Chapter 37
The city's premier shooting club in Aglonard buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming competition.
Drawn by Idris's fame, enthusiasts and admirers alike filled the venue, eager to witness the event.
Accompanied by Jasper, Florrie excitedly attended to support Evelina.
Initially hesitant, Jasper had worried Florrie might grow bored-or worse, encounter trouble just before her critical surgery.
However,Evelina convinced him gently, suggesting,"Florrie's trying to hide her fears about the surgery behind her optimism. A change of scenery could really help ease her nerves."
Jasper quickly agreed,reinforcing security measures in line with Evelina's thoughtful advice.
Florrie,delighted,affectionately kissed Evelina on the cheek. "You're amazing, Evelina! Uncle Jasper,always follow her suggestions from now on!"
Evelina effortlessly offered solutions for others, yet when confronting her own troubles, she tended to handle them quietly, alone.
"Relax, Evelina." Caleb reassured confidently. "I've trained diligently with a nationaI shooting champion -my aim won't let you down. Just focus as usual."
The rules, set by Idris, required each participant and their partner to shoot three rounds, with the combined total determining the winner.
Back then, Idris had confidently chosen his bodyguard as his partner, while Evelina had picked Caleb.
Only after the teams had been finalized did Evelina discover ldris's partner was a former national shooting champion!
Unfortunately,changing partners was impossible-ldris had clearly specified any substitutions would invalidate the match.
Caleb had minimal real-world shooting experience,so they had delayed the competition for three long years.
"We'll give it our all," Evelina said firmly. She'd once been a renowned sharpshooter herself, the primary reason Idris eagerly accepted her challenge
Yet,objectively speaking, their combined expertise fell short compared to ldris and his highly skilled bodyguard. "Your best won't cut it, my dear Evelina," Idris teased,his eyes lingering on her appreciatively. "You've grown even more captivating."
Approaching confidently, Idris's bald head glistened,his broad smile stretching from ear to ear. "Don't forget our little bet-if you lose, you'll be my girlfriend for an entire month."
Caleb bristled angrily. "You tricked us! We agreed to bring trusted associates, and yet your partner is a champion shooter."
Idris chuckled slyly, clearly amused. "My bodyguard is indeed my most reliable person-nothing unfair there."
Evelina said coolly, her tone sharp, "Idris, the deal was you'd have one month to try winning me over if I lost."
Pursuing her was vastly different from an actual commitment. Evelina intended to ensure that distinction remained clear.
Moreover, despite the disadvantage, she wasn't ready to concede defeat before the competition had even begun.
Idris, his gaze greedy, scratched his chin with a smirk."Isn't it practically the same thing? I'm determined you'll be mine,Evelina." The thought of a beautiful young woman skilled in marksmanship thrilled him deeply.
Caleb couldn't contain his disdain. "Unbelievable! At nearly fifty, you're still eyeing Evelina?"
Idris, confidently rubbing his belly, retorted, "Perhaps Evelina prefers someone skilled. We older men understand the finer points of cherishing a woman..."
Suddenly, Jasper's cold voice interjected through the air from behind Idris, "It appears you have some pending loans with the Russell Group Bank. Care to explain when these will be cleared?"
The weight of Jasper's words made Idris tremble with fear.
Idris spun around to find Jasper stepping closer,and he hastily straightened up, his tone respectful. "Mr.Russell, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
Jasper's demeanor was cold as he replied, "I'm here about y/our debts."
A bead of sweat trickled down Idris's forehead as he replied, "Such a trivial sum... Surely it's not worth your time."
Ignoring his comment, Jasper moved to Evelina's side and said reassuringly, "This is merely a small challenge, and I've placed my bets on your victory."
Idris flinched, interpreting Jasper's statement as a veiled threat.
The implication was clear: losing to Evelina wasn't just an option; it was a mandate from Jasper himself.Failure to comply could have terrible consequences.