Chapter 280

The crowd erupted in shock as Lillian's accusation sliced through the air.

"She had a hidden weapon! That's cheating!"

"No wonder she managed to defeat Sis Viv. This isn't fair!"

Winifred's voice rose above the murmurs, sharp with indignation. "Evelyn injured someone and broke the rules! This loss shouldn't count—it's a disgrace!"

Her words ignited the spectators. Even those who hadn't witnessed the fight now buzzed with outrage, convinced of Evelyn's dishonesty.

Nathan's expression darkened, his icy glare sending a chill through the instructor beside him. Just as the man opened his mouth to speak, Evelyn clenched her jaw and cut in.

"Show me the rule that says I can't defend myself."

The instructor hesitated. "Well, the assessment guidelines don't explicitly—"

"If the rules don't forbid it, then why is it my fault when I fight back?" Evelyn's face was pale, her arm still numb from the earlier dislocation.

Lillian scoffed. "You scratched me with your ring!"

Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smile. "So I should just stand there while you dislocate my arm? This is a combat assessment—injuries happen. If I can handle this pain, why are you whining over a scratch?"

Nathan's gaze was glacial, his presence radiating danger. Rosalind, sensing his fury, wisely kept silent.

Winifred wasn't done. "But sir, she clearly—"

Chloe cut her off with a sharp laugh. "A loss is a loss. Both of you got hurt—that makes it even. Since when is a ring considered a weapon? With that kind of attitude, you'll never make it to the top."

Winifred's face flushed, her retort dying in her throat. She could only seethe in silence.

Lillian had no rebuttal. She had struck first, and her defeat was her own fault. As she stepped off the stage, she shot Winifred a venomous glare.

If Winifred hadn't assured me Evelyn was weak, I wouldn't have been humiliated like this.

Winifred tried to pull her aside, but Lillian shoved her away.

Evelyn watched the exchange, understanding dawning. So that's why they paired me with Lillian.

"Sis Evelyn, how's your arm?" Rachel rushed to support her as she descended the stage.

Evelyn winced but forced a smile. "I'm fine."

She could feel Nathan's burning gaze from above but refused to look his way. Instead, she let Rachel guide her to the infirmary.

The doctor reset her shoulder while Evelyn bit back a scream. Rachel winced in sympathy.

Lillian didn't hold back at all.

Once the joint was back in place, the doctor left with a few stern warnings. Rachel finally exhaled.

"Sis Evelyn, that match was rigged. Pairing you with Lillian? That's insane."

Even veterans avoid fighting her.

Evelyn lowered her eyes. "It doesn't matter. It's over now."

No matter who they throw at me, I can't afford to lose.

Just then, Chloe appeared at the door, smirking.

"Zoe, by the way… Mr. Goldmann wants to see you."