the same whip used in the army to punish unruly soldiers. A single lash could tear through flesh, leaving raw wounds.
Even after the wounds had healed, permanent scars would remain. They were a brand–a mark of complete disgrace- intended to serve as a constant reminder to the transgressor of their failures.
In response to Michael’s question, Jessa coiled her whip around her wrist, lifted her chin defiantly with a smirk, and sneered, “You’re a worthless loser. You’re not even worthy of knowing my name p>
“You-” Michael choked back his rage. As he prepared to chase after her, a bitter taste surged in his throat, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
Jessa pointed a finger at him and warned sharply, “Stay away from Lady Athena from now on. If I ever catch you near her
1/2
Chapter 415
again, I’ll make sure to punish you every time I see you p>
The strong owed no explanations to the weak; might made right. After saying her piece, Jessa gracefully returned to the duke’s estate.
Michael stumbled unsteadily, nearly falling to the ground. That single lash had indeed left him with internal injuries.
A distant watchman’s chime echoed through the darkness, startling him as he realized it was already well past midnight. With thoughts of his wedding tomorrow, Michael let out a sigh and turned to walk away. Yet, he couldn’t shake off his pride regarding Jessa. He was determined to uncover the truth about her background.
Chapter 416
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.