Chapter 9 The Counterfeit Heiress Turns the Tables 08

Ethan's determination to protect Tian Tian and dissolve his engagement with Alex had led to a full-blown confrontation with his parents, Keller and Mrs. Keller, who, in a fit of anger, froze all his credit and bank accounts. Left with no other option, he sought employment, and his prowess in Taekwondo made his presence at the DoJo unsurprising.

Observing Ethan's gaze upon her, Alex knew he must have mistaken her intentions once again, believing she was resorting to underhand tactics to gain his attention.

"Mr. Keller, this truly is a coincidence. If I had known you were here, I would have avoided it altogether," Alex stated sincerely.

"Oh, really?" Ethan's skepticism was palpable.

"Absolutely," Alex nodded firmly.

"Do you honestly expect me to believe that?" Ethan sneered, scrutinizing her from head to toe in her TaeKwonDo attire. "First, you cancel the engagement to grab my attention, and now you're here as a customer, plotting your next move. Are you going to throw yourself at me next? Beg for me to come back to you?"

"Mr. Keller, you're far too full of yourself," Alex retorted, her tone sharp. "Before you make such presumptuous claims, consider your own worth. I admit, my taste might not be impeccable, but it's certainly not so poor as to seek your approval. Attract your attention? Throw myself at you? Plead for reconciliation? I'm sorry, but such thoughts have never crossed my mind."

Ethan's face darkened, his jaw clenched tightly as he glared at Alex, seething with anger. He had intended to humiliate her, to regain some of the dignity he had lost at her hands, only to find himself the butt of her ridicule.

"Mr. Keller, I suddenly recall having other commitments. Farewell... or rather, farewell forever," Alex said, making a move for the door. As she passed Ethan, he reached out and grasped her wrist.

Alex frowned, using the momentum of his pull to execute a graceful turn, pivoting on her left foot and aiming a swift kick towards Ethan's groin. But Ethan anticipated her move, catching her foot and pulling her back, holding her firmly against him.

"Ethan, let me go!" Alex struggled, her voice laced with fury.

To be so easily subdued by a mere mortal, the daughter of the prestigious Andra's family, was nothing short of humiliating.

"Let you go? Why should I?" Ethan grinned triumphantly, relishing her frustration. He had been at her mercy before; now it was his turn to toy with her.

"You already have Tian Tian! Yet you dare to lay a hand on me. What if she finds out? What then?" Alex hissed, wishing she could unleash her magical prowess in this world.

"Are you concerned for me?" Ethan whispered huskily in her ear, amusement lacing his tone.

"Concerned? I'm not concerned about your d*mn head! Let me go, or face the consequences!" Alex snapped, her patience wearing thin.

"Consequences?" Ethan chuckled softly, blowing a gentle breath against her ear. "In this state, how exactly do you plan to make me suffer?"

"Ethan, release me this instant, and we'll settle this like proper warriors!" Alex growled.

"I have no interest in fighting you," Ethan sneered, his disdain for her evident.

"You!" Alex sputtered, furious yet helpless. Suddenly, she seized upon an idea, slamming her head back with force.

Ethan let out a muffled groan, releasing her abruptly. The force of his push sent Alex stumbling a few steps before she regained her balance. Turning to face him, she saw Ethan clutching his nose, blood dripping between his fingers. A mischievous smile curved her lips.

"Let me tell you, playing games with me is a fool's errand," she taunted.

Ethan wiped away the blood, his eyes blazing with fury as he advanced on Alex, intent on teaching her a lesson.

But Alex had learned her lesson. As Ethan lunged for her, she sidestepped nimbly, dodging his grasp and striking out with both fists. Ethan retreated, avoiding her blows, only to stumble over a training target as he prepared to counterattack. Alex seized the opportunity, grasping his wrist as he reached for her, and with a resounding thud, they both tumbled to the ground.

Just then, the door to the private room burst open.

Tian Tian stood there, eyes wide with disbelief, her voice颤抖 as she whispered, "What... what are you doing?"

Alex took in their position—her pinning Ethan down, his nose still bleeding—and realized the incriminating scene before them.

Tian Tian's eyes welled with tears, her lips trembling as she turned and fled without another word.

Ethan pushed Alex off him, his expression a mix of fury and despair. "Alex, you've gone too far this time! Are you satisfied now?" he spat, rushing after Tian Tian.

Alex knew Ethan would assume she had orchestrated Tian Tian's arrival, deliberately staging the scene.

With a shrug of indifference, she rose, straightened her clothes, and abandoned her plans for TaeKwonDo lessons. After changing and paying her bill, she left the dojo.

Exiting the building and turning left towards the parking lot, fate seemed determined to thwart her, as she stumbled upon Ethan and Tian Tian once more.

The two were locked in an emotional embrace, Tian Tian sobbing uncontrollably, her tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Tian Tian, please listen to me. It's not what you think. There's nothing between me and Alex..." Ethan pleaded.

"Stop it, I don't want to hear it... I don't want to know about you and her..." Tian Tian cried, covering her ears and shaking her head, overwhelmed by the pain.

"Tian Tian, trust me. You're the only one in my heart," Ethan insisted, pulling her hands away from her ears.

"Ethan, don't lie to me anymore. I know I'm not worthy of you, and I'm sorry for hurting Miss Andra first. I know it's my fault if you ever regret and leave me. But my heart hurts so much. I try to believe in you, but seeing you with her... I can't take it..." Tian Tian's voice broke, her tears falling like rain.