Despite this, the two remained in touch, and Lilah appreciated Briseis' straightforward nature.

As Lilah reviewed the participant list, she was puzzled not to find Karol's name.

“Why isn't Karol on the list?" She quickly messaged Briseis.

Meanwhile, Karol received a call from the Taekwondo Association. She was so delighted that she put it on speakerphone in front of everyone.

"Hello, is this Miss Wagner?" Karol said in a sweet voice.

A female voice responded, “Miss Morris, unfortunately, you haven't passed our qualification review..."

"What? What do you mean?" Karol's face turned pale as she abruptly stood up and walked out of the room with her phone.

Her mind raced, wondering if some past indiscretion had been uncovered. But someone else had taken the fall back then.

Damn it! How could she lose her face in front of Lilah like this?

Karol wanted to argue, but the call ended abruptly.

Anxiety gnawed at her. She had just boasted in front of Danna, and now she didn't even have the qualifications to compete. The embarrassment would be unbearable.

No, she needed to find a solution.

Without wasting another moment, Karol dialed another contact at the Taekwondo Association, hoping to salvage her situation.

In the room, Danna's face darkened.

Though her hearing wasn't as sharp as it used to be, she wasn't deaf.

She glanced at Lilah, only to see her seemingly oblivious to the unfolding drama.

Her anger flared.

With a snap, she threw down her fork.

Meanwhile, Lilah received another message from Briseis. It revealed that Karol had been caught helping others cheat in a competition the previous year, which led to her exclusion from this year's qualification review.

Lilah chuckled softly.

She had thought Karol was exceptional, but it turned out she was a fraud.

Regardless, the memory of her excited expression lingered, and Lilah felt a mischievous urge to tease her.

“Briseis, can you do me a favor and let her attend the competition as an alternate?" She texted back.

This implied that if there was a last-minute withdrawal, Karol could have a chance to fill the vacancy.