Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 220 The Disqualification

It wasn't the member's fault, but Zelena's own personal issue with Six. Not a single penny of the payment should be missed.

However, Zelena had already invested so much, and it was undoubtedly a huge loss to her.

She had already spent a lot of money recruiting Six from the black market, paying club members to join the team, bribing Hattie's team members, and dealing with the fallout from the Kaylee incident, which cost her nearly a hundred thousand dollars!

Now, all that money was gone, and so was her ranking.

The more Zelena thought about it, the angrier she got.

In a fit of rage, she swept everything off the table.

Exiting the lounge, the director turned to his assistant and firmly stated, "Issue an immediate announcement on the official website disqualifying Team Eternal Warriors and banning them from all future competitions."

The assistant, visibly worried, responded, "But this will completely disrupt the competition schedule. With only three teams left, how will we proceed?"

The director was equally troubled.

This was a live broadcast. Changing the rules now will cause major problems, not to mention disrupting the broadcast schedule and sponsor advertisements.

After a moment of contemplation, the director made a decision. "We'll switch to a round-robin format with the three remaining teams. Adjust the previously drawn numbers accordingly, having two teams compete first, followed by the winner against the remaining team."

This would be like a round-robin.

First, determine the first place, then the remaining two teams will compete, and the winner will be in second place.

"It's our only option now," the assistant agreed.

The director urged, "Quickly inform the other teams to prepare. We're on a tighter schedule now. Tell them to use the restroom if needed and get ready to compete!"

"Got it."

The assistant hurried away to notify the remaining three teams in their respective lounges.

Meanwhile, Violeta monitored online reactions to the leaked information.

She knew that Zelena was facing a major crisis.

It was truly curious how she would clear her name from this school violence scandal.

Her career hung in the balance, depending on how she handled the school violence allegations.

The assistant knocked on Violeta's lounge door and said urgently, "Are you ready? You'll be on stage soon."

Violeta put away her phone. "Understood."

The assistant rushed to inform the other teams.

Evelyn's team, originally slated to compete second, was surprised to learn they were now up next and confused about the sudden disqualification of Team Nice.

"Team 'Eternal Warriors' qualification got canceled? What happened?"

They looked at each other and said, "If 'Eternal Warriors' is out, the numbers will shift, so we'll be up against 'The Mighty Dragons' again?"

This would be the second time "The Spring Blossom" faced "Fierce Dragons".

Evelyn and her teammates were silent.

They had experienced Violeta and her team's strength during the previous rounds.

Evelyn, as the captain, quickly rallied her team. "It is what it is. We're team number three, so we have to compete. Let's stay calm and focused, regardless of the outcome."

Within minutes, MLSS's official website urgently posted an announcement.

They declared the disqualification of Team Eternal Warriors.

In the lounge, Zelena anxiously read the announcement and the mixed reactions from netizens, nervously biting her nails.

D*mn it!!!

While many comments praised MLSS's decision, others expressed sympathy for the remaining Eternal Warriors' members who were unfairly affected by Zelena's actions. Viewers had witnessed their skills throughout the competition, and it was unfortunate they wouldn't make it to the finals.

With the team's disqualification, the other four members had no reason to stay.

"Ms. Reid, we'll be leaving now.

"Please contact our boss directly if any further matters arise," they said.

With that, they left the lounge one after another.

Zelena was now alone.

She sat in silence, contemplating her options.

Moments later, Hattie and her teammates passed by the lounge. Hattie, her head held high, cast a sideways glance at Zelena.

She had just learned of Zelena's disqualification due to school violence.

Hattie sneered inwardly, guessing that someone must be working against Zelena behind the scenes.

"You all go ahead. I'll join you in a moment."

"Alright."

The teammates headed to the live broadcast area first.

Hattie lightly kicked open the half-closed lounge door with her toe, then walked in with her arms crossed. With a calm, dismissive tone, Hattie remarked, "Lena, looks like you're in quite a predicament." Zelena whipped around, glaring at Hattie. "This is a setup against me! It's Violeta and Kaylee. I know it!"