The proverbial gauntlet had been thrown. The stage was set for a battle of wills, one that would test the bonds of love and conviction. Aiden’s eyes swept over Kasra with the sharpness of a predator sizing up its prey. There was no mistaking the hostility in them.

  “How do you want me to prove it?” Kasra’s voice was steady, though his hands betrayed him, clenching and unclenching at his sides. He knew this was no ordinary trial. This was a test, one that would make or break his and Lara’s future.

  Aiden’s lips curled into a smirk, equal parts cunning and arrogant. “A duel,” he spat, his proposal slicing through the charged moment like a blade. “You and I, mano a mano. If you defeat me, I will consent to the marriage. But if I win, you will end your relationship with my daughter.”

  The room fell into stunned silence once more, the weight of Aiden’s words settling heavily upon everyone. Lara’s breath caught in her throat, her gaze darting between her father and lover. She reached for the latter’s hand, gripping it tightly as if to anchor herself in the brewing storm before her.

  Seven, seated beside Sana, observed the escalating conflict with a discerning eye. He had picked up the invisible threads of the jing aura emanating from Aiden, Louisa, and Kasra. Jing, a subtle yet profound force indicative of one’s martial prowess, enveloped a person like an invisible shield, perceptible only to those deeply attuned to the nuances of martial artists. Aiden’s burned with the vigor of a seasoned fighter—sharp, controlled, and laced with a confidence that bordered on arrogance. Kasra’s, by contrast, was steady but untested, flickering at the edges like a flame caught in a breeze.

  His lips pressed into a thin line. He couldn’t let this spiral out of control. If Kasra were to lose—although it seemed they were evenly matched—the consequences would be devastating for the couple. For their happiness, he’d made his decision.

  Suppressing his jing, he stood and approached Aiden, his stride measured. “Master Wolfe, I believe there may be a better way to resolve this.”

  Aiden’s forehead creased as his piercing gaze fell on the young man who had dared to interrupt. “And who might you be?” he asked, his tone laced with undisguised irritation.

  Seven offered a respectful bow before introducing himself. “My name is Seven,” he said evenly. “I work for the Shahi family.”

  Aiden’s brow arched in mild curiosity. “In what capacity?”

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  “Protection,” Seven replied crisply. “So, it’s my duty to intervene.”

  Aiden’s eyes narrowed to almost a slit, disdain etched in them. “Are you saying you want to take your employer’s place?”

  Seven inclined his head. “Yes, Master Wolfe. A direct confrontation between you and my employer would only escalate tensions further. By allowing me to act as an intermediary, both parties can take a step back without losing face.”

  Aiden considered the proposition. Indeed, a head-on showdown might come across as too abrasive. He had to think about his daughter’s relationship with Sana, not to mention that both he and Louisa were also very fond of the latter. “What are you saying? Is your employer willing to let you act as his proxy?”

  Kasra, sensing an opportunity to avoid the duel, spoke up. “If Master Wolfe agrees, I have no objections to Seven stepping in on my behalf.”

  A nerve throbbed beneath Aiden’s temple. After a long moment, he gave a curt nod. “Very well. Since your employer has consented, what do you propose?”

  Seven met Aiden’s gaze, unflinching. “Master Wolfe, how about a twist to the challenge? You will have five opportunities to attack, while I can only defend myself. If you defeat me within those five attempts, my employer will willingly walk away from his relationship with your daughter.”

  Aiden’s jaw tightened, his mind calculating. It was audacious—almost cavalier. It also revealed Seven’s naivety because the imposed restriction practically invited Aiden to prove his superiority. Despite being half a foot shorter and around twice Seven’s age, Aiden could not detect the jing aura from Seven.

  Hmph! Overconfident fool. He has no idea what he’s up against.

  He smirked. “Very well, young man. Let the duel commence.”

  “Shall we take this to the front lawn?” Seven suggested, gesturing toward the French doors leading to the expansive green.

  Aiden nodded slowly. “Lead the way.”

  The tension followed them like a storm cloud as the group filed out of the parlor. Lara hesitated, her nerve faltering as she turned to Kasra. Her face was pale, her forehead lined with worry. “Do you really think Seven can beat my dad?” she whispered. “Don’t let his age disadvantage fool you. He’s called ‘Master’ for a reason.”

  He reached for her hand, his touch gentle yet reassuring. “Darling, whether I win or not, it’s a lose-lose situation for me. Just think about it: if I beat him, he’ll see me as disrespectful. If I don’t, he’ll see me as unworthy. Seven stepping in was the smartest move. I trust him; he wouldn’t have butted in if he weren’t confident in his abilities.”

  Lara’s lips quivered as she tried to hold back tears. “But what if Seven loses? What then?”

  He cupped her cheeks, his voice soft yet firm. “Then I’ll find another way to win your parents over. This is just a bump in the road. We’ll get through it. Together.”

  She dipped her head slightly, her chest stuffy with apprehension. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I didn’t expect my parents to react this way.”

  Kasra shook his head and pulled her in for a hug. “Darling, you have nothing to apologize for. Love isn’t always easy, but ours is worth fighting for.”

  With the others gone, the parlor seemed suddenly vast and still. Lara clung to Kasra, her heart hammering. The late-afternoon air felt colder than before, as though it, too, was awaiting the clash about to unfold.