Chapter 27
It was a direct challenge. Zoe wasn’t avoiding the sparring because she was scared or skipping the test because she was a coward. She had bigger plans–a showdown with Zack. She was gonna take him down with one move.
When she said that, everyone felt like an invisible noose was choking them
Cheryl’s eyes bugged out. “Zoe, are you serious? You’re so reckless! Challenging Mr. Shelton? You’re gonna get crushed.”
Eunice had never seen anyone so foolish. She couldn’t believe Zoe’s audacity. She’d seen people take risks, but not like this. She bet Zoe didn’t know Zack’s combat skills.
Eunice rolled her eyes when she heard Zoe say she would take down Zack in one move.
Herbert and Jacob scowled and glared at Zoe. For a split second, everyone was so shocked, they couldn’t speak.
Zack, the one being challenged, was stunned too. He knew better than anyone–Zoe didn’t pull sneak attacks. She had real skills.
it whether she was good or not, the fact she hurt his wrist was all over town. If word spread, he, as a world champion, couldn’t keep his reputation in Jelonsburg.
This could ruin his reputation, even mess up his chances with the Eminence Nexus. To save face and stop rumors he got ambushed by some backwoods girl, he had to act.
Beating her fair and square–perfect. She’d challenged him publicly, after all. He’d been itching to face her.
Zack stared at Zoe, eyes sharp like an eagle’s. “Fine. Since you’re so bold, challenging me in front of everyone, I’ll take your offer.
Today’s fight doesn’t count. But let’s bet. In a month, once I’m healed, the loser apologizes publicly and leaves Highcrest University
Zack himself agreed. The students freaked out.
“No way Zoe fakes it this time!”
“She’s to
Zoe you challenged him–don’t back out”
“Expose the fraud, Mr. Shelton! Kick her out! How dare she seduce Mr. Ludwig
Zoe just smiled, “Alright”
Everyone thought. Taking the bet so easily. Is she hiding something? Cheating?
Then Zoe said all of sudden. “But
Everyour snerred inwardly. Of course! She will play tricks. Mr. Shelton’s a world–class MMA champ. There is no way she dare fight hum straight up”
Just when everyon expected her to make a wild demand, she dropped a bomb. Everyone froze.
Zoe smiled. “Beiting on win or loset Boring. Let’s go all in Loser dies
The crowd gasped. Even Zard paled.
Instead of backing down, the upped the aute–She proposed a life–and–death pact.
Everyone th du Zoe was desperair for Jamie,
Herbert couldn’t s
He jumped up. “Zur, what are you thinking? Betting your life? Are you suicidal Herben, no matter how weird she acted, no matter her secrets, he thought she just spoiled.
Hạt Zor thinkingg the could take on Zack straight sip with no tricks. That was nuts for him.
“Zor! Lamire looked worried and stepped forward, Inut Cheryl stopped her. “Tunice, stay out of it! She’s got Shawn wrapped around ber Diger. Now she’s using rumors to chimb Jelonburg a social ladder. Las her face the music ”
Deep down, Eunice couldn’t help but snack She didnt think Zoe was this dumb. he wouldnt even have to lift a finger. Zoe was
Chapter 27
digging her own hole
hat’s how you want it, we’ll bet on
our lives. But don’t crying to me when you crash and burn.
him, heading for the clogs.ed
slid past hit “I won’t lose
she paused, nurne
head, and said coldly, Inuid enough for everyone.
Then she strutted off, looking cky Students nearby filmed the whole thing and posted it online.
The internet blew up again, Jelouslsung was in chaos,
Zack Shelton, High
University’s vice principal and a big deal
d at the -to a light to the death. That never happened before.
Kininence Nexus, was challenging a student
some country orl
This was juicy
And a
Fall the backlash, Zar stayed chill and headed home,
In
In the living room, Clara hail just gotten her nails done. Her bright red tips glinted as she scrolled her phone. Then she saw a video of Zoe calling om Zack and them agreeing to a life–or–death duel in a month
Clara almost fainted from rage. When Zor walkeil in, she leapt up, jabbed her chubby finger at Zoe’s forehead, and screamed, “Zoe,
“What’s yo
‘s your problem! Always stirring up trouble for ust With your skills, you think you can take on Zack, Highcrest’s VP? Are you
“If you’re hellbent on destroying yourself, fine, but don’t drag us down. When Zack kills you after you lose, don’t say I didn’t warn y the Evanses won! save you. Go to Zack’s place now and apologize.”
Zoe shot Clara a coid glare, pride blazing. “No way!” She smirked. “Zack? Please. That bet’s as good as mine,
She was extremely arrogant. Even Emmence Nexus folks wouldn’t say something that wild.
you
Watching Zoe
ipstairs, Clara seethed. She was so furious she could barely breathe and almost keeled over,
Luckily, Eunice walked in and helped Clara to her room.
Outside, Eunice thought about the wilderness survival trip starting soon, She wandered into the empty garden and made a hushed call.
What kind?
on the worst team for the wilderness survival thing!
Time ripped by, and before anyour knew it. Highcrest University’s annual wilderness survival event was here. Euly that morning. students were already there, all geared up and ready to roll
untouched forest. “To challenge the students and boost their sills, the school picked a wild.
unpredictable spot full of potential dangers
be in charge of everything thuring the event
Zoe had
now up. Right before she got there, she
saying Shown was the lead unstructor. Hed
couper busy. But he took the time to lead ibe event. Clearly,
Zoe was right. Meanwhile, in the command center, Shawn in a military uniforms stood tall, watching Zoe on the surveillance screen, not
