The livestream chat erupted. Xenia, her heart pounding with excitement, watched the viewer count explode. Drama, she knew, meant more followers.

Lucas felt a burning humiliation. He hadn't anticipated SweetNelly’s public betrayal. Noelle wouldn't risk the Liddell family name like this, he was sure. SweetNelly's refusal to cooperate changed his plan.

He logged into the game, initiating a Player Kill ranked match. His rank: 90. He quickly messaged others in the same bracket, ensuring SweetNelly would be his opponent. His original marketing plan was scrapped.

"Mr. Liddell," James ventured, "she's a rookie. Are you sure?"

"I'll teach her respect," Lucas declared, confident. A pro wouldn't lose to a newbie. SweetNelly showed promise, but she was no match for a professional.

The match began. Noelle's face hardened as she saw her opponent.

"Well, this is convenient," she murmured, icy calm. The rigged match was obvious to her, and the viewers instantly picked up on it.

"Go, Ms. Nelly!" one shouted. "What's a pro doing bullying a rookie?" another cried. "Payback!" yelled a third.

"Don't worry," Noelle said, her voice steady. "The match isn't over."

A troll sneered, "Big talk for someone about to get crushed."

Ignoring the taunts, Noelle focused on the screen. Lucas' character, decked out in gear she'd customized, was her target. She knew his playstyle intimately.

"Let's begin," she said, her fingers flying across the keyboard. She anticipated his moves, countered with unpredictable strategies. Five minutes in, Lucas' health bar was almost depleted. He scrambled for cover.

Noelle didn't pursue him. She stood calmly, unwavering.

"How?" Lucas muttered, frustrated. "How does she know my moves?"

"Maybe she studied your gameplay, sir," James offered.

Lucas shook his head. "No. That last move... I've never used it. I saved it for the finals." Then, understanding struck. "Wait... only one person..."

His breath hitched. Could SweetNelly be Noelle?