Chapter 80
Arabella was absolutely rattled. Whether it was Miranda’s impressive performance or Sebastian’s unexpected move to lend her his gun, it all struck a nerve with Arabella.
In her mind, someone like Miranda should be beneath her, a mere afterthought. She used to be treated like a stray by the Hawke family, only worthy of the scraps Arabella discarded.
Her face flushed red with a mix of anger and disbelief, jealousy practically seeping out of her eyes.
Sebastian adjusted his gold–rimmed glasses, his gaze lingering on the bullseyes peppering the moving targets. He, too, seemed a bit taken aback.
Miranda, unfazed by their questioning looks, handed the pistol back to Sebastian after emptying the magazine. “Thanks.”
Sebastian retrieved the gun and passed it to a female attendant standing by, ready to assist him.
“Dang, you’re a natural! Wanna try a rifle? We’ve got semi–autos over there,” piped up a young man standing next to Sebastian.
Only then did Miranda cast a glance at his way. He had the unmistakable air of wealth, a young playboy, charming in a carefree manner, unlike the more refined and cultured Sebastian.
His eyes sparkled with excitement as if he’d discovered something extraordinary. Miranda neither accepted nor declined. “Maybe next time.”
She wasn’t there to show off; she just wanted to settle a score for Caius and Hannah. Now that the bet was settled, there was no need to continue.
Unbeknownst to her, her nonchalance left the crowd buzzing with speculation.
“What? She can handle a rifle too?”
“Does she know how to use a sniper rifle?”
“Wow, I’d love to see her rifle skills!”
“Who is this woman? I haven’t seen her before.”
“She’s supposedly the heiress of the Lancaster Group, President Lancaster’s daughter.”
“Can I call her my mentor? Would she accept it if I do?”
The place was abuzz with chatter, with many spectators gathering around.
The young man who’d offered her the rifle exchanged a knowing glance with Sebastian and then grinned at Miranda. “Alright then, next time, you’ll have to try my gun.”
Sebastian frowned slightly.
Miranda simply smiled and turned her attention to Theo, who was still staring at the targets in disbelief.
“So, does our bet stand? Who’s the winner here, you or me?” her tone was calm yet laced with a hint of challenge.
Given her prowess, her confidence wasn’t misplaced. Who wouldn’t flaunt such skill? If they had such techniques, they’d strut around like no one could compete against.
Her boldness was infectious, inspiring those around her, especially Caius and Hannah.
Hannah stood tall, more defiant than Miranda herself. “No one’s backing out of a deal, right?”
Caius smirked coldly, “Yeah, no one’s gonna weasel out, are they?”
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09:25
Chapter 80
All eyes shifted to Alistair, his sister, and Theo. Even Sebastian and the young man beside him glanced their
way.
The young man asked, “So what’s at stake in this bet of yours?”
Way to hit a sore spot.
Alistair wore a dark expression, practically seething with anger. Theo pressed his lips, his face a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
Arabella interjected coldly, “This doesn’t count! It’s obvious you set us up! I won’t allow you to humiliate my brother! You hid your shooting skills to trick us into agreeing!”
With Sebastian present, Arabella deliberately avoided mentioning Theo. She thought her protective stance would win her favor.
