Melvern didn't interrupt my words but regarded me with an appreciative gaze.

I continued, "I'm someone who sees things in black and white. And my opponent, Liora, is an extremely tasteless woman."

He gazed at me, still not interrupting and seemingly interested in hearing more.

"She’s been arrogant and persistent from the very first day we met, like a crazy dog biting everyone in its path. Even my patience has limits. Since she disregarded the respect I've shown her, it's become a life-or-death struggle between us."

My tone carried a hint of disdain.

“You invested in someone like her to undermine me, then you came to me claiming to be a friend. Tell me, why did you do that? I'm not one to turn a blind eye. I have my own principles," I asserted myself.

I smiled while I said all this, but my words were sharp and far from comforting.

Melvern looked at me and commented, "You're very straightforward. That's why I came to see you."

"Tell me, then." I kept it short and to the point.