Chapter 171

Emma’s punches were lightning fast. After a few, Dana went limp. The heavy blows, coupled with the drug overdose, had taken their toll. Dana's eyes rolled back, her body spasmed, and she foamed at the mouth.

Seeing this, Emma stopped, momentarily stunned. She recalled a conversation: “Back then, she died in a competition… foaming at the mouth… limbs spasmed… dead in under a minute.” The description of Dummy's death mirrored Dana's current state. This thought vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Wake up," Emma pleaded, desperately pressing pressure points.

Dana spasmed, foamed, and offered a chilling smile. "Do you think... you're powerful? You're just a King's Association lackey... You... I... Everyone..." She erupted in laughter.

Emma, noticing Dana's dilated pupils, pressed harder. "Do you know something? How did Bunny die? Did she use this drug, too?"

Dana mused. "Bunny? There was someone like that... but how could that woman compare to me? What right did she have to the King's Association drug?" She laughed again.

"Tell me the truth!" Emma's rage escalated, until someone intervened to separate them.

Dana's gaze drifted upwards. "We're all... losers in the end…" Her head lolled; she stopped breathing.

Emma remained frozen, checking her watch. Less than a minute. Could it be related? The match was hers. As she stood dazed, words appeared amidst the blue fireworks: "Youth and L" and "Always & Forever."

Turning, Emma saw Liam descending from his seat, silently guarding the arena entrance. He'd been waiting. He removed his sunglasses, his gaze solely on her, and opened his arms.

Emma ran into his embrace. He stroked her back gently. "How was it? Did you like it?"

She nodded firmly.

"There's more. Come with me." He took her hand, the warmth dispelling her unease.

Leaving the arena, they encountered rows of flashing lights beneath the night sky's fireworks. As Emma emerged, thousands of lights shifted, transforming into a giant scarlet flower, blooming across the heavens. The citizens of Troln City gazed upwards in awe—a spectacle unlike any other. Each light, Emma realized, was an expensive drone.

"H-how did you…?" she gasped, covering her mouth.

Liam smiled, gazing at the sky. "You said you dislike fireworks; their beauty is fleeting. So I created this drone light show. I wanted you to remember how happy you were tonight."

A couple emerged from the flower's petals, meeting at its heart. The crowd captured the moment. "Oh my god. Isn't this couple cute?" one exclaimed. "Who did this? So romantic!" another added. Soon, "#TrolnCity'sFirstLuxuryDroneConfession" trended online.

Overwhelmed, Emma wept. Her worries eased; she'd found solace in Liam's unwavering, silent protection. They would face the future together. Tiptoeing, she kissed him deeply. He inhaled her scent, his fingers tightening around her hand, offering strength. The darkness has passed. From now on, I will spend the rest of my life shining the way for you and warming your heart.

Liam later removed the trending topic, but the videos remained, becoming a "dream confession" for countless women.

That night, after intimacy, Emma awoke from a nightmare. She'd dreamt of beating Justine, seeing her broken and foaming.

"Dummy!" she screamed.

Liam woke. "Emma, what's wrong?"

His voice anchored her to reality. She panted, calming. "N-nothing…"

Dana had denied Dummy's drug use, yet Dummy was a skilled medic, Emma's own teacher. Did Dummy develop the drug, her heart failing during the competition? Is that cross symbol related?

For days, the dream haunted her. Despite her victory, Liam sensed her distress. Her triumph brought international attention; she became the National Boxing Association's youth spokesperson, a hero. Yet, alone, she remained troubled.

Liam decided to reveal the truth. "The fireworks weren't just a confession. Dana's overdose involved me."

"You?" she asked. "How did you know about the drug?"

"I know what worries you. Knockout's distribution is internationally traceable. Dana had some. Justine… never."

"I know, but Dummy's skills were exceptional. I worry she might…"

Liam produced information. "Dana's reaction was triggered by my precise control of the lighting angle, the venue's airflow, and crowd noise—all accurate to two decimal places. The fireworks sound added the final trigger."

While Dana hadn't died, the conditions were precise. Justine's death had occurred in an open space—different conditions. Other factors contributed.

Emma, astonished by Liam's meticulousness, reviewed the evidence. Liam is… amazing.