Chapter 8: undisputed fighter-degree.

Meanwhile, Tyler, unaware of the storm brewing against him, made his way home. He took a shortcut through a secluded alleyway, his mind preoccupied with the day's events. As he turned the corner, three men stepped out of the shadows, blocking his path.

"Tyler, right?" the leader of the group said, cracking his knuckles. "We've got a message for you from the Harringtons."

Tyler's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation.

"I don't want any trouble," he said, trying to stay calm.

"Too late for that," the leader sneered.

"You crossed the wrong family."

Before Tyler could react, one of the men swung a bat towards him. Tyler ducked just in time, but the second man lunged at him, catching him off guard. A fierce struggle ensued, with Tyler fighting back with everything he had.

However, Tyler dodged the incoming punches from the leader, who was covered in tattoos, with ease. He leaped onto the alleyway's railing effortlessly and then kicked one of the attackers in the face.

"Damn! This asshole's kick hurts so much!" The person who had been kicked immediately started bleeding from his nose.

Tyler smiled and said, "I'm an undisputed fighter, a fourth degree!"

"I'm a nine-degree undisputed fighter as well!" the leader snarled, anger flashing in his eyes as he tried to kick Tyler.

Tyler leaped down from the railing, dodging the kick, and punched the leader again before shaking his head and mocking him.

"You might have the numbers, but your skills are lacking."

Tyler was indeed an undisputed fighter—a fourth degree. The average age of the people he fought with was 56 years old and above, but he had faced many like this triad leader before. In prison, he had been challenged and bullied by triad members who wanted to make his stay difficult, and he had honed his skills tirelessly to survive.

Tyler’s attacker became even angrier and lunged at him again. Tyler sidestepped and delivered a powerful punch to the leader’s jaw, sending him crashing to the ground.

The remaining two triad members hesitated, realizing they were outmatched. Tyler, breathing heavily but standing firm, glared at them. "Leave now, or you’ll end up like your friend."

Seeing their leader incapacitated, the two men exchanged nervous glances and quickly decided to retreat, dragging their unconscious leader with them.

Tyler watched them disappear into the shadows, then took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart.

He knew this was just the beginning. The Harringtons wouldn't stop, but neither would he. With renewed determination, he turned and continued his way home.

---

At the celebration villa held at the extravagant Haight Street of San Francisco, Richard approached Old Ms. Harrington with a sheepish expression.

"Mom, the professional fighter I enlisted was defeated by Tyler," he confessed reluctantly.

"What?!" Old Ms. Harrington's eyes widened in disbelief.

The news sent shockwaves through the room.

"Is this fallen-from-grace son-in-law also a professional fighter?" someone gasped incredulously.

"Isn't there anyone capable of handling this brute?!" Old Ms. Harrington thundered, slamming her hand on the table in frustration.

At that moment, Bradford Nicholson, the general agent of Zuckerberg, came over with a present for Ms. Harrington. Upon seeing Nicholson, Richard suddenly smiled.

Nicholson was a working partner and also a close friend to Tyler. Nicholson was a nobody in San Francisco a few years ago.

When Zuckerberg General Hospital was not well received, he spent over $30,000 to become the general agent of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. It would probably be hard to do that now even if the price was increased by ten times.

Ever since he earned a reasonable sum of money from Zuckerberg, Nicholson had been trying to blend in with the upper class society of San Francisco.

At the first nomination of the Harrington daughter, Nicholson decided to take this opportunity to become acquainted with the Harringtons since he was also a doctor.

Richard walked up to greet him with a smile. Nicholson held a crafted leather-bound journal and handed it to Emily, who came out of nowhere.

"Where have you been?" Ms. Jenner asked with concern.

"I'm in my room checking out some clothes for the upcoming nomination!" Emily said, joy in her voice.

"Congratulations on your nomination," Nicholson said warmly.

"I thought you might appreciate something to record your thoughts and experiences. I find that keeping a journal has been invaluable in my own journey as a doctor."

Emily extended a warm hug to him.

"Thank you, Mr. Bradford, that's very thoughtful of you!" Ms. Jenner added with a smile on her face.

But Nicholson approached Old Ms. Harrington, "How have you been, Ms. Harrington?" he asked, extending a handshake.

Old Ms. Harrington sighed.

Seeing this, Nicholson immediately asked Richard, "Mr. Harrington, Ms. Harrington doesn't seem to be in a good mood."

Richard glanced at his mother and then back at Nicholson. "It's Tyler. He’s causing trouble again," he explained, hoping to draw Nicholson into their web.

Nicholson raised an eyebrow. "Tyler? What did he do this time?"

Richard leaned in, lowering his voice. "He attacked Andrew. And now, even the professional fighter I enlisted to handle him was defeated. We need to figure out how to deal with him."

Nicholson frowned, pondering the situation. He had always respected Tyler's tenacity and skill.

"Tyler is a formidable opponent," he admitted.

"But perhaps there's a way to resolve this without further violence."

Old Ms. Harrington's eyes narrowed. "We've tried reasoning with him. It’s time for action."

Nicholson nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"Let me see what I can do," he said, glancing back at Emily.

"In the meantime, focus on Emily's nomination. This should be a day of celebration."

Richard and Old Ms. Harrington exchanged glances, their expressions hardening with resolve.

The battle with Tyler was far from over, but today, they would put on a show of unity and strength. The Harringtons would not be easily defeated.