Fiona''s words came to an abrupt halt when James shot her a frosty nce. That one look was enough to shut her downpletely.


    "You talk a big game about protecting others, yet you''ve never faced anything like this. You''re just dreaming."


    "But I doubt even you''ve seen something like this before..." Fiona mumbled under her breath, careful not to let James hear, though he caught every word crystal clear.


    "Your parents and I have seen things way scarier than what you''re looking at now," James said.


    Back in the day, The Silent Shadows involved way more than just fifty people. What they faced wasn''t just the visible guns but also the hidden threats lurking in the shadows.


    Hearing James, Fiona muttered even softer, "Anyone can brag. Adults just love to make things sound bigger than they are."


    In today''s world, how could there be such danger? What kind of situation would need such a massive force? She figured it was just needless worrying.


    James knew exactly how Fiona thought. Despite her training from a young age, she was still a sheltered flower. No matter the artificial challenges she''d faced, the real world was a whole different beast.


    James couldn''t believe Sophie and Colby didn''t get this. They just didn''t want to be too hard on their daughter. But with danger right at the doorstep, he didn''t want Fiona to be defenseless.


    Alec was already surrounded by people. He had seen scenes like this before, but only in action films, not in real life.


    "This is yourst chance. Walk away or stick around."


    James didn''t look up as he took a cigarette from his pack. "Bring it on!"


    Alec was already in a defensive stance. James noticed the determination in Alec''s eyes and smirked.


    He stepped forward, took a handgun from one of the mercenaries, and said, "I think it''s time you see what''s really in this chamber."


    James aimed the gun at Alec''s side. The loud bang of the gunshot echoed across the field. It wasn''t a bluff; it was real.


    "Godfather!" Fiona shouted, rushing over.


    James tossed the gun back to the mercenary. "Gunfire surrounds you, and with no cover out here, you''re exposed to countless enemies. How will you protect yourself? Or... how will you protect Fiona in this situation?"


    Each word from James pierced Alec''s heart like a knife. Since childhood, he and Fiona had been inseparable. He always thought he was the one meant to protect her.


    Protecting Fiona had be second nature to him. He never imagined she could be harmed while by his side.


    But James''s words made him question everything. Could he really do it? With his


    current skills, could he even protect himself against these fifty men?


    After a moment of wrestling with his thoughts, Alec looked up and said "Uncle James, if I prove I can protect Fiona, will you cut her some ck on the exams?"