Betrayed By The Billionaire

113

The crowd erupted in whispers, stunned by the sheer audacity of Chloe Bishop. Did the "First Socialite" actually mean that even Feifei, the reigning champion, wasn't qualified to stand on the same track as her right now?

The onlookers were baffled. Where did this pampered heiress get the confidence to speak such arrogant words to a professional like Feifei?

Feifei’s expression shifted slightly, her mask of composure flickering before she forced a thin, patronizing smile. "Chloe, confidence is a wonderful thing, but don't say your cousin didn't warn you—racing is a brutal world. I truly hope to see you at the National Qualifiers in a month and a half. I’m looking forward to it. Just make sure you don’t back out at the last minute!"

Feifei’s words were calculated and perfect. To the crowd, it sounded like the graceful veteran humoring a delusional amateur. They began to imagine the scene: if Chloe couldn't even make it past the preliminary gates of the Qualifiers, she would become the ultimate laughingstock of River City. With the way she was taunting Feifei today, Feifei’s massive fanbase would tear her apart, and her title as the "First Socialite" would be stripped away in a wave of public ridicule.

Moreover, the tension between the two cousins was palpable. Feifei had just publicly abandoned Team Swift, and Chloe was stepping in at that exact moment to claim she would join them. It was a direct slap to Feifei’s face, signaling a deep, silent war between the two women.

Chloe simply arched her perfectly shaped brows, her porcelain skin glowing with an almost translucent brilliance under the afternoon sun. Even the women in the crowd couldn't help but feel a surge of envy at her natural, flawless beauty.

Unfazed by the whispers, Chloe smiled calmly. "I won't disappoint you, Cousin. I just hope that when the time comes, you can actually maintain your championship standards. It would be a shame if you lost too badly, especially since we were both mentored by the great Ethan."

The mention of Ethan sent another shockwave through the crowd. Chloe Bishop had also been mentored by the legendary Ethan?

The spectators began to reconsider. Ethan was known for his elite standards; he wouldn't waste his time mentoring someone who was completely untalented. Looking at Chloe’s calm, poised demeanor and the absolute certainty in her eyes, people started to wonder if she really did have a hidden "ace" up her sleeve. For the first time, the crowd felt a genuine spark of anticipation to see the First Socialite behind the wheel.

Ethan, Ethan, Ethan... always Ethan.

Feifei’s inner rage bubbled over. She was certain Chloe was doing this specifically to spite her. If that was the game Chloe wanted to play, then Feifei would show no mercy. She let out a cold, sharp laugh. "Is that so? Then we shall see!"

Without another word, Feifei turned on her heel and walked away. Serena lingered just long enough to throw a contemptuous look at Chloe. "I’ll be right there in the front row, waiting to watch you embarrass yourself," she sneered before scurrying after Feifei.

The crowd remained, their curiosity piqued. As Feifei had said, the National Qualifiers next month would be the ultimate judge. They all hoped Chloe wasn't just a big talker. But a more immediate question hung in the air: Would Coach Lee actually take her in?

Everyone turned to look at Coach Lee and the lead mechanic, Vince. Even though Team Swift was on the brink of collapse, adding a socialite who might have never even finished a professional race seemed like a desperate, useless move. Even if she made it into the Qualifiers, failing to place in the top ranks would just be a massive waste of money.

Coach Lee was staring at Chloe, his eyes unblinking. He didn't speak for a long time, but his hand tightened so hard on Vince’s arm that his knuckles turned white. His pale, weathered face began to flush with a sudden, frantic excitement.

"Vince..." he rasped, his voice trembling. "Is it her?"

Was Chloe Bishop the mysterious girl who had driven that Bugatti like a demon on this very track the other night?

Vince’s heart was pounding just as fast as his mentor's. "I believe it is, Coach."

Vince had been closer to the lead that night, while Coach Lee had been trailing behind. He had seen the lines that car took, the sheer, terrifying precision of the drifts. He had seen it more clearly than anyone else—and the realization made his breath hitch.

The silence between Chloe and Coach Lee stretched tight. If Coach Lee confirms she is the "Bugatti Girl," Team Swift won't just be recruiting a driver—they'll be unleashing a monster onto the professional circuit. Does Chloe realize that Coach Lee saw her driving that night, or is she still trying to play the "pampered socialite" card?