Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 119: Chapter 119

Back then, the message Shawn had his men deliver had embarrassed her in front of her teammates for quite a while. Now that she was on his turf, she felt it was only fair to get back at him.
So, right before it was her turn to be promoted, Zoe raised her eyebrows and called out loudly, "Sir! I want Mr. Shawn Ludwig to pin my rank on me personally!"
Everyone remembered how Zoe had boldly flirted with Shawn during the training. As soon as she spoke, the crowd started laughing and cheering.
Chase picked up a badge and handed it to Shawn. "Mr. Ludwig, she's the strongest overall in this batch. I'd say she deserves the honor."
Shawn didn't move. His face was cold and stiff, but his sharp, piercing eyes locked onto Zoe's smiling face. He could tell she was enjoying this way too much.
To everyone else, Shawn was a legend of war—distant, powerful, and untouchable. But Zoe dared to joke with a man that dangerous. She even risked sneaking into the military camp, became the top recruit, and now she was openly chasing him.
The other soldiers couldn't help but admire her guts.
"What's wrong, Shawn? You've never promoted a female soldier before?" Zoe batted her lashes at him with a sly, flirty grin, like a mischievous little fox.
Everyone turned to look at Shawn. Even Chase seemed a little nervous and said, "Mr. Ludwig..."
Shawn still didn't move. Zoe could clearly see that his face had darkened with anger. But she pushed it even further, teasing him with an even more playful voice. "What? Shawn, you scared I'll do something to you?
"Relax, I wouldn't dare try anything in front of all these people. If I were going to sleep with you, I'd definitely find somewhere private."
As she said it, she winked at him. With her cheeky, girlish charm, it was impossible to be mad at her. The other soldiers burst into even louder laughter.
"Mr. Ludwig, just give in already!"
"Yeah, or she might just carry you off somewhere private herself!"
While everyone was still laughing and cheering, a sharp look flashed in Shawn's eyes. But in the end, he took the badge Chase handed him and began walking toward Zoe, his long legs steady and sure.
The sunlight hit his bronze skin, making him look even stronger. That bronze tone brought out the sharp lines of his face and the depth of his features. He looked almost unreal—too handsome to be true.
He didn't even have to do anything. Just the sound of his footsteps gave off a heavy pressure.
Zoe had to admit, Shawn really was good-looking. She almost wanted to tie him up and have a little fun before killing him.
She stared at him, her eyes narrowing slightly as he came closer.
Shawn stopped right in front of her. His voice was deep and smooth. "Recruit Zoe Evans!"
Zoe snapped to attention and saluted just like all the other new soldiers. "Sir!" she answered, loud and clear.
Shawn raised his hand and leaned down a little to pin the badge onto her uniform. Zoe looked up—and from that angle, she could even see the long lashes hanging from his lowered eyes.
Once the ceremony officially ended, Zoe dropped her salute and leaned in with a smirk, pushing things even further. "Now that it's done, Shawn... when are we getting our wedding night?"
The veterans around them were stunned silent.
No one could believe how bold she was. No woman had ever dared to say something like that to Shawn—especially not in front of a crowd.
Even the older soldiers would never joke that way. With Shawn's temper, they'd probably get dragged into the woods and fed to the wolves.
But no matter how outrageous Zoe got, Shawn didn't say a single word. It was like he was letting a lover mess around with him.
Everyone watching was completely in shock.
Just then, a sweet, girly voice called out, "Shawn! There you are—I've been looking for you!"
Wearing a long white princess-style dress, Sophia came running over from the distance.