Chapter 202
Chapter 202:
Deandre’s eyes narrowed. He wished he could slip between them and ruin whatever closeness Brad was trying to build.
Percy was still frozen, then finally stammered, “Brad, are you…”
That wasn’t the Brad he knew. He wasn’t the type to bow his head for anyone. Paola’s hand gripped the edge of the sofa so tightly that her nails nearly pierced the leather.
Her smile came out strained, and her eyes dimmed. She had been the first to offer a seat for him, yet without hesitation, he sat next to Rylie. Why did it always turn out like this? Every man she admired eventually ended up choosing Rylie. And Rylie — she always shined the brightest.
Kendrick took in the scene before him and finally spoke. “Brad, is there any alternative path for Percy?”
Percy stiffened. He had just accused the Owens of being unfair, yet now they were involving Brad directly. That caught him off guard. A flicker of hope sparked within him.
Brad gave a slight shake of his head, his voice firm and steady. “Flat feet aren’t something you can brush off. The military doesn’t make rules for show. Those standards are in place for a reason.”
He continued after a brief pause, his tone unflinching. “When you’re marching long distances or going through intense drills, your condition won’t hold up. Forcing someone with that limitation to enlist is asking for disaster.”
Brad’s gaze locked onto Percy. “And don’t forget. Tension is rising out at sea. There’s an oil field in Basworth Bay, and several nations are eyeing it. Conflict might break out without warning.” He leaned in slightly. “Do you really think people join the military just to feel proud? Once war begins, it’s the new recruits who get pushed to the front lines.”
Percy’s face drained of color. He could see the logic behind Brad’s words, but he clung to his last thread of hope. “I can train. I’m not giving up yet. I can do this!”
Brad gave a dry laugh. “You think training is enough? Have you even considered what Marine Corps training looks like?” His voice turned sharper. “They make you carry weight while swimming three miles. Do you think you can handle that? People with flat feet get hurt even while walking. In water, it’s worse. Your body won’t have proper support. A few cramps and strains are nothing. The real risk is dragging the whole team down with you.”
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No one spoke. The air in the room thickened.
Kendrick lowered his gaze to Percy. “It’s not that I don’t care, but this isn’t something that can be changed by will alone.”
Percy’s eyes welled up. His fists curled tight, shaking slightly. Then he snapped his head toward Rylie and barked, “Why her?! Why does she get special treatment?! How come she gets to move forward in the competition just because she knows people, and I can’t even make it past the military’s basic test?! You’ve all spoiled her rotten!”
Noticing the tension in the room, Paola spoke softly. “Percy, please don’t say such things. Rylie must have passed the first round with her excellent skills.”
Though her tone sounded gentle, there was a quiet implication that Rylie had used connections to get in.
Percy’s anger flared. “Skills? You mean the skill to bribe judges and steal your first-place spot? Everyone’s against us! No one cares, and no one even likes us!”