Chapter 284

Harrison's eyebrows lifted slightly as he turned to face Rosalind.

"Why bring this up now?" Evelyn exchanged a quick glance with Harrison, careful not to reveal anything unusual. "I understand Ms. Vanderbilt might be physically weaker in hand-to-hand combat, but isn't this assessment about strategic advantage?"

Harrison nodded thoughtfully, finding some merit in her words.

Theodore stroked his beard in silent agreement.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. frowned. "How could a simple ring be considered a weapon?" Rosalind explained cautiously, "The ring Ms. Vanderbilt wore wasn't ordinary jewelry. It's clearly a self-defense mechanism with concealed sharp edges capable of inflicting wounds." Mr. Goldmann Sr.'s expression darkened as he considered this information.

Harrison looked genuinely surprised. "So that innocent-looking accessory is actually a concealed weapon?"

'No wonder Lillian claimed Evelyn injured her with a ring. Does this mean she actually cheated?'

Rosalind offered a pained smile. "Exactly. But Nathan was present that day, and it wouldn't have been appropriate for me to expose her in front of him."

"What? That boy went to the training camp?" Theodore's amusement vanished instantly. 'Is he actually taking my warnings seriously?'

Rosalind quickly attempted to diffuse the situation. "Grandfather, please don't be upset. Nathan was simply concerned for her safety. And to be fair, Ms. Vanderbilt does possess considerable skill. She can clearly handle herself, which means Nathan won't need to worry about her in the future."

She continued with a practiced smile. "While Ms. Vanderbilt may have bent the rules to secure her victory, her actions were understandable. However, to address the trainees' concerns about the match's fairness, I propose deducting 10 points from her total score of 30." Though her words appeared supportive, her true intention was to deepen Theodore's disappointment in Evelyn.

'She passed through dishonorable means. Others might be fooled, but I see right through her!'

Theodore lifted his teacup thoughtfully. Before he could speak, a commanding presence entered the pavilion.

Nathan's stormy expression made it clear he'd overheard the conversation. "Outmaneuvering an opponent is a legitimate strategy. Why should points be deducted for tactical brilliance?" Rosalind's heart skipped a beat as she realized Nathan had likely been observing her recent maneuvers.

'Not only did he personally attend the assessment, but he anticipated I'd report to Grandfather with Harrison present?'

Biting her lip subtly, she chose her words carefully. "Nathan, the trainees are all complaining about Ms. Vanderbilt's unconventional victory method. They feel it was unfair to her opponent—"

A cold chuckle interrupted her. "Tell me," Nathan's gaze turned piercing, "since when is brute strength the only measure of victory?"

Rosalind fell silent under his scrutiny. Theodore set down his cup with deliberate calm. "Rosalind is merely upholding the training camp's standards. Are you suggesting we ignore rule violations?"

"Grandfather, with respect," Nathan countered smoothly, "can you point to any regulation prohibiting jewelry in the ring? The ring Zoe wore served as self-defense and was only employed when her opponent dislocated her wrist. Hardly a violation, wouldn't you agree?"

Theodore hesitated, caught off guard by the logic. Nathan pressed his advantage. "Victory isn't always about fair play. Sometimes it requires unconventional methods. Didn't our great-grandfather build his empire using every advantage available?"

'Does anyone truly believe our ancestor rose to power in Stoslo through honorable combat alone?'