“Fuck off!" Hadley shouted, and in a swift motion, kicked him away.

Caught off guard, the man stumbled backward and fell onto the thick carpet.

Everyone in the room was momentarily stunned.

Hadley herself was in disbelief.

Was she really that strong?

Since joining the variety show, she had been rigorously exercising her legs daily as per Lilah's instructions, practicing squats, deadlifts, and learning various kicking techniques from the three elderly men.

She hadn't realized her own strength and skill until now.

"You bitch, how dare you kick me!" the man roared, humiliated and furious, as he got up and charged at her again, his face twisted with anger.

Hadley summoned all her strength into her right leg and delivered another unexpected kick, this time targeting the man's knee. He collapsed to the floor with a muffled groan, his face contorted in pain.

"Get out, you useless fool!" Darian barked, witnessing the scene.

Fueled by frustration, he strode over to Hadley and struck her across the face. The force of his slap whipped Hadley's head to the side, leaving a vivid red mark on her delicate cheek.

“Bitch! Just like everyone associated with Lilah," Darian hissed through clenched teeth, the memory of his own humiliation by Lilah still fresh and stinging.

“You can insult me, but not Lilah!" Hadley retorted, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, her eyes blazing with defiance.

Lilah had been nothing but kind to her, offering support and opportunities when she needed them most.

Hadley was determined to defend Lilah's honor, even at the cost of her own well-being.

"Oh really?" Darian mocked, his interest piqued by her loyalty. “Just a bitch, that's what she is! What are you going to do about it?"

Darian was too caught up in his own agitation to notice how his emotions were spiraling.

"One day, you will regret your words and actions!" Hadley's voice was icy, her gaze steely.

Her declaration was met with laughter, echoing through the large Living room.

The crowd ridiculed her, the helpless girl unaware of the drugged water she had consumed. What threat could she possibly pose?

The sting of the slap and the burning of humiliation fueled Hadley's resolve.

Silently, she memorized every face, each mocking expression.

"This girl isn't bad-looking," Darian remarked lewdly, eyeing Hadley.

The others joined in with leering looks.