Chapter 11 - The Public Challenge
Ryan learned that Noah had disappeared.
The next morning, he posted a video from inside the cage.
He accused Claire of stealing money, manipulating fighters and inventing allegations because he had ended their relationship.
Then he mentioned Elias.
“Her father likes telling people he trained elite soldiers,” Ryan said into the camera. “Maybe he thinks that makes him a fighter.”
Ryan smiled.
“Come to Vanguard, old man. Three minutes in the cage. Let’s see what your reputation is worth.”
The video spread rapidly.
Thousands of people shared it. Some praised Ryan. Others mocked Elias before he had said a word.
Claire found her father repairing the garden fence.
“You’ve seen it?”
“Yes.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Finish this fence.”
“Dad.”
He put down the hammer.
“Ryan wants to replace evidence with entertainment. If I enter that cage, he controls the story.”
“But people are calling you a coward.”
Elias smiled faintly.
“People who confuse restraint with fear are usually easy to manipulate.”
Claire looked toward the house.
“What if he keeps lying?”
“Then we keep telling the truth.”
May you like
Elias returned to the fence.
By sunset, his refusal to respond had angered Ryan more than any public insult could have.
