Chapter 250: Rebecca arched an eyebrow, her voice laced with curiosity.
Allison, didnt you always say that short-track speed skating was just for fun? Yet here you are today, wagering the Ruby Jade.
Arent you worried that those two might set their sights on it? She knew all too well that Allison was as sharp as a blade, rarely bested by someone as incompetent as Colton.
Still, the value of the jade was no small thing.
Rebecca had long understood the deeper layers of the situation, knowing why Keanu had entrusted Allison with such a precious family heirloom.
In Ontdale, almost everyone was vying for Allisons attention these days, fully aware that Keanu held a commanding share of the Stevens Group.
Marrying her could fast-track someones entry into the Stevens Groups fortune.
You can never be too careful, Rebecca added, giving Allisons shoulder a gentle pat.
I bet Colton and his sidekick are so blinded by greed theyd stoop low enough to steal the jade if they could.
Allison smiled, a knowing look in her eyes.
As long as youre around, they wont get far.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtRebeccas grin widened, proud and confident.
Of course not! Her arm looped casually around Allisons shoulders, radiating confidence.
Trust me, Ill handle those clowns.
No ones laying a finger on that jade.
Without hesitation, Allison handed the jade over, fully trusting Rebecca to safeguard it.
Alright then, dinners onlater.
Deal! Rebecca replied, as they walked toward the arena.
The sport itself was no stranger to Allison, though she hadnt been on the ice in three years.
Getting back on the rink now meant there would be a few rough edges.
Beyond her physical conditioning, she was working to regain the muscle memory and instincts that had once made her a standout.
In her mind, this competition was just a warm-up.
As the event began, the tension in the air grew thick.
Spectators were glued to the screen displaying the race lineup.
Please, dont letbe up first, someone muttered.
I heard Travis is racing today.
Do you think hell finally show his face? This race is different from the usual.
The prize moneys much better, and I heard the president of Lloyd Group is watching with his niece.
Of course, theyll probably be up in sfancy VIP booth.
People like us wont get a chance to see them.
You lot are clueless! Coltons here too, trying to stir up s.
Did you hear about that wedding disaster? And dont even getstarted on that almost-contract with that plagiarist cartoonist.
I cant believe he had the nerve to show his face here.
Exactly.
Theyre trying to use this competition to clean up their image after all the mess they made.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAmid the chatter and speculation, Allison stayed focused, unbothered by the gossip.
What did catch her by surprise, however, was the fact that Kellan had brought his niece along to watch.
She had no idea where they were sitting, but it seemed like Kellan had taken her advice seriously.
Exposing Lorna to past activities, Allisons thoughts were s were interrupted by the sharp crack of the starter pistol, signaling the athletes to attention.
Rebecca, ever the enthusiastic supporter, cupped her hands and shouted, Go, Allison Allison acknowledged her with a nod, her gaze shifting to the draw in her hand.
Moments later, the match-up list appeared on the screen, and Allisons eyes narrowed slightly.
The pairing seemed too convenient.
Well, isnt that just perfect timing? she muttered to herself.
She had expected to face Colton in the finals, but now, they were set to go head-to-head in the group stage.
Colton stood across the track, clad in a yellow racing suit, his expression unreadable behind his goggles.
Allison crouched into position, ready to race, and stole a glance at the man beside her.
It was Travis, the enigmatic racer who always kept his face obscured by a mask and goggles, even when taking the podium. Something about him felt eerily familiar, a strange sense of recognition gnawing at the edge of her thoughts.