“\ihat's wrong?" Gerard asked, noticing her restless demeanor.

Lilah simply smiled and remained silent.

Meanwhile, the very issues she pondered were quietly unfolding.

One afternoon, representatives from several families, led by the Gomez family, gathered to address the expulsion of their sons and daughters by Lilah.

Sitting at the head of the table with a stern expression, Bartley had borne the heaviest loss-his daughter.

“Everyone, any thoughts?" Bartley initiated the discussion, his tone chilling the room.

The room fell silent; then all eyes shifted to him, assessing his intent.

One of the representatives started bitterly, "My two sons and my brother's daughter have practiced martial arts since childhood. I invested heavily in enrolling them in the Fearless League, not for recognition but for them to acquire defensive skills. Yet, barely a month later, they were expelled. My niece has been inconsolable for days, and today, she even spoke of suicide out of shame. Isn't Lilah's decision excessively harsh?"

The man's anger was palpable. His family, prosperous in maritime trade and accustomed to authority, had never before been subjected to such disregard.

As soon as the man voiced his grievances, a chorus of similar sentiments erupted from the crowd, with others eagerly adding their own tales of woe and discontent.

Their tales were all the same: they had all paid a hefty sum to secure a place for their kids in the Fearless League, only for them to be abruptly expelled. It was completely unacceptable.

"Quiet." Bartley's voice cut through the tumult, his tone icy and calculated, as he seized the moment to channel the crowd's anger and frustration into a call to action. "Lilah has made us look Like fools. If we let this go, we'll lose our standing on Luna Island for good."

Their grumblings died out as they stared at Bartley in shock.

Everyone knew that Luna Island was the hub for martial arts training, but its real significance was actually in its association with the Fearless League, a name respected worldwide by elite martial arts families. Having an offspring that was a member of the League was an honor no money could buy.

The League's name carried more weight than their own familial reputations.

And they were about to lose it all thanks to Lilah. The reality of the true issue dawned on them, and just like that, Bartley had their attention.

This was no longer about their children's public embarrassments. It was about what they stood to lose if they no longer held prominence in the Fearless League.

"Let's go all out-it's time to take Lilah out, once and for all," someone said.

Emboldened by the first person's words, another man immediately added, "With all of us here, plus a few others we can convince to join us, we have enough people to make a stand."

The proposal landed with a profound impact, sending waves of approval rippling through the crowd, as if the collective weight of their discontent had finally found a focal point, galvanizing their resolve to take action against Lilah.

"I think that's a good idea!"

“I agree!"

“She has crossed the Line!"

“Let's oust her and put one of our own in charge!"