Chapter 587
Chapter 587:
“What an electrifying standoff! Kenneth just countered Aiden’s provocation by taking Janice’s hand. The drama is absolutely riveting!”
“Have you noticed? Janice seems completely blind to the storm brewing between these two.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, the second round is about to commence. Kenneth and Janice, Leonidas and Liliana, please make your way to the starting line.” The pairs converged at the starting line, with Janice and Kenneth arriving just as Leonidas and Liliana took their positions.
The impending clash between these two teams crackled with an intensity that dwarfed the previous three groups. The rivalry between Liliana and Janice had been simmering since the beginning, and spectators held their breath for what promised to be an explosive confrontation.
“Janice, what a coincidence,” Leonidas drawled, his smile dripping with false warmth. “I didn’t expect we’d face off here.”
“Wasn’t this your arrangement?” Janice’s pointed question pierced the air, causing Leonidas to falter momentarily. That split-second reaction told her everything she needed to know. She had only intended to test Leonidas, but his reaction gave him away. Leonidas was Liliana’s puppet master, brought in to target her. He had been orchestrating this entire showdown from behind the scenes.
Kenneth caught the undercurrent of tension in their exchange, his attention shifting to Janice. His eyes narrowed as they settled on Leonidas, their usual warmth replaced by glacial calculation. “I look forward to your performance.”
Leonidas snapped from his momentary discomfort with a cold, harsh laugh. “My performance will be in defeating you.”
“Well, I’m looking forward to it,” Kenneth replied with a smile, then glanced at Janice, his gaze gentle yet determined, as if to say he would win this match. The gathered crowd leaned forward in their seats, the air thick with anticipation for the impending showdown.
𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 ⲅⲁ𝓁𝗇𝓸ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⸰ⅽ𝗈𝗺
“Stephen, although we can’t participate in this match, I’m glad to be teamed up with you.” Demi’s voice carried a forced cheerfulness as she attempted to engage Stephen, masking her frustration with the situation. But Stephen remained unmoved by her attempt, taking a measured sip from his thermos. His eyes never wavered from Janice, his composed expression betraying only the slightest hint of expectation and concern.
Demi’s lips tightened into a frown as Stephen’s continued indifference stung. Her gaze drifted to Carlton, and a plan began to form in her mind. Though they were no longer partners, perhaps she could weave a tale of unrequited love. It might be enough, she reasoned, to keep some connection between them alive. “Carlton, you did well earlier. Even though Aiden claimed victory, I saw how much heart you put into the match.”
“Thank you,” Carlton responded, his eyes meeting hers with an unreadable expression.
“Carlton, I was…”
“Carlton, I’m sorry,” Delilah cut through Demi’s words with practiced innocence, gliding closer to the pair. “If I had pushed myself harder, perhaps I could have turned the tide and secured your victory.”
A gentle smile crossed Carlton’s features as he regarded her. “You did your best. Aiden’s strength is undeniable, and I accept my defeat with honor. Please don’t shoulder any blame.”
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