Chapter 126

**Philip**

The battle between Josh and me will take place in the middle of the sea, two kilometers from the island's shore. It's called a Viper Turf War.

The battleground is an engineering marvel-a square platform made of thick hydro foam, built to float and move with the ocean's waves. It's anchored to the seabed and operated by a high-tech remote system, but its real challenge comes from the relentless strength of the waves. Crates line the sides, containing either weapons or nothing at all.

I know Mariano is sick! And the money he'd earn from this battle is no small amount. Maybe it's foolish, or perhaps I'm just determined, but I'll do this to escape this mess, just like Josh! It's just a bonus that I want to hurt him for the stolen kiss he gave my wife. Now, I'm even more suspicious that Mariano is doing this because of Sarah. That man wants to see me dead!

The time is thirty minutes to seven in the evening. Besides the waves, the approaching darkness would make an already dangerous situation even harder. A network of powerful spotlights mounted on hovering drones cast an eerie glow over the battleground. These drones, along with fixed cameras at each corner of the platform, ensure that every moment of the fight is captured in high definition for the gamblers watching from afar.

Josh and I changed into simple wetsuits. As I waited, I dialed Sarah's number with trembling fingers. The weight of possibly saying goodbye without her knowing pressed heavily on my chest.

"Hey, babe!" Sarah greeted cheerfully.

Guilt filled my chest at the sound of her voice. "I'll ask Assistant Alex to bring you the buns, my love. I have some work to finish."

"It's fine. How are you?" Sarah asked.

"I'm alright It's just that" Fuck! I don't even know what to say!

After a moment of silence, she ventured a guess. "Is this about your mother, Philip? I know the funeral was hard on you."

"No, my love. I" I paused, gathering courage. "I love you so much, Sarah!" I finally said. This might be the last time I tell her that.

"I love you too, Philip! Truth is, I've been worried about you. I'm glad you called, even if it's just for a moment"

I clenched my fist tightly. I'm so selfish that Sarah doesn't know what's about to happen. She probably assumed I was dealing with the aftermath of my mother's funeral. If only she knew the truth-that her husband was about to engage in a potentially fatal battle on a floating platform in the middle of the ocean.

"Take a rest for a moment. Just tell Alex if you need anything," I gently reminded her.

"Okay! Please be back soon! Bye, babe!" She ended the call.

I immediately typed a message to Alex: 'Keep Sarah safe at Serenity Pines. I'm at Mariano's sprawling mansion, about to enter a brutal battle in the infamous Viper Turf War.'

I imagined Sarah's image, her round belly with our growing twins. The thought of her waiting, hoping for my return, ignited a fierce determination within me.

Alex's reply was swift: 'A life-or-death challenge? Boss, I understand it's for Sarah, but have you considered all the risks? Are you absolutely certain about this?'

Before I could respond, Mariano's stern-faced assistant announced, "Mr. Cornell and Josh, it's time to leave!"

I nodded grimly and moved to follow, but Orlie suddenly appeared, his muscular frame blocking my path on the shore.

"Philip!" he called, staring at me intently.

I looked at him apologetically, conveying a silent message. This was the second time Orlie had stopped me on my way to a deadly fight. I hoped I would once again cheat death and come out victorious.

A sleek, black yacht sliced through rough waters, carrying us toward our destiny. Alongside Josh and me were Orlie, Mariano's assistant; three tech experts focused on sophisticated equipment; and six other leaders.

The yacht stopped a few meters away from the hydrofoam platform being tossed by the waves. The battleground, barely larger than a boxing ring, lacked safety barriers, emphasizing its intent to challenge us at every step.

It's been a few months since I recovered from the coma, and I've been exercising at Serenity Pines or the Luminary Productions gym. I placed my trust in this hard-earned strength and my finely-tuned instincts.

The assistant's voice broke the tense silence, "You'll have ten minutes of unarmed combat. You may access the crates at the platform's edge when we give another signal. Be warned-most are empty decoys. Only one or two contain actual weapons. Remember, this is no mere contest. It's a fight for your very survival and your only chance to break free from Mariano's iron grip."

Josh and I exchanged glances. I didn't know what he was thinking, but there was a strong possibility he was reading my mind.

Sarah mentioned that Josh is a doctor. But as an experienced businessman, I read people, too. I took pride in my knack for understanding people and discovering their hidden motivations and weaknesses.

I cast a final, meaningful glance at Orlie before plunging into the churning sea. The shock of cold water jolted my senses as I swam forcefully toward the Viper Turf War platform. As I got closer, I felt the hydrofoam block moving unpredictably with the waves, making me dizzy.

Pulling myself onto the platform, my lungs burned, and my chest heaved. I struggled to catch my breath before standing, my legs adjusting instinctively to the unsteady surface. My eyes darted around, searching for any clue where a weapon might be hidden.

A spotlight suddenly focused on me, momentarily blinding me.

'Just great!'

Moments later, Josh hauled himself onto the Viper Turf War. At precisely seven o'clock in the evening, Mariano's assistant fired a gunshot into the air, signaling the start of battle.

Josh and I positioned ourselves to strategize, our movements heavy but deliberate on the unstable surface-every step required concentration to maintain balance.

"Come on, Philip! We both know you're here to kill me!" Josh taunted.

"You're damn right," I growled, launching into action with a powerful kick aimed at his midsection. Josh managed to deflect it partially, retaliating with a swift jab that glanced off my cheekbone.

We traded blows furiously, each impact echoing the crash of waves around us. The constant motion of the platform added an extra layer of challenge, forcing us to fight each other and maintain our footing.

Josh grabbed my arms, attempting to wrench them behind my back. "Once you're dead," he hissed, "I'll marry Sarah. Your children will be mine!"

His words ignited a primal rage within me. Roaring, "In your fucking dreams!"

I broke free, tackled him onto the uneven foam surface, and started punching relentlessly. Each punch hit hard, my fists connecting firmly with his face. The sound of my knuckles against his flesh echoed over the waves, mixed with his painful grunts. Determined, I kept striking, focusing solely on the satisfying impact of each blow.

"I'll make damn sure," I panted between blows, "that I will never see you again, you fucking bastard!"