Ryan wrapped up the night with 40 points, 12 assists, and 4 rebounds—double-double that screamed efficiency, even if Lamar Dixon's 43 points stole the spotlight in a losing effort for the Lumina. Dixon's numbers were fireworks, but in defeat, they were just smoke.
As the final buzzer echoed through Iron Vault Arena, Ryan glanced up at the VIP seats. Steven Palmer and Victor Crane had already slipped out, their shadows vanishing into the crowd, but Chloe Palmer lingered, her blue eyes locked on him, a soft smile playing on her lips. She gave him a thumbs-up, her gesture cutting through the post-game haze like a beacon.
