rcled each other, their stances fluid and focused. Despite the sterile surroundings, the atmosphere

ce, each strike aimed to overpower and subdue. Elodie, smaller and leaner, was a whirlwind of lightning-fast reflexes and ac

of a willow branch, the wind of the kick whipping past her ear. In a flash, she countered with a spinning back fis

briel's defences, landing quick jabs and kicks that stung but didn't break him. Her a

strength giving him an edge in a prolonged fight. He began to anticipate her mo

Sweat glistened on their skin, their breathing ragged and strained. T

, his movements becoming sluggish under the relentless assault. Sensing her advantage, Elodie unleashed

. Elodie stood over him, her chest heaving, a vic

u've gotten better, little sis,' he conceded, a hint of a smile playing on his

r features. 'You're not so bad yourself, old man

kitchen counter, watching his sister whip up a smoothie. He noticed

ned for today?' he asked, t

anisational behaviour with Professor Stein at 10. Then, I've got a crash course in international trade law wi

ie, that's an insane schedule. A

'I have to,' she said, her voice steely. 'I

of a coma after her accident. It was the year and a half spent in gruelling

w. But these targeted lessons are exactly what I need to learn how to manage the co

.' He added scornfully, 'If it weren't for the other directors, Uncle

to get back to the company. But right now, I need to focus on learni

with that. 'I can hel

nial drill is going to be of much use to me. Besides, I thought you

spare. And I think I can teach you one more skil

t is

to the

a sleek, modern computer setup. Lines of code

voice a mix of awe and suspi

p a few side skills here and the

a way to keep tabs on Elodie while she w

I'm accessing Uncle Cyrus's car,' he explained. 'He's dumb enough to have the onb

few more lines, then gave a triumphant grin. 'Observ

peared on

ward. It slowly gained speed, its headlights blinking erratically like a confused owl. Then, wit

o laughter. 'You

ked up,' Gabriel said, a h

m, her eyes shining with excitement

he basics. I assume you are already famili