She approached Karol and with a surprising display of strength, lifted the crawling woman and put her back to her original spot.

Karol did her best to crawl toward the door, but her attempt was thwarted and she felt desperate.

The pain was overwhelming, as if it were piercing her soul.

Lilah crouched down, fiddling with the broken toothpick.

"I guess it'll hurt more with this one-it's missing its tip—"

"I'll tell you," Karol said through her tears, her body shaking.

Moments later, Lilah pulled the toothpick from Karol's shoulder and departed.

Lilah then hurried to her car and sent Gerard a phone number, saying, “She mentioned this guy has the antidote."

Gerard contacted Calvin immediately, instructing him to get the antidote as soon as possible.

The next morning, the antidote was secured. Lilah consumed it with her breakfast, its bitterness nearly causing her to retch, but she recovered fully.

A couple of days later, invigorated, Lilah competed in the second round of the competition. With renewed energy, she claimed victory swiftly.

Following her win, Briseis invited Lilah to join her for some leisure time.

With Gerard busy and nothing else to occupy her, Lilah readily accepted.

Briseis, always knowing the best spots for fun, took her to a club.

Inside, they were greeted by a striking young waiter dressed smartly in a shirt, vest, and bowtie.

Lilah couldn't help but exclaim, “What a handsome waiter!"

When Briseis noticed Lilah's pleased reaction, she smiled mysteriously at the waiter. “We'll take Room 88, just for the two of us."

“Ma'am, you've chosen well. I manage Room 88 and have been anticipating your arrival," the waiter replied, a warm smile gracing his features as he took Briseis' handbag and Lilah's coat.

Lilah's suspicions grew.

She pondered the nature of the club.

“It's all above board." Laughing lightly, Briseis draped an arm around Lilah's shoulders and guided her into the private room. “As martial artists, we should frequent spots like this to relax. What do you think?"

Embarrassment washed over Lilah.

Images of Gerard flashed through her mind, sending shivers down her spine.

He would be furious if he knew she was here for leisure.