Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1983

Women were usually soft-hearted. Unable to say no to Seth's pleading face, Tiana relented. "Fine, just this once. What are we betting?"

"Simple. We'll bet on who'll win. The loser has to grant the winner a wish," Seth answered, quickly adding, "I'll go first. I'm betting on James."

Given James' impressive physique, it seemed unlikely he would lose. Seth could almost hear all the delicate meat calling his name and had to wipe away his drool.

"I'll bet on Linc, then," Tiana said half-heartedly, not really interested in the outcome.

James overheard their conversation and started warming up to make sure his body was prepared.

Seeing this, Seth also prepared himself for the feast that was to come.

"Don't worry, I won't go all the way," James told Lincoln confidently.

Lincoln didn't respond but glanced at Kingsley.

Kingsley checked his watch and patted Lincoln on the shoulder encouragingly. "Relax and just do what I taught you. You'll win if you're desperate enough."

Lincoln nodded. Losing wasn't an option for him anyway.

"All right, are you two ready?" Taylor acted as the host, holding a beer bottle as a microphone. "Ready–start!"

James made the first move, charging toward Lincoln and throwing a powerful punch.

Lincoln sidestepped the blow, letting the pillar behind him take the hit, which shattered under the impact.

James adjusted his stance and launched himself at Lincoln again, throwing more punches. However, Lincoln managed to evade all of his attacks. Soon enough, the carefully pruned garden was lost to the battle.

Minutes later, his stamina began to wane.

Now!

Seizing this opportunity, Lincoln circled behind him and swiftly shot a needle at him.

James caught on and sent Lincoln flying with a punch, but he was a second too late.

The needle had already struck the nape of his neck, and the drug inside quickly spread through his bloodstream. The tide of the battle turned as James felt his body go limp, and he fell to his knees.

Lincoln dusted off his jacket, disbelief and shock written all over his face. He couldn't believe he had actually won.

"You win," James admitted wryly.