Backstage, the energy was electric. The cheers from the crowd still echoed faintly through the halls of the arena as Adrian Rhodes stood near the monitors, his arms crossed. He had watched every moment of Tiffany Stratton’s match against Nia Jax. Unlike her previous outings, Tiffany had fought clean, relying on her athleticism, resilience, and heart. Adrian couldn’t hide the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

As the camera crew began packing up, Tiffany walked through the curtain. Her blonde hair was slightly damp with sweat, and her chest rose and fell as she tried to catch her breath. Despite the toll of the match, there was a triumphant glow in her expression. She spotted Adrian immediately, her confident demeanor softening for a moment.

"So," she said, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face, "how’d I do?"

Adrian unfolded his arms, stepping toward her. "That was incredible, Tiffany. You didn’t just win—you earned it. You showed everyone what you’re capable of tonight."

Tiffany raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming. "You sound surprised. Didn’t think I had it in me?"

Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "I knew you had it in you. I just wasn’t sure when you were going to show it. But tonight, you did. You didn’t cut corners. You didn’t take shortcuts. You fought with everything you had, and you beat someone like Nia Jax fair and square."

Tiffany shrugged, trying to mask the pride swelling inside her. "Yeah, well, I figured it was time to remind everyone why I’m here in the first place. I’m not just a pretty face, you know."

Adrian smiled warmly. "Trust me, nobody’s going to forget that after tonight. You’ve got talent, Tiffany. Real talent. Matches like that? They’re what’s going to take you to the top."

For a moment, Tiffany seemed caught off guard by his sincerity. She had grown used to people either doubting her or praising her for the wrong reasons. But Adrian’s words felt genuine, and that meant more to her than she expected.

"Thanks," she said softly. "That… actually means a lot coming from you."

Adrian nodded, his tone steady but firm. "Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, Tiffany. You don’t need to cheat or play dirty to win. You’re good enough on your own. Tonight, you proved that to the world—and to yourself."

Tiffany let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "You’re starting to sound like some kind of motivational coach. Should I be worried?"

Adrian grinned. "Nah, just someone who sees potential. You’re on a roll now, and the finals are right around the corner. Keep fighting like you did tonight, and that crown might just be yours."

Tiffany’s smirk returned, though it was softer this time, less guarded. "Guess I’ll have to keep proving you right, huh?"

"You will," Adrian said simply. "And I’ll be rooting for you every step of the way."

Tiffany gave him a playful shove on the shoulder. "Alright, don’t get all mushy on me. I’ve got a tournament to win."

Adrian laughed, stepping aside as Tiffany walked down the hallway, her confidence fully restored. Watching her go, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. She was on her way to something great, and for the first time, she wasn’t taking shortcuts to get there.

...

Tiffany Stratton sat on a bench in the backstage viewing area, her eyes fixed on the monitor in front of her. The roar of the crowd in the arena echoed faintly through the walls, but it felt distant compared to the thundering thoughts in her head. On the screen, Lyra Valkyria stood tall in the ring, breathing heavily after her hard-fought victory in the semifinals.

Adrian Rhodes leaned casually against the wall a few steps behind her, his arms crossed as he glanced between Tiffany and the screen.

“That’s your competition in the finals,” Adrian said, his tone calm but pointed.

Tiffany didn’t reply. Her gaze was locked on Lyra, watching the way she carried herself. No over-the-top celebration. No smug taunts. Just raw, unfiltered emotion. Lyra didn’t need to act like she belonged there—her presence said it all.

In the ring, Lyra picked up a microphone from ringside, her breaths still labored as she brought it to her lips.

“Tiffany Stratton,” Lyra began, her voice steady despite the exhaustion. “I know you’re watching this. I hope you’re paying attention because this is what determination looks like.”

Adrian let out a low whistle, leaning forward slightly as if to gauge Tiffany’s reaction.

“She’s talking to you,” he said.

Tiffany’s jaw tightened, her fingers gripping the edge of the bench.

