She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 693

Applause erupts from the shore. This time, the cheers are for Loyce's brilliant tactical adaptation and perfect teamwork.

Luna is dumbfounded. She never expected Loyce to neutralize her attack like that, let alone turn it into an assist.

"How did she learn so fast?!"

Loyce smiles. "I've been observing how you play. Like I said, I'm a fast learner."

Luna looks like she is about to explode.

The tight line of Lucian's mouth softens, a faint smile reaching his eyes.

Over the next few rallies, it's as if Loyce has unlocked a cheat code. She stops trying to execute power spikes or complex returns. Instead, she relies on her extraordinary dynamic vision and reflexes, dedicating herself entirely to defense and setting. Time and time again, she neutralizes Luna's furious attacks, setting up her teammates for perfect offensive strikes.

Her team's synergy skyrockets.

On the other side, Luna grows increasingly frantic.

Every heavy hit she delivers lands on empty water, effortlessly redirected by Loyce. Frustrated by her inability to score, Luna starts making mistakes, dragging her team down with her.

Once again, Luna spots an opening and aims a vicious spike at Loyce. Loyce sidesteps gracefully, bumping the ball in a flawless arc toward Lucian at the net.

Lucian might be rusty at water volleyball, but his vertical leap and sheer power are undeniable. He rockets out of the water, his muscular frame arching like a drawn bow, and slams his arm down.

Smack!

The ball hits the water on Luna's side like a cannonball. A massive wave of water splashes right into her face before she even has time to blink.

"I'm done!" she screeches, her face livid. "This is boring! You have zero sportsmanship! All you do is dodge!"

The poolside goes dead quiet. Everyone stares at her unhinged outburst in shock.

Loyce looks at her calmly, entirely unfazed. "Sportsmanship means respecting your opponent, and it means using your brain. Brute force isn't the only way to win. Wouldn't you agree, Luna?"

The girl who had defended Loyce earlier scoffs from the edge. "It's just a game, Luna. Are you really throwing a tantrum over this? When you were constantly pegging the ball at Loyce, she didn't complain once. But now that you're losing, you're storming off?"

Luna opens her mouth, her face flushing from red to white, but she can't find a single word to say.

Seeing the looks of realization and pity from the crowd, she can't bear it another second. She turns around, awkwardly scrambling out of the pool, and storms off without looking back.