Betrayed By The Billionaire

118

The tension reached a suffocating peak as Serena and Feifei stood frozen, never imagining that the track manager, Mr. Reed, would personally intervene on Chloe Bishop’s behalf. His presence turned their predicament from a petty squabble into a professional crisis.

Feifei, who considered herself an acquaintance of Mr. Reed, stepped forward to smooth things over. "Mr. Reed, Serena was just—"

But Mr. Reed didn't offer her an inch of ground. His face was a mask of iron-clad professionalism. "It doesn't matter the reason," he cut her off. "Once a driver agrees to a bet, there are no excuses. An athlete who goes back on their word has no integrity, and neither she nor her team is welcome at the West City Racetrack."

With those words, Mr. Reed effectively blacklisted Serena and her entire squad. The impact was immediate; Serena’s teammates, who already harbored frustrations over her lackluster performance, turned on her with a barrage of angry complaints and accusations.

Under the crushing weight of public scorn and the threat to her career, Serena’s face drained of all color. She trembled as she finally shuffled toward Chloe. Her voice was a choked, resentful whisper. "Grandpa."

Lyra, standing triumphantly beside Chloe, cupped a hand to her ear. "Too quiet. I can't hear a thing."

Serena’s fists were clenched so tight her nails drew blood from her palms. "Grandpa!" she shrieked.

The crowd let out a satisfied roar. Chloe, remaining perfectly composed and indifferent, gave a slow, calm nod. "Good girl," she replied smoothly.

The spectators were floored. The contrast between Chloe’s cold elegance and Serena’s frantic humiliation made the "First Socialite" look like an absolute queen of the track.

Lyra wasn't done twisting the knife. "Serena, remember your own words. From now on, whenever you see Chloe, you call her 'Grandpa' and stay at least a kilometer away. Everyone here is our witness." She threw Serena’s own arrogance back in her face. "And don't forget—it’s every time. We’ll be watching you, so make sure you scurry away as soon as we appear."

Serena was shaking so hard she looked like she might collapse, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. She turned to flee, but Lyra’s voice cracked like a whip again. "Get back here! The fried chicken and crawfish are on the way. Don't forget to pay the bill. If you're short on cash, I suppose I could lend you a few dollars."

Serena looked like she was about to spit blood. Seeing both Serena and Feifei reduced to such a pathetic state, Lyra was in high spirits. She clapped her hands brightly. "This weather is too hot anyway. Chloe, let's head out. Everyone else, enjoy the feast! We'll see you all at the National Qualifiers!"

Chloe looked at Lyra’s "boss-lady" act and fought back a smile. She knew she had to give her friend some face in front of the crowd. With a final, respectful nod to Mr. Reed and a polite farewell to Coach Lee and Vince, she handed back the keys to the practice car and departed.

As Chloe’s silhouette faded, Vince grabbed Coach Lee’s hand, his voice thick with emotion. "Coach... we really have hope this time. A real chance."

Coach Lee nodded, his eyes rimmed with red. "I finally believe that good things happen to good people. Vince, it's time for us to work hard too!"

"Count on it," Vince replied, his gaze burning with a long-lost fire. "I'll fight beside you to the end, just like when we were training Ethan."

Just then, Mr. Reed strolled over. "What are you two old relics whispering about?"

"None of your business," Vince teased, acting as giddy as a schoolboy. He pointed toward the entrance where a large delivery van was pulling in. "Look! Our fried chicken and crawfish have arrived! A whole truckload! We’re going to eat well tonight!"

The entire track erupted in cheers. Some racers even went over to "thank" Serena for her generosity. Serena stood there, trapped in a nightmare of her own making, unable to cry or scream as she prepared to pay for a feast that celebrated her own defeat. Feifei, unable to bear the shame any longer, had already disappeared into the shadows.