Andrew smirked. "Eighth-degree black belt? Is that supposed to impress me?"

Francesca gritted her teeth at his ignorance. Harvey had been one of the top young fighters in Jayrodale even before going abroad, training in martial arts since he was a kid.

Sure, Andrew had taken down South City's Bobby, but Harvey was in a different league altogether.

Dexter taunted from the mat, "Are you that scared, kid? Don't worry, I won't humiliate you too badly—just enough to send you crawling home like a dog!"

Francesca pleaded desperately, "Please, Andrew, even if you get beaten, take it like a man. Don't embarrass Lauren and me. Do you want Lauren to seem inferior to Christina?"

Andrew sighed, already feeling annoyed. Nonetheless, he gave in and stepped up to the stage with a relaxed stride.

He looked at Dexter and said, "Since accidents can happen, let's take things easy and have a friendly match."

Dexter was caught off guard by his remark, but he quickly burst out laughing. "You'r