Jack immediately perked up. He strode back to the middle of the courtyard and assumed the starting position for his karate exercises. Betsey grew even more dismal.

Maria wanted to watch Jack practice?

Could she even understand the forms and methods involved?

Betsey bet her wages that Maria had no substantial knowledge of the world of ancient martial arts. She doubted the woman was even aware of the rankings, or the existence of the Ancient Martial Arts Association.

Unfortunately for her, Jack didn't seem to share her thoughts. He readily complied and began to execute the moves that Maria had taught him.

By the time he was finished, Jack was sporting an eager expression. He stood up straight, like a primary school student waiting to be evaluated by his teacher.

“Well " Maria tilted her head to the side and took a deep breath.

“You can do better than that."

Betsey got riled up at this point.

Had Jack really done so poorly?

No one in their entire security team could match his profound skills, not even Colin.

“Please don't worry, Miss Jenkins," Jack said in a serious tone. "I'LL be sure to work harder and improve myself."

Maria nodded tentatively before taking out a small porcelain bottle. Betsey's eyes Lit up at the sight.

Regardless of her misgivings about Maria, she had to admit that the pellets in that bottle were absolutely top-notch.

If only Maria would give Jack one more pellet...

But Betsey quickly dismissed the thought. There was no way Maria would be so generous.

It was the level three kind of pellet they were talking about, and she was sure even the Wilson family's inventory did not carry an abundance of them.

Anthony might have given Maria some, but there should be a Limit to how much she could get, right?

Betsey was still mulling this over when she saw Maria casually toss the whole bottle to Jack.

He scrambled to catch it, and the delicate bottle landed firmly in his hands.

“Take one a day before you start practicing. That bottle is good for a month. Come to me when you finish it, and I will give you more." With that, Maria turned on her heel and left.

“Yes! Thank you, Miss Jenkins!" Jack yelled after her in earnest. Behind him, Betsey's jaw hung open in disbelief.

Thirty pellets in total? And all of them were level three?!

No way!