Chapter 8 The Demolition Technique

Brennen's eyes flicked over his sleek phone screen before locking onto Emilee in the vibrant living room.

Their gaze collided, a moment of silent understanding. Emilee swiftly averted her eyes, feigning interest in something distant.

Brennen shifted his attention, but Clare beat him to the punch, firing off another message. "I heard you're new in town. Navigating the city jungle solo might be a wild ride. The Lewis clan's got a track record that's the perfect dance partner for your project. Two-stepping with them could amp up your progress big time!"

Brennen was caught off guard by the unexpected suggestion.

Clare, sensing the tension, rushed to clarify, "Trust me, hitching your wagon to the Lewis family's star is a win-win for this venture."

Before Brennen could respond, another message from Clare popped up. "If you throw in with the Lewises, I'm your ride-or-die."

Brennen couldn't resist a sly grin as he mulled over the image of that fiery girl. He fired off a message in response, "Anything?"

Through gritted teeth, Clare fired back, "Anything!"

"Even betting your soul and body?" he teased. Brennen, reveling in a touch of mischief, responded with a touch of playful defiance.

After a calculated pause, Clare, displaying unwavering determination, shot back, "Sure, but here's the catch."

"Shoot," Brennen urged.

"You've got to hand the reins of this project over to Emilee from the Lewis family. Once you agree, I'm your genie, granting wishes and all- body and soul included!" Clare's message hit Brennen with a surprising twist.

It seemed the bond between her and Emilee was the real deal.

"I'll give it some thought," Brennen typed, before slipping his phone into his pocket.

Brennen slid open the glass door to the balcony, only to find Emilee, drained from the day, had already retreated to the bedroom.

Before he could settle in, Archie's voice crackled through the phone.

"Mr. Roberts, I owe you an apology. My granddaughter got a little too curious and found your number from my phone. I'm sorry for the disturbance."

Brennen, cigarette in hand, dismissed it, "No harm done. In fact, I've got a job for you. Ready a sniper rifle, two bullets, put it in that villa from earlier today. I'll pick it up tomorrow."

"Understood, Mr. Roberts."

A moment's reflection and Brennen added, "And let the Lewis family spearhead the new district project. Emilee's your go-to, no one else from that family."

"Brenna will handle it tomorrow," came the prompt reply before the call ended.

Brennen sprawled on the sofa, eyes shut, indulging in the swirl of smoke.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Emilee lay on the bed, mapping out her next moves.

A buzz from Clare's call disrupted Emilee's thoughts. Excitement laced Clare's voice. "Emmie! I just reached out to the big shot! He's game for a collaboration, specifically with your family on the project. He's putting you in charge!"

Emilee couldn't contain her excitement, sitting up abruptly. "Really?"

"Cross my heart! Grandpa spilled the beans himself!" Clare's excitement echoed through the phone.

"No more tying the knot with that odious Cary guy or the food delivery dude!" Clare chimed in.

Emilee, patting her chest, face flushed with excitement, leaned in. "Clare, when can I meet this big shot? I need to thank him in person!"

"Hang on. Let me check with Grandpa. He snatched my phone away, you know," Clare said, trying to retrieve the details. "But seriously, this man showing up is like your personal cosmic fairy godparent."

"Absolutely!" Emilee agreed with a fervent nod.

Clare persisted, "Hey, Emmie, let me scoop you up and whisk you over to my turf."

"Thanks, but I'm beat today," Emilee declined.

Clare teased, "Planning a cozy night with the delivery guy, huh? A room, just the two of you... you get where I'm going."

Clare left her sentence hanging, but her unspoken sentiments lingered in the air, crystal clear.

Emilee responded with a light smile and said, "Don't worry; we'll catch up tomorrow."

With that, Emilee ended the call, leaving behind a hint of a smile on her previously worried yet beautiful face.

As sleep beckoned, a subtle tranquility embraced her.

Come morning, as Emilee stirred awake... she swiftly checked her attire-everything looked good.

As she stepped into the common area, her attention was drawn to the door of an adjacent bedroom standing ajar.

Approaching cautiously, she found Brennen engrossed in an unconventional workout-push-ups with two fingers inverted against a vertically placed brick.

Surprise danced across Emilee's features.

While she knew fitness enthusiasts, none boasted this particular skill set.

Once again, the food deliveryman managed to impress Emilee.

"Hey, early riser," Brennen greeted when he saw her.

He paused his practice, standing up.

"What kind of workout is this?" Emilee asked curiously.

"Just working on the Demolition Technique," he replied nonchalantly.

Emilee couldn't help but be curious. "Demolition Technique? Sounds intense. Did you just make that up to fool me?"

Brennen applied a specially formulated ointment to his hands, opting to keep the details to himself, well aware that even detailed explaining might not convince Emilee.

This wasn't your run-of-the-mill technique; it was a slice of authentic martial arts.

The term "authentic martial arts" had surfaced in the previous century, standing for authentic national martial arts.

These weren't flashy moves but lethal techniques designed for serious combat.

In the present era, tainted by some comical characters, discussions on martial arts often attracted an influx of armchair critics. They dismissed it as mere spectacle, unsuitable for real combat.

True experts, unfazed, seldom bothered with explanations.

Brennen, a martial arts enthusiast since childhood, had received a stern talk from his father Clayton before delving into training.

Clayton stressed a crucial point- martial artists must uphold martial virtue.

The essence of martial arts was conflict resolution, not violence, fighting, or killing.

It encompassed self-defense on an individual level and safeguarding the nation on a broader scale.

"Breakfast is all set. Clean up and join me," Brennen gestured, his fingers revealing a visible reduction in the previously swollen joints treated with the medicinal spray.

Emilee, catching a whiff of lingering steam from the kitchen, turned her gaze.

Brennen pointed toward the bathroom, saying, "I've got a new tooth brush for you, even splurged on a bottle of body lotion."

Her lips curved into a smile.

A message from Archie reported that the requested sniper was discreetly placed in the villa.

Brennen peeled an egg, extending it to Emilee. As she took a bite, she proposed, "Come back home with me later."

Curious, Brennen inquired, "Why?"

"To get my legal documents. How else are we going to tie the knot?" Emilee's tone was matter-of-fact.

Brennen's hand, mid-peel, hesitated. "Have you really thought this through? Do you genuinely want to marry me?"

Emilee fixed her gaze on him. "What? Are you scared?"

"If you're not scared, why should I be?" Brennen rolled his eyes and stuffed the egg into his mouth.

Emilee, undeterred, asked, "When do we meet your folks?"

Brennen spooned up some cereal. "After the baby arrives."

"Why?" Emilee frowned.

Brennen chuckled hollowly. "My family's got a load of rules. I'm worried they won't give their approval to you as a daughter-in-law. Once there's a kid, though, they won't have any choice."

Tension hung thick in the air.

Smack!

Emilee set her spoon down.

Throughout her life, she had been someone others looked up to, proud and unyielding.

This delivery guy, however, dared to imply his family might not approve of her!

Emilee raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you implying that you are out of my league?"

Brennen, feigning shyness, responded, "Don't sell yourself short. My family is easygoing. You've got the looks, the body, the demeanor. It's just your family background that's a bit lacking."

"Excuse me?!" she exclaimed, shocked.