Noelle's appetite vanished. Cedric's nonchalant, "Remember, don't go soft," made her blood run cold. She recalled his earlier messages, her heart hardening. "Going soft on men is cruel," she snapped, grabbing her bag and storming out.

Cedric smirked, wondering who she meant. He texted Alfred: "Less gossip, fewer beatings."

In the elevator, she overheard elderly women gossiping about a "pervert" who'd been beaten. It lifted her spirits slightly.

The traffic at the competition venue was insane – far worse than the revival match. Seeing Magnus's photo on a poster, a wave of regret washed over her. Without his withdrawal, Luminark wouldn't have won.

"Hey, Queen!" Rachel greeted, sporting a Team Celestial shirt. "Firestorm invited me VIP," Noelle explained, "Rachel's coming too." A roar erupted. Team Luminark arrived, swarmed by fans.

Lucas, with Xenia beside him, faced the press.

"Unusual lineup changes," Lucas stated coldly. "Xenia's more than capable. Team chemistry is important, especially as family."

Xenia, beaming, added, "I've learned from past mistakes." She didn't believe Noelle's absence mattered.

Then, a shout: "Noelle's here!" The press surged towards her, leaving Lucas and Xenia alone. A fan mistakenly gave Xenia a gift intended for Noelle. Furious, Xenia tossed it away.

Surrounded by reporters, Noelle couldn't escape.

"Ms. Liddell, are you sitting this one out?"

"Team Luminark's chances without you?"

Noelle glanced at Lucas and Xenia, her voice icy. "Zero."