He was so direct! He even wanted to bring her home now. Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. "Uncle," she began, "Not to discourage you or anything, but you and Sera... You're just not suitable. You're so old, and she's still so—" She faltered and swallowed what she wanted to say as Jason's sharp gaze bore into her. Uncle is too shameless. She wouldn't let herself fall victim to his schemes or let him harm Seraphina. Resolving to fight back, Evelyn bit her lip lightly, though her outward demeanor was compliant. "Fine," she said with a reluctant nod. "I'll invite her, but there's no guarantee she'll actually come." That should absolve her of responsibility later. At least, that was her plan. Feeling smug at her cleverness, Evelyn stole a glance at her uncle, but his piercing expression told her he wasn't fooled.Jason cleared his throat. "I have something to discuss with her," he said plainly. "Something?" What could you possibly have to discuss with her? You two don't even know each other.Who are you trying to fool, Uncle? she thought. Despite her inner turmoil, she nodded meekly. "Alright. I understand." Jason threatened, "If you dare pull any tricks, you'll be on the first flight back to Pearlpoint tomorrow." Evelyn glared at him. He was a complete tyrant! She was furious, but outwardly, she nodded submissively, as compliant as a scolded child. When he finally left, Evelyn snatched her phone from under the blanket. Without hesitation, she placed a video call to Seraphina. "Uncle suddenly said he wants to see you," Evelyn said with grievance.Seraphina's expression remained calm, almost as though she'd anticipated this. Memories of a fleeting encounter stirred in her mind—a man resembling Evelyn's uncle, standing in an alley. They had crossed paths briefly that day in the car, though she hadn't thought much of it at the time. Now that she thought about it, the man who stood at the front and looked familiar was probably Evelyn's uncle. "Send me the time and place," Seraphina replied. She could guess the reason for this meeting. Evelyn's uncle had seen the violent side of her and wanted to ensure she stayed far away from his niece. "Tomorrow, at his house." Seraphina was puzzled. He wanted to meet her at his house, not somewhere public? The following day, the students at Bloomington School were abuzz. When Linara showed up completely unharmed, confusion rippled through the crowd."Didn't Bryan say he would stop her for Linara?" one student whispered. "What happened? Didn't he go? Then where was he yesterday?" "Yeah! I thought he'd get back at her for Linara. Seems like Linara isn't that important to him after all." "Men and their empty promises," someone suggested with a sneer. "Shh, stop talking—Linara's here." Linara walked briskly, her head high, but she felt the weight of mocking gazes following her every step. She was furious. She had tried all day yesterday to reach Bryan, but every call had gone unanswered. Now, doubts crept in. Could it be that Bryan hadn't confronted Seraphina at all? She didn't believe a national boxing champion would lose to a girl like Seraphina. ---Meanwhile, in a private ward, tears streamed down Melody's face as she stood by her son's bedside. Bryan, wrapped in bandages from head to toe, looked more like a mummy than a fighter. "Bry!" she wailed. "Who did this to you? Who could be so cruel and ruthless?" Bryan's mouth opened, ready to speak, but a sudden knock at the door interrupted him. A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing a striking figure. It was Linara. The moment Bryan caught sight of her, his eyes lit up. "Linara!" he exclaimed, his excitement apparent—until he remembered the gap in his teeth. His mouth snapped shut awkwardly.