Chapter 131
Chapter 131:
“Stayed up too late again? You’ve got dark circles under your eyes,” Austin remarked, studying Brinley carefully.
Brinley flashed an awkward smile.
He wasn’t wrong—she had barely slept. The night before, she’d gotten carried away practicing on her racing simulator until the early hours.
“I was buried in work and lost track of time,” she fibbed, then quickly changed the subject. Glancing toward the staircase, she added, “By the way, could I borrow your copy of ‘Racetrack Engineering Analysis’? We’re preparing a racer interview segment for the project, and I need to refresh my understanding of the technical details so I can sound well-informed and credible when I’m asking questions during the interviews p>
Austin arched an eyebrow. “All of a sudden, you’re interested in racing p>
“It’s just for work,” Brinley said, keeping her tone calm. “You know the project is racing-themed. I should be able to hold a conversation with the partners, at least p>
Austin didn’t press further. With a slight nod, he said, “The book is in my study—the one with the red cover on the third shelf. Be careful with it. It’s out of print p>
Brinley already knew it was rare, which was exactly why she’d asked him for it.
She nodded. “Alright. No problem p>
A𝖽𝗱𝗶𝘤tіv𝘦 𝘯o𝘷𝖾l𝗌 о𝗻 ѕ.𝖼𝗈𝗆
She exhaled in relief, about to continue, when Austin grabbed his things from the equipment rack. With a casual wave, he said, “I’m heading out p>
Brinley watched him walk away, only then realizing her excuse hadn’t been particularly convincing.
Had he already seen through her story?
As she stood there lost in thought, Austin suddenly turned back. “And make sure you eat regularly p>
“Oh… okay,” Brinley stammered, snapping back to reality.
Without another word, Austin left the gym.
Once he was gone, Brinley switched off the treadmill and stayed in place for a moment, steadying herself and gathering her thoughts.
Her mind drifted back to the book, Racetrack Engineering Analysis, which contained detailed notes on a professional racer known as Nightblade. Before she retired from racing, she had competed against him, and he’d been a formidable opponent.
With the years that had passed, his skills might have only sharpened.
Rumor had it he would be entering the exhibition race.
Since Brinley planned to take part, she wanted nothing less than first place. And knowing her rivals was the first step toward victory.
She walked to the window and cracked it open.
Downstairs, Austin’s black Maybach rolled slowly down the driveway. She watched until it disappeared at the end of the street, then turned toward the staircase and headed for the study.
On the third shelf sat the book with the worn red cover. The gold lettering on its spine had faded with age.
Taking a deep breath, Brinley opened it and began to read with focused intensity.