I put on boxing gloves and cautiously defended against Lamia's powerful strikes..

Once she stepped into the ring, Lamia transformed into a different person, exuding aggression that contradicted her earlier seemingly polite comment about not going too hard on me.

I found myself continuously pushed back, drenched in sweat within moments.

"Ms. Caldwell, I heard that you're a good flirt. Even with a sugar daddy, you still try to seduce Oliver. Others might think highly of you, but you're just a seductress," Lamia taunted.

Lamia's words made me furious. Just as I was about to fight back, a left hook from Lamia sent me crashing to the ground.

Despite the protective gear, the impact rattled my head.

Shielding my face with my arms, I tried to defend myself, but Lamia took advantage of it to land more hits.

Although I lacked practical experience, I had already learned a lot of boxing skills from my previous nursing work with Oliver.

So, while Lamia momentarily let her guard down, I quickly rolled to the side and punched her.

However, before my fist could connect, she covered her face and let out a loud scream.

Confusion overwhelmed me as Lamia accused me of being excessively cruel and disregarding our colleague's friendship.

"Ms. Caldwell, is it because Oliver chose me that you treated me so mercilessly? I was foolish enough to consider her a friend, but I didn't expect I would annoy you."

"Are you serious? I didn't..." I attempted to protest, but before I could finish my sentence, I saw Oliver rush into the ring, holding Lamia, who lay on the ground.

I naturally bit back my words.

I didn't know when Oliver had arrived or how much of the match he had seen.

However, seeing Oliver's concerned expression as he asked Lamia if she was in pain, I knew everything was meaningless.

Lamia nestled into Oliver's arms, quietly sobbing, and I was like the other woman watching this farce.

It sickened me, not only their actions but also my own involvement in this farce.

I sat in the room for a while, left unnoticed by anyone asking if I felt dizzy or if my face hurt.

Everyone was outside, surrounding Lamia.

It became apparent that this was precisely her intention. She aimed to leave him out there to twist in the wind and destroy my reputation.

Feeling weary, I gazed up at the ceiling when suddenly my phone rang.

[Meet at the usual place at 7 o'clock tonight].

It seemed that Caesar was already aware of my encounter with Oliver.

Silently, I replied: [Okay]. I then pushed aside my muddled emotions, gathered my clothes, and headed to take a shower.

The hot water stung slightly as it cascaded over my face, but I paid little attention to the wound. My mind was preoccupied with strategizing how to evade Caesar's questions.

In the midst of washing up, I faintly heard rustling sounds coming from outside the door, but I couldn't discern who it was.

However, upon returning to the room after my shower, I noticed a box of anti-inflammatory medicine placed on the bench, accompanied only by my phone.

I clearly remember my phone being stored in my backpack.

Caution consumed me as I surveyed the room, but there was no one in sight, and it appeared as though no one had been there before.

I arrived at the restaurant as scheduled at seven o'clock.

Caesar was already there. As I entered and took my place near the door, he glanced at me with indifference.

"You promised me that you wouldn't meet him again," Caesar said.

I lowered my head and answered honestly, "It was an accident. I didn't expect him to still be in the club."

Caesar remained silent for a while, and the weight of his oppressive presence felt reminiscent of what I had experienced before with Oliver.

I spoke up, "He's seeing someone else. I don't think he would want someone who had betrayed him."

Caesar stared at me and asked, "What about you?"

The invisible pressure in the air caused sweat to bead on my back. Clenching my fists tightly, I responded firmly, "I won't want him either."

Caesar nodded with satisfaction. "Don't let me down. You know what you should do."

I nodded and replied, "Yes." Then, Caesar left.

Once he was gone, a wave of relief washed over me.

Glancing at the appetizing food spread before me, I was ready to enjoy it when suddenly, someone grabbed my arm just as I was about to reach for the food.

Startled, I turned around and was shocked to see Oliver standing there.