Chapter 40
Audrová POV
Through the reinforced windshield, I could see Laurel Rose in her matching vehicle, her perfectly manicured hands gripping the træerne sehari- Tension. The contrast between her current nervousness and het earlier bravado was almost amusing.
fast minutes ago, she’d cornered me in the prep area, her follywood smile replaced by something far less camera–ready. After you love today shed under dripping from every word, “stop clinging to Blake.
I’d simply adjusted my racing gloves, unable to suppress a slight smile at her theatrics. She’d continued, clearly irritated by my lack of reaction: “I’ve never seen someone so shameless. You know Blake can’t stand you, yet you keep forcing yourself into his life!
“Does he tell you that?‘ I’d asked, curious d
despite myself.
The way her eyes had narrowed told me everything I needed to know. ‘Ile doesn’t need to tell me,” she’d snapped, tossing her expertly styled hair. Since returned from Europe, we’ve spent every night together. I know exactly when he comes home!”
My smile hadn’t wavered. “Well then, Miss Rose, since you spend every night with him, why don’t you convince him to sign our divorce papers? I’d met her gaze steadily. “I look forward to attending your wedding.”
Now, The starting lights for the warm–up lap flashed red against the morning sky. Everything else faded away as I focused on the track ahead.
The lights went dark, my foot found the accelerator easily, my car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.
Blake’s POV
The world disappeared when Audrey’s car shot past the start line. For a moment, I forgot I was supposed to be showing support for Laurel.
Audrey’s car was speeding up, the meticulously chosen racing line from the woman who used to timidly trail behind me.
a
testament to her years of experience. She was so flamboyant and confident, a far cry
“Blake…” Felix’s hesitant voice finally broke through my concentration. He sat beside me, looking uncharacteristically serious. “We should stop this. Miss Rose clearly has no idea what she’s doing out there.”
He was right. Turning my attention to Laurel’s car, I watched her struggle through another basic turn. She’d already strayed off track three times in the warm–up lap alone, each correction more awkward than the last. Her speed was concerningly slow, her movements betraying complete inexperience.
Something didn’t add up. Rachel’s words from years ago echoed in my mind: “My sister’s basically a pro on the track. Yet here was Laurel, barely able to keep her car facing forward.
“Blake?” Felix persisted, real worry creeping into his voice.
I turned to him, letting my tone drop to the coldness that usually ended conversations. “What’s wrong? Afraid you won’t get another chance with Audrey if she loses?”
His face flushed, but concern won out over embarrassment. “Look at Miss Rose’s driving,” he said quietly. “Someone that inexperienced on a professional track… this isn’t just about winning or losing anymore.”
Before I could respond, both cars were returning to the starting grid, taking their positions for the real race. But something about Felix’s words nagged at me, a doubt I wasn’t quite ready to acknowledge.
The lights went out.
Audrey’s car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, her start perfectly timed. Laurel’s vehicle lurched awkwardly, nearly stalling before it began moving. The difference in skill was immediately apparent.
The crowd’s reaction grew more intense with each passing lap. Audrey was already starting her third circuit while Laurel had barely completed her turst. I could hear Astrid Wilson’s distinctive voice rising above the general cheers, her excitement palpable as her friend dominated the track.
But something was wrong. I could feel it in the way Laurel’s car suddenly straightened on the approach to the final turn. I saw Audrey’s car slow slightly, as
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Chapter 40%
He & noticed Laurel inexperience and was trying to give her take
To be honest, I couldn’t quite understand Audreyx actions was the trying to humillate Laurel? lewm bi bir isikol, ma
was the going to go easy on Laurel so that she wouldn’t lose too embarrassingly? But after all that had happened, cand the rail)
Just as I was lost in thought. I saw Laurel’s car lunge forward.
The loud crash that followed made my eyes widen in shock and left me at a loss. All around, there were gasps and screams from the crowd Audien slammed into the barriers. There was no time to dwell on why Laurel had done this.
I instinctively stood up, wanting to check on Audrey’s condition. However, seeing Astrid and Felix already dashing towards her, I squinted, then walked towards Laurel instead – after all, I was the only one present who could show her some concern.
Audrey’s POV
It took one glance during the warm–up lap to see the truth – Laurel might be Hollywood’s golden girl, but she was no racer. The way she fumbled with the gear shifts made me wonder if someone had given her a crash course in basic controls right before putting her in the car.
What the hell were you thinking, Blake? The thought came unbidden as I watched her car swerve again in my mirror, Putting a complete novice on a professional track wasn’t just poor judgment it was a disaster waiting to happen. We were lucky the track was closed to other racers today.
Some small, petty part of me wanted to take that fifty million by showing exactly how outclassed she was. But five years away from racing hadn’t erased what Rachel taught me about sportsmanship. When you’re that much better than your opponent, you give them room to save face,
Racing wasn’t about humiliation. Even if the woman in that car had done her best to wreck my marriage, there were lines you didn’t cross on the track.
So when I caught her desperately trying to catch up, I lifted my foot off the gas. The race was mine anyway – I’d already lapped her twice – letting her pass me once wouldn’t change that. Maybe it would give Blake’s precious Laurel one small victory to soften the blow. There was no need to lap her a third time. Let her finish the race with some dignity intact.
Looking back, I really should have known better. Some people mistake kindness for weakness – especially those who’ve never shown any kindness themselves.
That’s when I saw her car suddenly straighten in my mirrors, its trajectory changing from uncertain wobbling to a determined line – straight toward my vehicle.
The realization hit me a fraction of a second too late. This wasn’t about racing anymore. Her car slammed into mine with shocking force, the impact sending both vehicles spinning. Metal screamed against metal as we careened toward the barriers.
Time seemed to slow. Through my windshield, I caught a glimpse of Laurel’s face – not panicked, but grimly satisfied. Then everything was movement and noise and pain.
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