Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 353

Angela had already humbled herself significantly. Despite Joel's consistent indifference, he found it increasingly difficult to dismiss her completely. After all, those who came here were far from ordinary.

In the end, he agreed. He would just treat it as a game to see if she was anything like Bill.

Angela and Joel soon found themselves on the ring. Angela felt honored and bowed to Joel. Despite secretly looking down on her, Joel maintained a gentlemanly demeanor and smiled.

After that, it was time for a heated exchange.

Joel sarcastically said, "I'll draw the line somewhere and do my best not to hurt you."

Angela smiled with determination, replying, "I'll give it my all until I defeat you."

Joel frowned, wondering what this arrogant woman was planning.

The battle began quickly. Joel was obviously different from the other contestants Angela went up against. He toyed with her, effortlessly neutralizing her attacks and waiting for her next move, like a cat playing with a mouse.

The audience erupted in a mixture of sighs and laughter at Angela for daring to compete against someone so powerful. However, she remained undeterred and gave her best in every attack and defense.

As the match progressed, she began to discover her rhythm. Soon enough, she managed to hold her own against Joel, landing a few solid strikes.

The mocking voices from the audience gradually faded. No one could despise someone determined and resilient.

After over ten minutes, Angela appeared fatigued, having lost the fierce speed she had initially displayed. At that moment, Joel delivered a powerful kick to her chest.

The force sent her sprawling over ten feet away, overwhelming her with pain. It felt as if her entire body was about to shatter.

"Just give up," Joel advised again. He whispered so softly that only she could hear his words.

Angela shook her head in refusal, wiping the blood from her nose with the back of her hand. The metallic scent filled her senses, threatening to overwhelm her and make her nauseous.

Nonetheless, she sprinted toward Joel. Joel had no choice but to defend nonchalantly.

Unexpectedly, it was just a feint. Angela instantly retracted her hand and pivoted fiercely. She unleashed a powerful kick to Joel's shoulder, her leg positioned almost vertically. The force of the kick was formidable.

Joel instinctively tried to evade the strike, but his efforts were in vain. He stumbled back, barely managing to keep his balance. Before he could steady himself, Angela followed up with a series of kicks.