Chapter 651 Be Massacred Together
Charlotte directed her attacks at Stuart's joints during their friendly spar, causing him to release her, and she fell to the ground, coughing violently. Christopher observed with sympathy, though he didn't fault Stuart.
Stuart, assessing the situation, remarked to Charlotte, "Combat techniques aren't just about lethal strikes. Targeting my joints exposes your own vulnerabilities. Even against a less skilled opponent, once those weaknesses are known, you're easily overcome."
Between coughs, Charlotte inquired, "So, how should I attack if not the joints?"
Stuart proposed, "Shall we try again?"
Charlotte agreed without hesitation. This time, Stuart threw her several meters away onto the grass. Despite the soft landing spot, the impact stung, and Charlotte winced. Yet, she seemed to glean some insights from Stuart's tactics.
"Let's spar again!" Charlotte sprang back up, seemingly immune to the pain, and launched another assault on Stuart. They exchanged fifteen moves before Charlotte was tossed out once more. Though she rose to her feet, ready for more, Stuart called an end to the session, citing a need to tend the vegetable garden.
"Why do you spend your time gardening when you're so skilled?" Charlotte queried, her voice tinged with curiosity and confusion. "Surely, your talents shouldn't be wasted on such tasks."
"Me?" Stuart gestured to himself. "I'm retired."
Charlotte was taken aback. "But then, why engage in these activities?"
"Oh, and one more thing," Stuart remembered. "You can spar with us, but don't engage with Miss or Master. They're not trained in martial arts."
"I'm not naive," Charlotte retorted.
"Congratulations on joining the school," Stuart remarked, indicating a spot of blood on Charlotte's face. "You're bleeding; wipe it off."
With that, Stuart made his way toward the greenhouse, leaving Charlotte astonished. "He's even more elusive than Father, retiring at such a young age!"
Christopher, overhearing, added in a hushed tone, "Keep it down. Stuart's eye injury was incurred during a mission. It's sensitive."
Stuart departed swiftly, leaving Charlotte to ponder the mysteries surrounding him.
Stuart stumbled slightly as he stepped on a stone, catching Charlotte off guard.
Momentarily startled, Charlotte lowered her head, reflecting on the insights gained from her recent sparring session with Stuart.
Meanwhile, Fiona arrived home to find Ethan preparing to leave, backpack in tow, with Chicago trailing behind.
Ethan, looking down, briefed Fiona about the homework due the following day before meeting her gaze.
"Are you heading out now, Ethan?" Fiona inquired.
Caught off guard, Ethan blushed. "Yes."
"How was Chicago's day at school?" Fiona pressed.
"I was very good, Mommy!" Chicago piped up, raising her hand.
Ethan chimed in, "Chicago is sharp and picks things up quickly. She should do well next semester."
He had assisted her in reviewing foundational knowledge, confident that diligent study would yield success.
"Ethan's teaching is great. I was stumped on those problems, but he made it all clear!" Chicago exclaimed.
Ethan blushed even more. "I'll head off now. Just transfer the tutoring fee."
With that, Ethan left swiftly, chauffeur waiting to whisk him away.
"Why didn't you ask Ethan to stay, Mommy? It's tiring for him to come back and forth," Chicago queried, puzzled.
"Did you discuss it with him?" Fiona probed.
Chicago nodded. "Yes, I did, and even the housekeeper mentioned it, but Ethan didn't want to. He didn't even want dinner!"
Fiona sighed. "That's his choice. You can't always rush things, Chicago. Sometimes, you need to take it slow."
Quickly shifting gears, Chicago led Fiona to the study to tackle the problem sets Ethan had left.
"Is this for your final exam?" Fiona asked, surprised.
"Yes, it's what Ethan and the principal requested!" Chicago affirmed.
Fiona perused the correction notebook, impressed by Ethan's thorough explanations and clear guidance.
"No wonder everyone enjoys Ethan's tutoring sessions," Fiona murmured.
"Oh, did Charlotte pass her entrance exam?" she added.
"Absolutely, she did great," Fiona answered with a smile.
"That's amazing! I can go to school with Charlotte now, right?" Chicago beamed.
"Indeed!" Fiona nodded.
Excited, Chicago dove into her homework, diligently following Ethan's instructions.
Meanwhile, Fiona peeked into Charles's study, finding him engrossed in a video chat with classmates, discussing a math problem. Though tempted to intervene, Fiona refrained, feeling out of her depth.
Quietly closing the door, Fiona descended the stairs.
Shortly after, Darwin returned from work, heading straight for his wife, eager for a hug.
Learning that their children were busy studying, he opted not to disturb them, embracing Fiona before retiring to their bedroom.
"Grandma Rhoads will be back next Sunday. With this chilly weather, what do you think about a beach vacation?" Darwin proposed to Fiona.
She agreed with a nod. "Sure, but is our resort up and running yet?"
Darwin hesitated briefly before suggesting an alternative destination, mindful of the psychological toll the resort location held for him.
"Alright, we'll go wherever you prefer," Fiona acquiesced, understanding his reluctance. "Oh, and Annie called today. She wants to visit the completed project site."
Darwin frowned. "Why now, during Christmas? Tell her to come after the holidays."
It was surprising to hear such words from the once work-driven Darwin.
"I already did," Fiona reassured him, reaching out to stroke his head.
Feeling reassured, Darwin relaxed, continuing to enjoy the tender moment with his wife as they discussed vacation plans.
However, their conversation was interrupted by Darwin's vibrating phone.
Frowning, he picked it up, noticing it was Henry calling.
"What's wrong?" he asked, noting the tremor in Henry's voice.
"Mr. Solomon, I just received word that Sebastian and Alexander were ambushed," Henry relayed with evident distress.
Darwin's demeanor shifted immediately as he signaled to Fiona and stepped outside.
Sebastian and Alexander were integral to Darwin's intelligence operations, always staying out of the public eye.
Their sudden disappearance last week had unsettled him, but the news of their massacre was beyond his worst fears.
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