"I have to go," she said. “It's almost time for my match. When you're done with your meeting, I'll come to you, and we can have dinner tonight." Lilah gave Gerard a warm smile and said goodbye.

After hanging up, Lilah felt a bit down.

Gerard was supposed to be here today, but an unexpected issue at the company demanded his presence.

Standing up, Lilah smoothed her clothes in front of the mirror and tied her hair into a neat braid.

She looked both strong and lovely.

She glanced at her bag again: phone, tissues, and an acupuncture kit.

After being tricked by Karol last time, she always carried her acupuncture kit for safety.

Almost immediately, a girl with glasses and a staff badge rushed over and said, “Miss Phillips, it's time for you to compete."

She was one of the staff members responsible for contacting the contestants.

Without thinking twice, Lilah stood up and walked toward the competition venue.

“Miss Phillips, here, have some water," the girl said, handing her a bottle meant for the contestants.

Everyone else was drinking it, and since it was sealed, it seemed safe.

Lilah accepted it, twisted off the cap, and took a small sip.

But then she noticed the girl staring at her with wide, eager eyes.

In a split second, Lilah spat the water out, spraying it all over the girl's face.

"Ah!" The girl shrieked, quickly wiping her face with a tissue. "What are you doing? I."

Before she could finish, Lilah had already dashed away.

Lilah ran to the restroom, coughing and trying to clear her throat.

She felt like she had swallowed some of the water.

She had to throw up everything; otherwise, all her hard work would be ruined.

Meanwhile, Karol took her place in the ring.

Her many fans, gathered from earlier competitions, waved their Light boards and cheered as she walked out.

Karol smiled brightly and waved, Looking like she already had the win in the bag.

The referee stood ready in the ring, too.