Chapter 497 - Wanted To Confirm

"Now, everyone, listen." When Angelo was back on his feet, Ivan retracted his hand and slowly turned to the men who watched their brawl. "What you had seen is a real one versus one close combat. As you can see, I got the upper hand as I'm more comfortable with close combat. However, even if I overwhelmed this guy, he still managed to make one fatal blow in the end. If the gun was loaded, I'd have gone down with him…" Ivan paused, pacing back and forth with his hands linked together.

"No, to be honest, I'll die alone. All I've done to him was to cause pain and injuries, but none of it was meant to kill him. That's the first mistake of the person who has the upper hand. In a real action, the underdog is always desperate. You must, at any cost, take down your opponent. He may be your friend, your family, or your lover. If they stand in your way, you don't hesitate or drown yourself with emotion. Or else, the consequences would be fatal." Ivan explained, stressing each word as they weighed heavily that etched in everyone's head.

Ivan and Angelo's argument wasn't fake, neither the brief brawl was fake. The pain Ivan inflicted on him was real, and Angelo's natural instinct was genuine. Still, they were friends, partners to be exact. But that moment, the latter considered him as a threat and an enemy which Ivan had wanted.

"Do you understand my point?" Upon explaining the moral lesson of the problem, Ivan's eyes scanned everyone's faces. None of them showed silliness who took his words lightly. If anything, Ivan was pleased that everyone was listening and considering his point.

"So far, I've heard stories and observed how everyone fights. You are all remarkable men, I give you that. However, you're too soft towards your comrades. I'm not saying it is bad, but what I'm implying is that with a big family such as yours, traitors are bound to infiltrate and mask themselves. They will call themselves your friend, your sworn brother, get your trust, and betray you when the time comes." Once again, Ivan paused as he gulped a mouthful of saliva.

"You people need to know your priorities. If you swear to serve and die for your boss, then, you have to forget about those things. They will not only cost you your life but also the person who you are serving." At this point, Ivan's tone grew firmer and commanding. One could tell how great of a leader he was and had experienced in handling men under him.

Even the squad captains under Matthew were listening to his every word. They listened and humbled themselves. Ryan, in particular, was in awe as he stared at Ivan. His eyes gleamed as if he was staring at his new idol.

Ivan continued to give out his lessons and then asked Carter to come to him for a spar. With that being said, Carter and Ivan began to spar while others watched their movements.

"So, what do you say?" Just then, Zoey walked to Matthew's side. Her arms crossed under her chest, a proud grin plastered across her lips as she was satisfied at how Ivan took this task in full seriousness.

"He's good." Matthew bat Zoey a side eye, the side of his lips curled into a smirk before he turned his head to her. "Are you just going to stand there? You haven't started your training." In a matter-of-fact tone, Matthew tilted his head to the side as he cast her a knowing look.

"Hehe, how about we spar together?" Slowly, the side of her lips curled into a sly grin as Zoey raised her brows in an up and down motion.

"You'll need stamina for that. I bet you're not prepared yet." Matthew leaned closer, whispering in her ear as he returned her teasing. "Now, my lady, I'll leave for a while." He then drew back, still bearing the playful smirk on his lips.

"Tsk," Zoey only clicked her tongue. "Okay…" She conceded in defeat, rolling her eyes before the two left; Zoey to change her clothes while Matthew did some business she was unaware of the details.

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���Hey," When Zoey returned to the training ground, Ivan seemed to have defeated a ton of Matthew's men. She gazed at the sideline where Carter was resting. By the looks of it, he was also defeated miserably as there were bruises and minor wounds on the corner of his lips.

'Geez… he's having fun.' Zoey thought internally, shaking her head as she truly hoped that one day, these men could stand even the slightest hope to par with Ivan. Sparring with Ivan on a daily basis would surely improve these people's skills.

"What are you doing here?" Upon sensing Zoey's presence, Ivan slowly turned his head to her delicate frame. His brows furrowed, cocking his head to the side in puzzlement.

"Training." She responded, her tone lazy as she moved her gaze to the squad captains. Carter seemed like he couldn't train her properly, so was Ryan who was still hyper despite the bruises and dirt on his face.

The only person who was yet to fight with Ivan was Owen. Thus, Zoey beamed Owen a knowing smile as if telling him it's his lucky day. "Wait." As Owen got up to take her to do their own private training, Ivan called which stopped him and caught everyone's attention.

"Sis, spar with me." In utter seriousness, Ivan proposed. Everyone who heard Ivan could not help but widen their eyes in disbelief as their jaw dropped. 

Did they hear him correctly? This man who had single handedly defeated their colleague without breaking a sweat was asking Matthew's lover to spar with him? Not to mention, Ivan's expression bore something one couldn't point out exactly. What they were certain was, Ivan was not joking.

"What? Why?" Unlike their expectation, Zoey cast him an eye of disdain as her face distorted. "Do you want to humiliate me in front of my darling's people?!" She sassed, her expression grew uglier.

Yet, Ivan didn't even flinch as he walked towards the area where other men were watching. There was a small dagger embedded on the ground, Ivan picked it up as his fingers played with it.

"I'm just curious about something for a long time. I just wanted to confirm something…" Slowly, Ivan dawdled. Without further ado, Ivan flung the dagger to Zoey's direction.

Taken aback, Zoey watched the dagger bolt straight directly at her head.. "Watch out!" Ryan called out in panic, springing up from his seat as he discerned that attack was meant to kill her! Alas, he was too late as the dagger was faster than him.