Chapter 5

Katie's POV

I looked toward Lily and Terry. Terry's face visibly turned red, while Lily maintained her fearless demeanor.

Coach Garcia's expression grew even more serious. "Percy, since you've already refused to be a practice partner, please leave the tennis team."

No, no, no—how could Percy just be kicked out like this!

"Wait, Coach. Percy should be very interested in that report. I think we should show him the original data."

I admit I was being a little wicked at this moment. I said it on purpose. Any skilled tennis player who watched that match would question the data analysis report of that men's singles showdown.

Let Percy see just how terrible and hypocritical these people who were just spouting righteous words about integrity really are.

That report wasn't entirely written by me. To be precise, it was an analysis report I submitted to the coach, which then ended up in Lily's hands. She altered several key data points and posted it online using my account.

When I discovered it, I immediately deleted the report and told the coach about it. Someone hacking my account to post false information—such a serious problem—and he brushed it off with a casual "misunderstanding."

It was Terry who gave my password to Lily. His explanation at the time was that I was busy with my studies, so he was going to help me post the report, and Lily happened to be nearby, so he asked her to do it.

Everything was a coincidence, all a misunderstanding.

But I actually believed him at the time.

The look I gave Terry now was filled with resentment. They had been together so early—why didn't they break up with me decently?

I forgot again—I was just Terry's secret underground girlfriend. Even now, none of these people believe Terry and I were ever in a relationship.

But it doesn't matter anymore. I don't need them to believe it, and I have no interest in continuing any association with someone of such poor character.

I took out my computer. "Let me see—where is that original data? Found it."

"I should go find some friends in the computer science department to help me check whether the account that posted the data a month ago was logged in from this computer."

I looked up at Terry, Lily, and Garcia. "I'll also consult my law school friends about what kind of punishment there is for using someone else's account without permission."

As soon as I said this, Lily was no longer as arrogant as before. She looked a bit nervous now.

What a rare expression.

"As for the trouble caused by false data, I think Terry and Coach Garcia know the consequences."

Their faces changed in unison.

The team members only knew that I had deleted the analysis report and hadn't posted a new one. Those few data points were so dazzling that they made them support Terry even more.

Terry's level is at UTR 12.5, with an upper limit that can't exceed 13.0—and that would only be possible after he continuously refined his technique and polished his mentality. But that data analysis report made it seem like Terry had a level close to 13.5.

"Katie, I don't think you're suitable to continue staying on the tennis team." Garcia stopped me from continuing. "I'll recommend you to the NCAA league department. Your abilities are suited for there."

A higher position—if Garcia had told me yesterday, I would have been very happy. I shook my head at Garcia. "Coach, the collegiate league is coming up. At this time, I don't want to go somewhere else. If the league management asks me why I'm deserting before the season ends, it will always raise questions on my professional resume."

Lily clearly didn't have the composure of Garcia and Terry. "Katie, don't push your luck."

I didn't think I was pushing my luck. I hadn't done anything wrong, and I certainly wouldn't pay any price for their mistakes.

George's and the other players' eyes kept shuttling back and forth between me and the trio of Lily, Garcia, and Terry.

I really wanted to tell them the truth straightforwardly, but that would completely infuriate Garcia. Before Percy brought up this report, I thought I might not be able to turn the situation around, but now Percy had given me a new approach. I had to stay on the team until the end of this season.

The scene became deadlocked, just like before Percy came in when they were waiting for Garcia's decision to make me leave the team.

Now it was deadlocked again. I was waiting for Garcia's decision. Would he still make me leave the team?

"Katie, can I borrow your computer? I'm really interested in this data." Once again, it was Percy who broke the stalemate, more gently than that yellow-green ball traveling over 200 mph.

Percy wasn't impulsive or reckless as Garcia said. Every sentence he spoke was guiding me on how to control the situation.

Just like that championship match I first saw him in—absolutely controlling the rhythm of the court, making it difficult for his opponent to break free.

I handed the computer to Percy. Terry's face changed drastically. "Katie, a computer is a personal item—why would you give it to him?"

I really wanted to ask Terry back: Why would you tell Lily something as confidential as an account password?

I didn't ask. I didn't even acknowledge Terry.

"When I was playing junior tournaments at the USTA National Campus in Florida, I did all my own data. Now I'm majoring in mathematics. Honestly, numbers never lie." Percy's fingers were slender, but really not particularly attractive—his right pinky knuckle was somewhat deformed, and his palms were covered with calluses.

"This is the data analysis report from that match. It seems different from what was originally posted." As soon as Percy finished speaking, Terry was breathing heavily, twisting his neck, his muscles bulging. I knew that meant he was about to lose control.

I walked toward Terry, raising my arms, but stopped just before I was about to hug him.

What was I doing?

Mentally, I no longer loved Terry, but my body and consciousness still retained the memory of loving him. It was a completely subconscious action—to soothe Terry, just like I had done countless times before when he lost control after losing a match.

But now Terry had Lily.

Lily stood beside him with her arms folded, completely unaware that Terry was on the edge of losing control. Just one trigger, and he would completely explode.

None of this was my business anymore. I awkwardly lowered my arms and stepped back to my position.

Suddenly, Terry grabbed my shoulders with both hands, his fingers tightening as if he wanted to crush my shoulder bones.

Terry had lost control.

"Let go of me—you're hurting me."

I said this while trying to pry his fingers open. When Terry lost control, he couldn't hear anyone talking at all, letting his emotions explode and even wanting to destroy everything.

In the past, I would always hug him and soothe him before he lost control, coaxing him softly.

Now he was gripping my shoulders with all his strength, shaking my shoulders. "Katie, have you been dating Percy all along!"

He was truly shameless.

But at this moment, I didn't dare provoke Terry further. I just wanted him to let go of me. My head was dizzy from his shaking.

Percy reached a hand from behind me and grabbed Terry's hand. The movement was so fast I didn't see it clearly—Terry's wrist was twisted back, and he released me in pain.

Percy's other hand quickly pulled me into his embrace.

"Don't be afraid! I'll help you post this data on the public network. Let them come after me for trouble."

His voice resonated through Percy's chest, my eardrums vibrating, and tears flowed down again—so many tears that they must have soaked Percy's clothes.

"Enough!" Garcia interrupted this farce. "Katie is still our data analyst. Everyone settle down. This matter ends here. Anyone who causes more trouble, I'll definitely kick them off the team."

The celebration was completely ruined. Garcia told everyone to leave and not appear before his eyes.