Gerard returned her look, their eyes locking briefly, stirring a sense of unease in Lilah.

“That's wonderful..." She avoided meeting his eyes, dreading any recollection of past events.

"Your friend seems quite lively and enjoys socializing," Gerard remarked with a trace of sarcasm.

Misinterpreting his tone, Effie chimed in cheerfully, “Indeed, Briseis is outgoing and has a wide circle of friends, particularly charming young men. She even offered to set me up with someone last time."

Lilah persistently conveyed subtle messages to Effie through her eyes, yet Effie remained so absorbed in conversation that she overlooked Lilah's urgent cues. Instead, she inquired if there was an issue with Lilah's eyes.

"Keep your distance from her," Gerard stated coldly.

His brief words immediately heightened tension in the living room.

Effie, finally sensing something amiss, glanced around before reluctantly departing, leaving Lilah alone in embarrassment.

“Well, last time was an accident. Mr. Harris, you're quite forgiving. You won't mind, will you?" Lilah forced a smile, displaying a rare ingratiating expression.

Her smile lent her a livelier demeanor, bringing joy to those around her.

Gerard motioned her over with a crooked finger. "Come here."

With courage, Lilah approached, bracing herself for another scolding, but he surprised her by pulling her into his arms and gently reminding her to take care during tomorrow's recording to prevent her wound from reopening.

The program's recording site was nestled within a professional Taekwondo gym, ingeniously integrated into a sprawling shopping mall.

Beyond the gym's walls, the mall boasted an array of entertainment venues, complemented by an enchanting artificial beach and a serene artificial lake.

Their inaugural encounter unfolded on the pristine sands of the artificial beach.

Lilah donned a simple ensemble of white sportswear paired with sneakers, echoed in the equally modest attire of Effie and Briseis.

Yet, as they convened on the beach, they found themselves amidst a sea of fashion-forward individuals, evoking the ambiance of a scene from a high-profile dating reality show.

Effie gestured toward a young blonde, currently undergoing a cosmetic touch-up by an attentive assistant nearby.

"That's Ruth standing there, and accompanying her is Hadley, who's holding her bag. Hadley, a rising talent within Ruth's father's corporation, is inseparable from Ruth. They consistently team up to provoke mischief."

Lilah glanced over and was taken aback.

Ruth embodied the archetype of the idol girl, boasting Lustrous blonde locks and deep eyes. Her facial features exuded delicacy, accentuated by flawless makeup and styling that lent her visage a captivating allure. Her hair, gently curled, framed her face elegantly, while her attire, a petite Chanel-style suit, exuded a subtle yet alluring charm.

Hadley's fashion sense bore a resemblance to Ruth's, yet a discernible gap existed in the caliber of her attire and accessories.

“These individuals don't exude kindness." Briseis rested her finger on her chin, pondering. “But are they proficient in Taekwondo?"

Lowering her voice, Effie remarked, "Ruth possesses formidable Taekwondo skills, rendering her a force to reckon with. Her companion, Hadley, lacks proficiency in Taekwondo or any other notable skill. She merely excels in ingratiating herself with the influential and projecting a facade of innocence."

Lilah and Briseis found amusement in Effie's wealth of knowledge, detailing Ruth's and Hadley's capabilities.

“They're approaching us," Briseis whispered to Lilah.

Ruth, accompanied by Hadley, advanced toward them, her arms tightly folded across her chest, exuding an air of arrogance from her countenance.

“Their motives don't appear genuine," Lilah remarked casually.

As anticipated, Ruth made a beeline for Lilah, halting a few paces away and casting a disdainful glance over her.

“Are you Lilah Phillips, the champion of the recent Taekwondo tournament? I don't think you're good at all." The moment Ruth spoke, she commanded the attention of numerous onlookers nearby.

As the heiress of the Ruiz Group, Ruth was seldom challenged by anyone.

"That's true, I'm simply an amateur, and my abilities are indeed average." Lilah spoke casually, appearing indifferent to the assessments of others.

Yet, beneath her casual demeanor, Lilah subtly countered Ruth's haughtiness.

"You're quite self-aware." Ruth emitted a chilly snort before continuing, “Later, there will be a showcase for individuals. If anyone draws the first spot, pass it to me. Is that clear?"

Her demeanor exuded pure authority.

Effie reached her limit. She rose to her feet and questioned, “Why?"

"Because I surpass you in strength, even if all three of you combined forces," Ruth asserted, her arrogance ever-present, particularly evident in the realm of Taekwondo.

Briseis and Lilah exchanged glances, detecting a hint of derision in each other's eyes.

"Effie, it's fine," Briseis unexpectedly interjected, displaying a surprising level of magnanimity as she gently guided Effie back.

"Very well," Ruth responded with a smirk. "Rest assured, during the competition, I'll restrain myself. I won't let you suffer too greatly. I won't allow you to lose too miserably."