Likewise, Absolon was tied up with work and didn't make it back either.

Thus, the dinner table hosted only Karol and Danna.

Danna, brimming with expectations, encouraged Karol, “Just do your best tomorrow like you always do. You've been exceptional throughout, and with your rigorous training, I have no doubt you'll secure the gold."

Karol, serving Danna some shrimp paste, replied confidently, "Grandma, my competitor this time is Lilah. I promise to defeat her and claim the gold medal for you."

Danna affectionately stroked Karol's hair, her face glowing with pride. "I'm certain you'll triumph. I've even planned a celebration dinner for after the match. I'll have someone pick you up once it's over."

Her confidence stemmed from Karol's upbringing. She was groomed in an environment of elite education, excelling in both academics and martial arts, with Taekwondo being both a passion and a strength.

Karol had always clinched the gold in every competition she entered, except once when she was unjustly accused and forced to withdraw.

Danna's thoughts then turned to Lilah, whom she dismissed with a scoff. Comparing her carefully nurtured granddaughter to someone she deemed born of lesser stock was preposterous—a mere fantasy.

By the following day, even before the competition began, the venue was already teeming with people. It was so crowded that squeezing through was a challenge.

"It's said that today, we have two stunning contestants competing against each other. Let's all eagerly await to see who will claim the gold medal!"

At the venue, someone had already begun a live broadcast from an optimal spot.

"Let's make a guess. Who will come out on top this time? I've heard that Karol from the Morris family has practiced Taekwondo since she was a child and is hailed as a prodigy. I believe she stands a great chance of winning."

“I agree with you. I saw her compete last year, though I'm puzzled why she withdrew so unexpectedly. Nonetheless, I'm confident she'll secure the gold medal this year."

Opinions varied widely among the crowd.

Meanwhile, Lilah was video chatting with Gerard, oblivious to the fact that she had become the center of everyone's discussions.

A staff member approached her with a glass of water. “Miss, this is for you."

She glanced at the water and thanked him with a polite nod.

Yet, she didn't drink it.

At such times, accepting drinks from strangers was not wise.

What if it was drugged?

“Are you nervous?" Gerard asked, his expression more anxious than hers.

“Not at all. It's just another competition," Lilah replied with a dismissive smile, betraying no concern whatsoever.

After all, she had faced opponents far superior to anyone here.

Therefore, Lilah felt completely calm.