Chapter 218
Chapter 218:
Brinley’s sleek red racing car surged forward like a bolt of lightning, its engine roaring with a ferocity that seemed to slice through the air itself.
Magnus trailed closely in her wake, but as the race unfolded, he gradually lost ground, unable to keep pace with her relentless speed.
With masterful precision, Brinley timed her gear shifts, effortlessly countering the turbo lag to maintain her lead.
In the opening round, she claimed a decisive victory.
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Magnus, seething with frustration, threw himself into the second round with fierce determination, though a slight skid at the start cost him precious momentum.
Yet Brinley held her course with unwavering composure, crossing the finish line a mere half-car length ahead, her victory unchallenged.
The crowd erupted in jubilant cheers, their voices ringing out in celebration.
Galen’s voice rose above the rest, leading a spirited chant. “Brinley, you’re unstoppable p>
Brinley pushed the car door open and stepped out, Magnus’s gaze following her, shadowed with a tangle of unspoken emotions.
After a tense pause, he muttered, “You got me this time p>
“Thanks for the spirited race,” Brinley replied with cool grace, handing him the keys. “It’s a fine car—it just needs the right driver to bring out its best p>
Without another word, Magnus took the keys and slipped away to a quiet corner, his pride bruised.
Felix bounded over, enveloping Brinley in an exuberant hug. “You’re absolutely phenomenal! No one is going to challenge me now p>
Brinley gently patted his back, easing out of his enthusiastic grip. “You’re not a little kid anymore, Felix,” she teased, though her eyes sparkled with warmth.
The onlookers, once skeptical or dismissive, now regarded Brinley with a blend of awe and intrigue, their earlier doubts swept away by her triumph.
A cluster of young racers swarmed around her, peppering her with eager questions about her flawless cornering techniques. Others pulled out their phones, keen to swap contact details and glean insights into race car modifications.
Felix stood nearby, chest puffed out like a proud peacock. “My sister just took the top prize at the international exhibition. Your so-called ‘genius’ drivers don’t hold a candle to her p>
“Felix, you’ve been hiding this gem from us for far too long,” Galen teased, landing a playful nudge before turning to Brinley with a grin. “Brinley, let me ride shotgun for your next race. I swear I won’t slow you down p>
Brinley laughed at his infectious enthusiasm. “Let’s hold off on the racing, but I’m always up for a chat about techniques whenever you like p>
At that moment, the club manager approached, bearing a tray of sparkling champagne flutes. “Mrs. Moore, heartfelt congratulations p>
Brinley accepted a glass with a gracious nod of thanks.
From the shadows, Magnus rose, wine glass in hand, and approached with two distinguished older gentlemen in tow, club partners who typically aligned with him and viewed Felix’s youthful ambition with skepticism.
“Mrs. Moore, I misjudged you,” Magnus admitted, raising his glass in a toast. His tone, though reserved, carried none of its earlier edge. “Here is to your victory p>
Brinley lifted her glass in return and took a confident sip.
“Impressive! You’re not only a skilled driver but refreshingly bold,” Magnus said, setting his glass down. He gestured to the men behind him. “Allow me to introduce Jacoby Rogers and Harvey Garcia, fellow shareholders of the club. We used to race ourselves, but now focus on keeping this place running smoothly p>
Jacoby and Harvey offered polite nods.
Jacoby, ever the diplomat, spoke with a warm smile. “I’ve heard plenty about Felix’s sister, but seeing you in action today was something else, Mrs. Moore p>
“You’re too generous, Mr. Rogers,” Brinley replied smoothly, sensing their gazes held a deeper curiosity, as if they were sizing her up.
The conversation drifted to the racing scene and the club’s inner workings, with Felix tossing in witty remarks to keep the mood light and lively.
As the evening deepened, the club’s kitchen rolled out a spread of sizzling barbecue and savory sides, drawing everyone to the open-air lounge for a night of food, laughter, and shared stories. The crisp night breeze swept away the day’s warmth, weaving a serene ambiance through the gathering.
Galen and the younger crowd swapped tales of recent races, their bursts of laughter dancing through the cool air like fireflies in the night.
At a nearby table, Magnus, Jacoby, and Harvey sat in quiet conversation, their eyes occasionally flickering toward Brinley, as though weighing her carefully.
Brinley, engrossed in savoring her skewer of succulent grilled meat, barely noticed until Jacoby’s voice cut through the hum, deliberately pitched to carry. “Word has it, Mrs. Moore, you had a falling-out with your family two years back. Is that true p>
The lively chatter around them hushed, as if the night itself held its breath.
Felix’s easy grin faltered, and he opened his mouth to respond, only to be silenced by a single, steady glance from Brinley.
Raising her gaze to meet Jacoby’s, Brinley’s expression remained cool as a mountain stream. “You seem to have quite the ear for gossip, Mr. Rogers p>
Jacoby let out a soft chuckle, leaning back with a casual air. “Just whispers I’ve caught. Rumor has it that you turned your back on the family business for a man, nearly cutting all ties.” He paused for effect, then added with sly nonchalance, “They say his name was… Colin Palmer p>
At the sound of that name, Felix’s face clouded like a storm rolling in, his hand tightening around his beer can until it crumpled. “Jacoby, watch your tongue! Brinley’s business isn’t for an outsider like you to poke at p>