Chapter 10
Inside the VIP chamber, a wave of deafening cheers and rhythmic chants erupted.
“Three years are up—welcome back, Queen S
Sophia froze in place, momentarily stunned. “What a bunch of drama queens” she thought, barely concealing a smirk.
With champagne dripping from her hair, she surveyed the group in front of her. They grinned like mischievous kids at a carnival, cluiching champagne bottles and party poppers with an almost ridiculous enthusiasm.
Her stern look softened, her tone a mix of mild exasperation and affection. “Is all this really necessary?”
Sherry, practically vibrating with excitement, grabbed Sophia’s arm. “Of course it was. Quick, quick. Toss all those streamers on you into the fireplace–bum off all the bad vibes and bad luck from the past three years?
The others chimed in, equally fired up. Yeah, burn it all cost you so much to escape that hellhole–time to cleanse the bad juju
Sophia hadn’t exactly been in a hellhole–just lying low to escape the toxic Steward family. But seeing their joy, she played along.
Sophia let out a resigned sigh, indulging their antics.
One by one, she peeled off the colorful streamers tangled around her and tossed them into the fireplace. The ribbons flared and disappeared in a burst of flame, met by cheers from the group. Only then did they step back, allowing her a moment’s peace.
If Ethan could witness this scene, he’d probably be stunned. These were the very elites he’d been trying to impress all day–Virelia’s exclusive circle. of trust–fund heirs.
Or, as Chloe so eloquently put it, “Those ‘slum rats‘ hanging around Sophia
- es. His voice cracked with emotion as he charged
“Miss S! I thought you’d quit for good!” cried a young man in streetwear, barely in his early twenties. toward her, tears glistening in his eyes
But before he could get too close, Sophis planted a firm hand on his head, stopping him in his tracks.
Tim back, aren’t I Stop acting like I’ve been exiled to Mars, she said dryly
The young man, Zack Collins, closed his eyes and leaned into her palm like a content puppy. “Ah, this takes me back–Miss S’s classic head–pots. I
missed this so much!”
“Hey, don’t hog her all to yourselff someone yelled.
Yeah, move over! My turn said another guy as he barged in
Then a guy sighed. “Miss S, you have no idea how devastated we were when you left But you’re back now–we knew you wouldn’t alsanılan ust”
Before she could blank, a crowd of twenty–something men swarmed her, their cries of “Miss Sringing out like a chorus of loyal golden retrievers.
Sophia’s chest tightened with warmth as she scanned their faces.
Three years had passed, yet their banter, their laughs—it was all the same.
Their friendship hadn’t wavered one bit..
Zack slid in beside her, a glass of juice in hand and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Miss 5, now
now that you’re back, think you
you could help me out?”
Grinning slyly, he handed her the glass and launched into his plea. “There’s this new racer who’s been dominating the scene lasely–completely wiped out my team. I’ve already lost quite a fortune on it, and if this keeps up. F’m going lose my spot here!”
Rubbing his hands together, he gave her his best puppy–dog eyes. “Miss 5, save met I’m getting obliterated here!”
Sophia was surprised he gave her juice instead of wine, but now she got it. He needed her to race for him. She took a slow sip, raising an eyebrow at him with a lazy smile. “It’s been three years since I last touched a car. Don’t get your hopes up?”
“Come on, there’s no such thing as ‘maybe! If you’re stepping in, it’s a guaranteed win!” Zack declared, practically bouncing with excitement. His unfiltered praise spilled out, his confidence in Sephia as unshakable as ever.
After all, three years wasn’t long enough to dull her edge.
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Back then, she had ruled the track with unrivaled dominance. Her victories weren’t just wins–they were demolitions.
Time might pass, but in Zack’s eyes, no number of years could strip her of her crown. As long as Miss & sat behind the wheel, she would always be the queen
The usually cocky and pretentious Zack, a prince among Virelia’s elite, now gazed at Sophia with the wide–eyed admiration of a kid meeting Superman
Sophia tilted her head back and downed the glass of juice in one smooth mation.
The rich taste lingered as she set the glass aside. Sophia lowered her head in thought.
She hadn’t been completely away from racing tracks during the past three years.
She hadn’t driven or touched a track, but she’d kept tabs on the scene–thanks to Ethan
Ethan loved racing.
His obsession with the sport had drawn her to circuits and races, tagging along and even watching him compete a few times.
“Relax, Zack” Sherry cut in, her brash energy breaking the moment as she slurg an arm m around Sophia’s shoulder and unceremoniously shoved
Zack aside.
Dropping into the seat next to Sophia, she grabbed her chin, turning her face toward her. “But seriously,” Sherry said, her tone sharp, don’t tell me you’re still hung up on that idion?”
Sophia swatted Sherry’s hand away, her voice stearly. “You know why I put up with him these three years”
You’re back on the free market now.
“Yeah, yeah, the family thing” Sherry said with an exaggerated rye roll. “But what’s with the brooding viber You Enjoy it!”
I’m not brooding Sophia replied, handing Sherry her empty glass. Her tone was calm but firm. I came here to relax. Who knows? Maybe I’ll give it a shot, just to see how it feels”
The truth was, for three years Sophia had lived under the watchful eye of the Stewart family, meeting their expectations to honor Margaret’s wishes.
But now, at last, she was free. The leash had been loosened, and she intended to rediscover herself–at her own pace
The night of the race arrived, and the venue was buzzing with energy.
The crowd was larger than usual drawn by whispers that the main event would feature Mr. Y–the mysterious prodigy who had crushed the Virelia heirs‘ once–untouchable racing team,
Adding to the intrigue were rumors that not only would Virelia’s late be in attendance, but even the elusive bead of the Yeats family might make an appearance.
Chloe and her friends took their sears beside Ethan, claiming a prime spot with an unobstructed view of the action.
Ethan’s participation as one of the night’s racers only amplified Chlor’s social standing, drawing approving glances and whispers from the crowd. Perched near the racer podium. Chloe soaked in the limeligla. Her confidence radiated as she prepared to cheer Ethan on, fully expecting to bask in his success and share the glory of his anticipated triumph.
Tonight. Ethan was competing in the opening race—a warm–up event for young enthusiasts eager to test their limits
The prize! A six–digit luxury sports car.
But for Ethan, it wasn’t just about winning the car.
It wasn’t a matter of affording the car–his status as the Baker family heir made that a given
What mattered was the sentiment behind the win, the spectacle of it all.
The victory was a symbol, a grand gesture to demonstrate his devotion to Chloe publicly.
Even more so, this race was the perfect opportunity to flaunt his relationship in front of thousands of spectators, including. Sophia
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Standing on the racer’s platform, Chloe reveled in the attention. Knowing Ethan was racing for her–especially with Sophia watching–only furled her sense of triumph
The other participants, mostly privileged heirs and carefree playboys, weren’t overly concerned with winning. For many, lening Ethan take the victory was a small price to pay for staying in his good graces
As expected, Fihan cruised to an easy first–place finish.
The luxurious car was now his..
Chloe’s face lit up as Ethan walked off the track and back toward the podium. Without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms. “Ethan, you did it You won! You’re amazing she squealed, her voice filled with excitement and adoration.
The prize–a luxury car worth hundreds of thousands–washers now, a tangible symbol of Ethan’s devotion and effort
As Chloe ching to him, her pride swelled.
The audience’s cheers washed over her, amplifying her sense of accomplishment Wealthy young racers gathered to congratulate Ethan, further boosting her confidence.
Sophia, are you watching? Chloe thought smugly. The Ethan you chased after so desperately in Eghting for MB now. He just gave me this glory. This is something you’ll never have
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