Chapter 652:
“Wow! That was insanely exciting! Christina is incredible! No wonder she is—” Ralphy’s shout burst out in excitement, nearly spilling the secret. He caught himself just in time and quickly switched his words. “She’s one of the top racers in my eyes. Truly exceptional. Unbelievably cool!” No one seemed to notice what he had almost said—but Elliott did.
Just moments ago, Elliott had felt proud to hold a secret so few knew. But now, it seemed Ralphy knew it too. He didn’t need to guess twice—Dylan must have told Ralphy. Ralphy wasn’t wise enough to figure something like that out on his own. The thrill Elliott had felt earlier was now mixed with irritation.
“Ah! Christina is so cool! She’s amazing!” Chloe squealed, jumping up with sparkling eyes. She totally understood why her brother had a crush on Christina. Christina was so dazzling that even Chloe couldn’t help but adore her. Surely, many men must be chasing after her.
The thought of Dylan facing so many rivals made Chloe nervous. Her eyes shifted toward Elliott. He looked distant, as always, but his gaze stayed fixed on the racetrack, full of quiet admiration and awe. Such an outstanding man… also watching Christina. He could be Dylan’s biggest threat.
Chloe grew more anxious at the thought. There might be more strong competitors out there. She decided to speak well of Dylan whenever she could, hoping it would help him stand out in Christina’s eyes. And she’d try her best to win Christina’s favor, too.
“Whoa! A tie!” Ralphy shouted, his voice loud with excitement. “That’s amazing! Truly amazing!”
Just as he finished, a question popped into his head. He turned to Davina, puzzled. “Since they both finished at the same time, who wins?”
“Of course, neither wins,” Davina said with a smile.
“Huh?” Ralphy blinked and then grinned. “Then consider it my loss. I’ll treat everyone to a meal! Let’s go to the Morfort Restaurant later!”
He had his own reason for saying so. What if Davina left just because there was no free meal? He couldn’t let that happen—not when he wanted more time with her.
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“Yay! Ralphy’s treat! I want the most expensive dish!” Chloe cheered, clapping happily.
Eloise smiled quietly beside them. Their joy lifted her spirits. Moments like this were precious to her.
“I want the most expensive ones too,” Davina teased, giving Ralphy a playful nudge. “Is that okay?”
“No—of course, no problem,” Ralphy replied, a little flustered. The spot where she had nudged him still carried her warmth and scent. That tiny gesture stirred something deep inside him, leaving him lighthearted and full of joy.
Christina pulled off her helmet and looked at Dylan with a bright, admiring smile. That race had been intense—and she hadn’t held back at all. The fact that they tied said it all. Their skills were evenly matched.
“I didn’t expect you to be this good,” Christina said, holding out her hand.
Dylan kept his face unreadable as he shook hers firmly. But inside, he was practically glowing. She had complimented him again. He had to fight to keep a grin from breaking through.
“You’re better than me,” Dylan replied, struggling to sound casual.
“No, we were dead even. I went all in. That was the most satisfying race I’ve had in a long time,” Christina said, still riding the high. She’d never had a true rival in the racing world—until now. Real competition fired her up. And Dylan? He was the real deal. Competing with someone of equal skill excited her. It made her better.
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