Chapter 173
Chapter 173:
Inside the monitoring room, Austin leaned back, fingers tapping lightly against the screen flashing “1 minute 47 seconds p>
Nicolas, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, was dumbstruck. “She beat your record by 0.3 seconds? Just how many tricks has she been hiding p>
Austin didn’t answer. He picked up the walkie-talkie and spoke in a calm voice. “Have the judges check the track safety before the next round p>
The staff immediately went to work on the final inspections.
On the large electronic board by the track, the names of the finalists began to roll. Among the top ten, one name stood out in bold: Nightblade.
Nicolas let out a low whistle. “After years away from the racing world, you’re returning as Nightblade today. Back in the day, that name used to make even pro racers lose their nerve. And now you’re racing your own wife? Brutal. Maybe take it easy on her p>
𝘕𝖾w 𝗐e𝗲𝘬𝗹𝗒 𝘤𝗵𝗮𝗉𝗍𝘦𝗿𝗌 𝗼𝗻
Austin bent over, adjusting the straps of his racing boots without looking up. “She doesn’t need me to go easy on her p>
“Come on,” Nicolas said, elbowing him. “Sure, her warm-up moves carried a little of Rosara’s style, but she’s still not on your level. This final track is brutal—it takes endurance. Her reckless driving might not last for three laps. Trust me, take it down a notch p>
Before he could finish, Austin flicked a light kick to his shin.
Nicolas yelped and hopped back, rubbing his leg. But when he caught the icy look in Austin’s eyes, he backed down quickly, muttering with a sheepish grin, “Fine, fine, I’ll shut up. Oh, by the way—that aggressive dive bomb move she pulled… doesn’t it remind you of someone p>
Austin fastened the final strap, then rose to his feet. The black racing suit outlined his tall, straight frame like armor.
“Racing is about speed p>
Without another word, he strode out toward his car.
The sleek black race car gleamed under the lights, sharp and menacing. It stood in striking contrast to Brinley’s simple white vehicle.
At the betting booths, chaos reigned. Lines snaked out the door, ten times thicker than before. The same people who had mocked Brinley earlier now shoved money forward in a frenzy, eyes bloodshot.
“I’m switching my bet. Brinley’s making top three for sure p>
“Put me down for five thousand—she can go head-to-head with Nightblade p>
Among the crowd, new signs reading “Go Brinley!” popped up, almost ridiculous compared to the jeering banners from earlier.
In the VIP stand, Milly looked ghostly pale. Her eyes stayed fixed on the track entrance.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, she turned. When she saw who it was, she forced a smile.
Colin hurried over. “Sorry, I got delayed. Did I miss the final p>
“It’s just about to begin,” Milly replied quickly, rising to greet him. She slipped her hand through his arm, her tone soft and coaxing. “It’s so noisy here. I know a rooftop restaurant nearby—it overlooks the whole track, and it’s quiet. Why don’t we watch from there p>