Chapter 225

While Owen Archer's team was still scrambling to clean up their mess, Aria Bennett had already fallen into a peaceful slumber.

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Aria stretched lazily before changing into her workout gear for a jog. By the time she finished breakfast, Ezra Vaughn's car was already waiting downstairs.

"You're early," Aria remarked with a smile as she opened the car door.

"Couldn't wait to see you in action," Ezra winked.

To her surprise, Tristan Cole and his three friends had also tagged along, each accompanied by female companions.

"Group spectators?" Aria arched an eyebrow.

Tristan cleared his throat. "The more, the merrier."

In truth, they'd brought the women along to spare Aria potential embarrassment if she struggled—though he'd never admit that.

At the elite tactical simulation field on the outskirts, Aria and the other women headed to the locker room to gear up.

"Your skin is flawless, Miss Bennett," one girl in form-fitting tactical gear admired.

"Even prettier than on screen," another chimed in.

Aria smiled politely and quickly changed into her camouflage suit. When she emerged, three unfamiliar men had joined Ezra.

"Meet the team," Ezra introduced enthusiastically. "Miles Sutton, Ronan Caldwell, and Declan Ross."

The trio offered polite greetings, but their assessing gazes betrayed their skepticism—could this delicate-looking celebrity really handle firearms?

"How about teams?" Ezra suggested. "Aria with us, Tristan you take the ladies."

Tristan immediately protested, "That's not fair!"

"Scared?" Declan taunted with a smirk.

"Bring it on!" Tristan rolled up his sleeves. "Don't come crying later!"

Once teams were set, Aria followed Ezra's squad into the jungle zone. No sooner had they settled in than Declan crossed his arms. "Since this is an evaluation, we'll leave it to you."

The implication was clear—she'd take on the opposing team alone.

Aria's lips curved. "Perfect."

After efficiently checking her gear, she vanished into the foliage like a shadow.

In the monitoring room, Miles pulled up live footage. Aria moved with panther-like grace, silently closing in on enemy territory.

"That speed..." Ronan adjusted his glasses.

Suddenly, Aria struck. A rapid series of shots rang out as Tristan's female companions stared blankly at the paint splattering their vests.

"What just—?" one girl gasped, touching her marked chest.

Tristan spun toward the commotion only to take a direct hit from a concealed position.

"No way!" He gaped at the paint on his vest before looking up.

Aria emerged from behind a tree, her marker gun still emitting a wisp of smoke.

"My win," she said mildly.

Declan checked the timer: "Three minutes forty-two seconds."

"Precise marksmanship, decisive execution," Miles noted.

Ezra grinned triumphantly. "Satisfied?"

The three men exchanged glances, identical expressions of approval dawning. This seemingly fragile starlet had delivered one hell of a surprise.