In an office, two men stood waiting for someone. Ivan sat quietly as his manager kept lecturing him about staying calm and not stirring up trouble.
"Let me talk to him. I'll get you the title shot again," the manager said firmly, his tone carrying a quiet confidence.
Ivan didn't respond. He just watched the door, waiting for the person they were there to meet.
They had come here to try and see if Ivan could get the title shot again.
After losing it because of an injury, it felt only fair for the promotion to offer him the chance to reclaim it. His manager knew this was the best moment to make the case.
"This is the right time, Ivan," he continued, leaning forward. "You're still in shape, the rankings haven't moved that much, and people remember your last performance. It wasn't a loss because of skill, it was the injury. They have to see that."