Lyra continued, pointing at the Queen of the Ring logo hanging above the stage. “You’ve spent this tournament trying to prove you’ve changed. Trying to convince everyone that you’re not the same person who relied on shortcuts and cheated her way to success. But people don’t change, Tiffany. Deep down, you’re still the same selfish, arrogant person who’ll crumble under pressure. And when that happens, I’ll be the one standing tall, crowned Queen of the Ring.”

Adrian’s eyes flicked back to Tiffany as Lyra dropped the microphone, her music hitting again to a roar of cheers from the crowd. Tiffany’s lips pressed into a thin line, her nails digging into the wood beneath her.

“Well,” Adrian said, stepping closer, “looks like your past is catching up to you.”

Tiffany’s glare shifted from the screen to Adrian. “She thinks she knows me,” she said, her voice low and steady. “But Lyra has no idea who I’ve become.”

Adrian studied her for a moment, his expression softening just slightly. “Then I guess you’ll have to prove her wrong, won’t you?”

Tiffany stood, her head held high as she turned away from the monitor. “You’re damn right I will.”

...

Tiffany Stratton adjusted her gear in front of a mirror backstage, the faint hum of the SmackDown crowd audible through the walls. She wasn’t scheduled for a match tonight, but her presence was unavoidable after making it to the Queen of the Ring finals. The buzz around her transformation wasn’t lost on anyone, but Tiffany knew the eyes on her weren’t entirely trusting.

She grabbed a water bottle from the nearby table, but when she turned, she nearly bumped into Lyra Valkyria.

Lyra’s eyes narrowed as she stepped back, arms crossed. “Well, if it isn’t the new and improved Tiffany Stratton,” Lyra said, her tone laced with skepticism.

Tiffany blinked, setting the bottle down and squaring up slightly. “Lyra,” she said calmly, though there was an edge in her voice. “Something you need?”

Lyra tilted her head, her expression unreadable for a moment before a sharp laugh escaped her lips. “I don’t know, Tiffany. Maybe I just wanted to see if this redemption act of yours is real or just another mask you’re wearing.”

Tiffany’s jaw tightened, but she forced herself to stay composed. “It’s not an act,” she said firmly. “I’ve worked hard to get here, and I don’t need to cheat or manipulate to prove I’m one of the best.”

Lyra took a step closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous level. “Do you think that erases what you’ve done? Do you think just because you’re playing fair now, people are going to forget how many careers you trampled over to get to the top?”

Tiffany’s gaze flickered with a hint of guilt, but she didn’t back down. “I’m not trying to erase anything. I’m owning it and proving I’ve changed. You don’t have to like me, Lyra, but you’ll respect the work I’ve put in to be better.”

Lyra’s fists clenched at her sides, her emotions bubbling to the surface. “Respect? Respect is earned, Tiffany. And after everything you’ve done to me and so many others, it’s going to take a lot more than some PR stunt to convince me you’re not the same selfish person you’ve always been.”

The tension in the air was palpable, and a few crew members nearby glanced over nervously, sensing the situation might escalate. Tiffany took a step forward now, her voice steady but firm.

“You can hate me all you want, Lyra. Maybe I deserve it. But when we step in that ring for the finals, you’ll see that I’m not the same person I was. I’ll prove it—not with words, but with what I do in there.”

Lyra’s expression didn’t soften, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—perhaps doubt or even curiosity. She leaned in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’d better hope so, because if you even think about going back to your old ways, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

With that, Lyra turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Tiffany standing there, her heart pounding. She exhaled slowly, steadying herself.

Adrian Rhodes approached from down the hall, having caught the tail end of the exchange. “You alright?” he asked, his voice calm but concerned.

Tiffany nodded, though her mind was still racing. “Yeah. I’m fine. Just more fuel for the fire.”

Adrian raised an eyebrow. “You sure? She didn’t seem like she was pulling punches.”

Tiffany’s lips curved into a small, determined smile. “Neither will I.”

(WE'RE BACK! For whatever reason, people seemed to like this book, and I've gotten people wanting me to bring it back, one in particular, spongasd123, and I can’t turn down the people. Your wish is my command!)