Chapter 190

Celia gritted her teeth. "What if I refuse?"

Emma smiled. "Didn't you say you would challenge me to a duel? You lack the authority, but I can challenge you." She continued, "If I challenge you, you'll have to leave Charon Military School, correct?"

Emma's nonchalant, unpleasant smile stunned Celia. At Charon Military School, cross-rank duels were prohibited. Emma had previously shocked the school by challenging someone to avenge Lane. Celia and Emma held the same rank, but Emma was the school champion; the school's rules protected champions from challenges.

Celia gritted her teeth. Leaving Charon Military School was unthinkable; her cultural studies grades were poor, and she had no other options. If Emma challenged her, expulsion was inevitable. Celia was deep in thought.

Several onlookers, indignant on Rielle's behalf, joined Emma in criticizing Celia. "If you bully people, you'll face consequences!" one exclaimed. Another added, "Miss Wilson helped you, Rielle! Eat the food, Celia!" Accusations flew: "You bullied classmates!" "You're Faith's friend; you should be locked up too!"

For the first time, Celia felt utterly abandoned. Yet, Emma's reprimand forced her submission.

Celia stood for a long time, then, humiliated, picked up the dinner rolls she had thrown. Emma said, "In wartime, food is precious; don't waste it." Emma internally reflected: Wasting food and bullying classmates is wrong. Not everyone has food. Classmates are vital, and those who bully instead of uniting don't deserve to be here!

Emma departed with an indifferent expression. After afternoon training, the coach informed Emma of her flight time to Yenovia. Emma immediately relayed the details to Liam, who responded cheerfully, "I'll pick you up; I'll be there before you."

Emma considered this, then said, "No need; I'll likely join other teams upon arrival." The Krot Competition was world-class; international athletes had a dedicated living area. Emma wasn't certain of seeing Liam, but trusted he'd watch over her. Liam had already planned everything: "Train with peace of mind; be fearless."

"Yes, my love. I love you," Emma replied.

Liam, recalling it was autumn, and that his secretaries were enthralled with autumn lattes, asked, "Caramel latte?"

Emma, surprised, almost agreed, then changed her mind. "Hmm… I don't want a latte. I want a kiss."

Liam understood her romantic mood. His lips curved into a smile. He whispered, "Just wait. I'll give you a big kiss in Yenovia."

"Okay," Emma said, and they shared a metaphorical kiss over the phone. Liam, rejuvenated, smiled in his office.

Outside, Levi, carrying documents, saw Liam's expression through the crack in the door, discreetly retreated. A new secretary, witnessing this, asked nervously, "Is the CEO in a bad mood?"

Levi shook his head. "No, Mr. Hall is in a good mood. We shouldn't disturb him."

The secretary was confused. "He can't be disturbed whether he's happy or sad?"

Liam was enigmatic. The secretary, having heard of Liam's immobility and unpredictable nature, felt anxious. Levi, seeing his distress, patted his head. "What are you thinking? Usually, he's calling his… girlfriend!"

"Oh…" The secretary understood. Except for Levi, no one knew Liam was married, but everyone knew about Emma.

The secretary nodded. "So I can't disturb Mr. Hall's romantic time, even when he's happy?"

Levi, with a hint of sadism, replied, "Besides Miss Wilson, Mr. Hall has no time for happiness."

The secretary was speechless. Mr. Hall is something else, he mused. This is rare behavior.

Erza's hand, treated with Emma's medicine, was nearly healed. Inspired by the approaching competition, he'd broken several personal records. Before Emma and Erza's departure for the competition, Charon Military School held a farewell ceremony. Thousands of students performed a spectacular routine. Student representatives presented flowers.

Emma saw Rielle, in uniform, running over with red flowers, slightly breathless. "Emma, thank you for helping me! Good luck! I'll always support you!" Rielle had become Emma's biggest fan.

Emma smiled. "Thank you. I'll do my best!"

"Great!" Rielle exclaimed. She then hugged Emma tearfully. Emma, slightly stunned, gently hugged back.

Lane, tasked with giving Erza flowers, also hugged Emma. "Miss Wilson, I'll await your triumphant return!" Lane hoped to accompany Emma, her first true friend, believing Emma would excel. Emma hugged Lane back. The three girls embraced. Erza, left out, felt his heart ache. No one hugged me! he lamented.

Erza said sadly, "Why isn't anyone hugging me?"

Lane kicked him. "You're lame, and you want encouragement?"

Erza protested, "I'm the top male in school history!"

"So what? Don't flatter yourself!" Lane retorted.

"Lane, you're disloyal…" Erza groaned.