Chapter 77
And, what illegal stuff was Miranda talking about?
Face as stoic as ever, Alistair only added, “Think before you speak. Words carry responsibility.”
For a moment, Miranda’s gaze was so intense that even Alistair felt a chill down his spine. Then she smirked callously, “Consider yourselves lucky I don’t have the time to give you a piece of my mind right now.”
After that, she turned to Theo. “You guys were betting just now?”
Theo gazed back at Miranda. “Yep, loser has to bark like a dog.”
Caius and Hannah exchanged glances. Caius uttered, “A bet’s a bet. I’ll do it.”
But Miranda stopped him. “Let’s have another round, raise the stakes. Double or nothing.”
Theo stared at her, squinting. “What are you getting at?”
Miranda clarified, “I’ve made myself clear. Another round. Double the stakes from before. If I lose, not only will I bark, but I’ll make them join me and circle the field. If you lose, the three of you…”
She scanned them. “Will circle the field shouting ‘Caius is our dad‘. So, how about it? You game?” Her words were laced with challenge.
Their lively banter attracted the attention of the few club members and staff at the shooting range, who glanced over their way.
“Mira.” Hannah tried to dissuade her. “Don’t bet with them.”
Caius wasn’t pleased either. “This isn’t your business, stay out of it.”
But with the challenge laid out, Theo couldn’t back down, and Arabella was the first to agree.
“Fine, you said it!” Arabella glared at Miranda. “No backing out!”
Miranda replied, “If I back out, may my whole family be cursed.”
Suddenly, Alistair and the whole Lancaster crew were staring at her.
Alistair frowned, his eyes cold and sharp.
Caius and Hannah were speechless. Were they being dragged into this family curse thing too?
“You?” Theo’s eyes dripped with mockery. “Do you even know how to handle a gun?”
Miranda tilted her head slightly. “You first.”
Theo picked up the automatic pistol, donned his safety glasses, and stepped up to the range. He squeezed off ten shots, hitting the target six times, with scores ranging from five to nine.
Not bad for an amateur, even though his skills were not top–notch, he was certainly better than a lot of folks.
Arabella was smug. “Miranda, you can’t even shoot, and you’re betting. Regretting it now?”
Theo looked pleased with himself, already tasting victory.
Miranda didn’t even spare Arabella a glance. Instead, she looked at Alistair. “You.”
Just one word, but Alistair got the message. He instinctively picked up the automatic pistol.
“Hurry up, I don’t have all day,” Miranda urged coldly.
Alistair gave her a look before slowly approaching the range. He fired ten shots, hitting the target nine times, with two bullseyes.
“Wow, Alistair, you’re amazing!” Arabella clapped excitedly.
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09:25
Chapter 77
When Alistair returned, Arabella rushed to his side.
“You’re so awesome, Alistair. It’s a shame I’m scared of gunshots, or I’d ask you to teach me,” she cooed, trying to charm him.
But Alistair, who usually would have ruffled her hair affectionately, just stood there, unresponsive to her
attempt.
Arabella frowned. What was up with Alistair? His eyes were fixed on Miranda, waiting to see what she’d do
next.
As Miranda picked up Caius’s automatic pistol, Alistair spoke up, “If you apologize now and come back to the Hawke family with me, I can call off this bet.”
His tone softened, assuming Miranda would see reason.
But Miranda ignored him, her focus on the target ahead. With a flick of her right thumb, the empty magazine dropped out, and with the left hand, she caught it effortlessly, meanwhile sliding a fresh magazine in with practiced ease.
A set of the movements were efficient and smooth, as if she’d played it hundreds of times.
The seamless motion left Alistair speechless. It wasn’t just him. Everyone around was wide–eyed in disbelief.
How was it possible? Her speed in handling the gun was something not even some seasoned soldiers could match!
