When James was 24, he personally ended his foster father’s life and became the boss of the largest gang in Arcton.

So, Tessa was no match for a monster like him.

Still, a person could unleash their hidden potential when they were in a state of anger and desperation, which was exactly the situation Tessa was currently in.

Tessa knew that there was no way she was leaving this abandoned building alive.

Therefore, instead of getting violated by a group of lewd men, she chose to fight James to the death.

After all, since death was to be her ending either way, she would rather die fighting than die in humiliation. So, she chose to use this opportunity to vent all her pent-up emotions and unleash the hatred and rage she had been harboring against James.

“Interesting,” James mused as his expression shifted from condescension to surprise. His eyes flickered with intrigue upon her reaction.

He had never met a woman like Tessa before.

Most women would either wait for their impending humiliation and be defiled or leap from the rooftops once they were freed.

He had considered that she would choose either of those options but never imagined she would choose a third option to fight.

The Tessa as of right now was akin to a berserk lioness, filled with boundless strength.

James’ subordinates stood frozen, and their jaws fell slack as they watched the struggle unfolding before them.

It had been years since James had been challenged to a fight like this.

Tessa was truly one courageous woman.

After all, their leader had emerged victorious from a deserted island and a gladiatorial arena. He had even undergone years of military training tailored for mercenaries.

Although they knew that Tessa was going to fose, the fight before them was still a visual feast for them. It was also an exhilarating battle that they hadn’t gotten to witnessin a long, long while.

Tessa’s attacks were relentless as she went after James. Alas, James kicked her to the ground.

Still, she didn’t give up and swiftly grabbed a steel rod nearby, swinging it brutally at his head.

James tilted his head to the side before yanking the rod toward him.

Tessa was promptly pulled in his direction. Just as she was about to fall, she promptly let the rod go, steadied herself, and threw a vicious kick at James’ groin.

Her tactics took James aback.

What was Tessa doing? Did she want him dead, or was she seeking to render him a eunuch? He had never seen a fighting style like hers and was genuinely surprised.

He parted his mouth to say a snarky quip or two when Tessa suddenly raised her head. Their gazes locked onto one another.

James was struck by the intensity of her gaze.

Her eyes were filled with a thirst for blood and unadulterated madness. It was clear that she was in a battle frenzy.

It was then that James cast aside his nonchalant attitude and mocking smile.

That was a gaze he was all too familiar with.

Tessa’s eyes were like a throwback to his past. It was as if he could see the youth he once was, the youth

who had been forced to youth

battle

against wild beasts in the arena.