Chapter 169

The live broadcast camera remained fixed on Emma. Netizens were puzzled. Questions flooded the comments: "What is she doing?" "Why is she so serious? Isn't she happy after winning?" One countered, "She's used to victory; she won't show her happiness." Another asked, "Is she going to Serene and Dana's match?" Someone else wondered, "Is Emma a fan of Serene?"

Amidst the chaotic comments, Emma felt a growing premonition of dread. This intensified, prompting her to swiftly conclude the competition. Arriving at the arena, she found the match long over, the scene chaotic, a large pool of blood staining the floor.

Emma's mood plummeted. Grabbing someone, she anxiously asked, "Where's Serene?"

A foreigner shook his head, sighing, "You mean your teammate? She lost. She's seriously injured. Very stubborn, she fell repeatedly, refusing to yield. Dana was ruthless, knocking out her teeth; her abdomen and chest bled profusely. The ambulance just took her away."

A shockwave hit Emma; she nearly fainted. It was Dana, the organization's violent killer. Dana loathed those who refused to admit defeat; Serene's repeated attempts to rise undoubtedly enraged Dana's sadistic nature, causing her to lose control and severely injure Serene. Emma recalled similar incidents with Justine, equally stubborn and almost beaten to death. This was why Emma trained so intensely—those without specialized training rarely survived Dana's sadistic attacks. They might appear lightly injured, but internal bleeding often proved fatal. The organization had perfected this technique, masking the injuries, making forensic analysis difficult.

Chapter 169 (continued)

'Serene, you must take the medicine I gave you...' Emma thought, rushing to the hospital. With the medicine and her skills, Serene might survive.

At an intersection, a black car ran a red light, heading straight for Emma. She slammed on the brakes; the cars collided. Emerging from her car, she saw a tall woman with blue hair and eyes, chewing gum. "Long time no see, Blaze," Dana laughed, her facial scar hideous.

Emma clenched her fists. "If you have a grudge, come at me. Why injure her so badly?"

Dana laughed, clenching and releasing her fists. "Her? That weak woman? Her life is insignificant. It's an honor to be killed by me. After all these years, Blaze, you're still so emotional, so indecisive."

Dana lunged, her fist aimed at Emma, who swiftly dodged. Dana was momentarily shocked by Emma's speed. She sneered, "As expected of Phantom, the number one assassin. I wonder, if I hadn't fallen off that cliff, would you still hold that title?" She shattered a wooden wall with a punch, showcasing her immense strength.

"Get lost," Emma said, losing patience, and counterattacked. Dana was no match for Emma. Arriving traffic police, reviewing the footage, determined Dana was at fault. Forced to give a statement, unable to attack the police, Dana seethed, watching Emma leave.

Chapter 169 (continued)

At the hospital, the doctor reported, "The patient is critically injured, undergoing emergency treatment." Serene was still being resuscitated; there was still hope. The fact that she persevered likely resulted from Emma's medicine.

Tears in her eyes, Emma said, "Leave it to me. I know how to save her." Changing into scrubs, she entered the operating theater.

The medicine was Dummy's invention. Emma recalled a time when Dana had nearly killed her; Dummy had comforted her. This special medicine was developed as a countermeasure to Dana's attacks. Thanks to Emma's efforts, Serene's life was saved.

However, Dana's brutality had left Serene with extensive injuries: swelling, shattered bones, facial disfigurement. Emma repaired what she could; Serene would recover but face significant challenges. In the operating theater, Emma was silent, weighed down by past and present grievances, knowing she had to win tomorrow. Powerlessness washed over her.

Leaving the operating theater, she saw sunlight streaming through the windows. A man in a suit, seemingly sent by God, walked towards her, dispelling the heaviness in her heart. Liam.

"Why are you here?" she asked, rushing to him.

Relieved to see her unharmed, Liam hugged her tightly. "Emma."

"Honey..." she whispered, falling into his embrace. He had been unable to visit the competition venue, watching her only on screen, unaware of Serene's match. Learning of Serene's injuries, however, he worried about Emma.

"Are you fighting that woman tomorrow?" he asked.

She nodded.

He couldn't stop her; he knew how long she'd prepared. But he was terrified. "I don't want to see you hurt." He had witnessed her brutal beating by Rachel; tomorrow's match would be even worse.

"I won't let anything happen to me," she said. "I have a home now… people who love me. How could I let anything happen?" She lowered her head shyly.

Liam cupped her face, kissing her. "I won't let anything happen to you. I'll find a way to get into the venue tomorrow. If anything happens, I'll be there." He knew Dana's grudge ran deep but Emma had him now. He would protect her, even die for her. If Dana dared to harm her, he would make her wish for death.