chapter457

Lucinda's face was full of disdain.

Internationally famous driver? Seriously? Chris was just someone who drove cars for a living. She'd had drivers since she was a kid, unless she wanted to go for a ride by herself. To her, a race car driver was just another chauffeur, maybe a bit more skilled, maybe a little faster. She couldn't understand what was so impressive about that.

Just before the qualifying race was about to begin, Lydia's phone lit up with a call from Chris. She frowned as she answered, and Chris' voice sounded tense on the other end. "Lydia, two of my teammates were set up."

"What do you mean?" Lydia's frown deepened.

"They both have awful stomach pain. There's no way they can compete."

Lydia got up right away. "Hang in there. I'll be there soon." She turned to Iceblade, who was standing behind her. "You, come with me."

Iceblade was a racer too, though it was just his side job. He had an A-level license, but honestly, his skills were S-level.

He raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

Connor chimed in, "What happened?"

"Chris' teammates are out. Looks like they can't make it to the qualifying round."

Connor glanced at Iceblade. "So what about him?"

Iceblade immediately looked smug, shooting Connor a cocky smile. "If you need me, I can help."

"Let's go," Lydia said, giving him a quick look.

As Lydia and Iceblade started to leave, Connor reached out and caught her wrist.

Lydia could tett Connor wasn't happy about Iceblade being there. She could see it made him uneasy, maybe even a bit jealous. She lifted her hand and gently brushed his hair, her voice soft and comforting. "I'll be back soon."

She added quietly, "There's nothing between me and him. Don't get the wrong idea."

Her words relaxed him, the knot in his chest finally loosening. Ever since Jay

showed up, he'd been overthinking everything and couldn't seem to help himself. But now, he wanted to trust her.

"Alright."

Lydia and Iceblade disappeared from their seats. Lucinda, who hadn't caught any of the earlier conversation feaned over and whispered to Connor through Kylie. "Connor, where's my sister going with that Jay guy?"

Kylie answered, Chris called. Sounds like he needed your sister for something.

Lucinda scoffed. "My sister doesn't know anything about racing. Why would he need her?"

Kylie thought for a moment. "I heard that people who are good with motorcycles are usually good with cars too."

That just made Lucinda even more annoyed. "Mom, my sister's a girl. Racing is dangerous. It's better if she doesn't get involved. Both.

motorcycles and race cars are e

There are so many accidents every year. It's just safer to stay away."

Connor's voice was cool. "That's just what people who don't know would think." Lucinda felt awkward. She really didn't know anything about racing. But did Lydia? "Connor, I'm just worried about my sister's safety. Girls should focus on things like music or art. Racing and motorcycles, those aren't for girls."

Lydia can do anything she puts her mind to. If she likes it, that's all that matters."

Kylie smiled too. "She's right, Lucinda. Your sister can do just about anything. Nothing really stumps her. She's just so talented."

Lucinda felt like she was going to burst from anger and jealousy, but she forced a smile and looked at Kylie. "Mom, does that mean my sister can play piano too?"