She smiled, gripping Lilah's arm.

Lilah, feeling a bit resigned, wondered about Hadley's perceptiveness.

The match ended with Effie securing a narrow victory.

Ruth, clearly dissatisfied with the referee's decision, exclaimed, "It's obvious she cheated. Didn't you see Lilah coaching her? They both should be disqualified!"

Her outburst left everyone speechless; after all, they were just recording a show, not competing officially.

"I'm sorry, I was talking to Hadley just now. I have no idea what you're talking about," Lilah responded with a shrug, feigning ignorance.

The decision was already final.

Ruth's face flushed with anger as she glared at Hadley, her words seething with menace. “Really? Just chatting?"

The implication of her words was clear.

The group turned their eyes to Hadley, knowing her usual loyalty to Ruth.

Hadley's eyes flickered with fear, but then she felt Lilah's reassuring grip on her hand.

The comforting warmth from Lilah's palm steadied her.

After a moment's pause, Hadley addressed the referee slowly. "We were just chatting. Lilah was helping me understand Effie's movements."

Her statement left everyone taken aback.

Ruth, in particular, was infuriated. She stormed down a few steps toward Hadley, pointed directly at her, and challenged, “Say that again if you dare!"

Hadley was so frightened that she turned pale and instinctively hid behind Lilah.

“What? Are you trying to force a confession?" Lilah crossed her arms and stood protectively in front of Hadley, her tone casual yet sharp.

“Miss Ruiz, can't you handle losing? Don't be so graceless."

Her words were tinged with mockery and sarcasm.

Ruth's anger flared at the comment, but she knew it wasn't the right time to escalate the confrontation. She turned her glare toward Hadley and hissed, "Are you out of your mind?"

"Let's go. Just ignore her," Lilah said, taking Hadley's hand and leading her away.

Hadley walked stiffly, her fear evident.

The recording of the show took a brief pause as the director called for a break, urging everyone to rest and cool down before the next rounds.

Effie, exhilarated but sweaty from her performance, approached Lilah after changing her clothes. "Thanks to you, Lilah, or I would have been utterly humiliated. I'd rather lose to Hadley than that arrogant girl."