The invitation dinner with the martial arts masters ended with polite deferrals. I needed time to consider their proposal about the tournament, though my mind was already made up. The weight of representing New York City's martial arts community felt both familiar and daunting.
"Master Ethan, we understand you need time to decide," Julian Cross said as we prepared to leave the restaurant. "But know that our faith in you is absolute."
I nodded respectfully. "I'll give you my answer soon."
The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped outside. The city lights blurred past as I walked toward my car, my thoughts churning. The tournament would be another test, another chance to prove Chinese martial arts deserved respect.
My phone buzzed. Evelyn's name flashed on the screen.
"Hello, beautiful," I answered, expecting her familiar voice.
Instead, a rough male voice greeted me. "Ethan Hayes."
My blood turned to ice. "Who is this?"
