He was again on the edge, struggling to grip a ring post.
His breathing was uneven and his face was bright red.
The crowd was completely silent and stunned again.
Even Xavier, watching closely from the sidelines, was amazed. “Man, it's been more than a year, and Lilah has really improved. Did she come up with some new moves? I need to Learn those."
Jerrold, lounging in Gerard's lap, yawned and stretched. "Daddy, this is kind of boring. Mommy always wins."
Gerard playfully tweaked his son's ear. “Don't say that. You should respect others."
Their chat caught the attention of the deputy leaders seated in the second row.
They stared angrily at the father and son, feeling insulted. Did this mean they were ignoring Barth? How could they!
Bartley's face grew serious as he stood. "Let's have a quick break," he declared.
The emcee entered the arena, halting the match.
Away from the ring, Lilah felt uneasy, her heart pounding as if it wanted to burst from her chest.
She wasn't feeling well.
"You look pale. What's wrong?" Cyrus observed her discomfort and asked with concern.
“It's nothing, just a bit out of breath.”
Lilah waved off his remark, trying to minimize her condition to avoid unnecessary concern. But her heart was racing and her legs were getting stiff.
This could only spell trouble.
Meanwhile, the deputy leaders had gathered around Barth and their expressions serious as they chastised him for continually giving in.
Annoyed, Barth drank some water, attempting to shake off the fear Lilah had provoked in him.
He understood that he was up against a strong opponent.
But was he truly going to allow himself to be beaten and ridiculed by everyone?
No, he couldn't accept that!
“Hey, come over here. I need to speak with you." Bartley's face clouded with anger as he turned away and walked off.
Barth hastened to catch up, prepared to clarify that he hadn't taken it easy on Lilah; she had simply stepped up her game unexpectedly.
But Bartley leaned closer and whispered, "Target her legs this time, no questions."