***

“Serena, Serena! That last cornering move I pulled! Didn't it have a bit of your old flair?"

Brian rushed up to Serena, his face beaming with excitement, looking for all the world like a puppy begging for praise.

Serena's expression remained calm as she precisely pointed out all the risks and issues Brian should have avoided on the track.

She also offered some countermeasures and techniques to handle them.

When she finished, Brianna clasped her hands together, looking at Serena with starry-eyed admiration. “Serena, even though you didn't race, I think... you're way cooler than Brian!"

Brian's eyes widened. "Brianna, I don't like the sound of that! Do you want the prize I won or not?"

Even though he had to admit he wasn't as cool as Serena, what man would ever admit to not being cool?

A man's got to be confident just for breathing!

Brianna was unconcerned. "I already have the Ghost you gave me, Serena!"

Brian's face fell instantly. "Then what was the point of me working so hard to win this race?"

Brianna thought for a moment. "The point was... you did a great job?"

Brian pouted.

Of course he knew he did a great job!

Wait!

An idea suddenly struck him. His eyes lit up, and he leaned his head close to Serena. "Serena, you gave the Ghost to Brianna, which means you don't have a ride now, right? Why don't I... give you the prize that represents my month-long reign as the god of racing?"

Serena raised a hand and pushed his colorful head back. "Do I look like someone who needs a bike?"

Brian thought about Serena's current last name.

He fell silent.

Right.

Serena was now a Lancaster, from the wealthiest family in Vaelion City.

Her garage probably had hundreds, if not thousands, of luxury vehicles for her to choose from. She could have anything she wanted.

His handsome face crumpled even more. He stared with wide eyes and howled, "Aargh! I can't compete with you rich people! I just can't!"

If Hailey knew that the five-million-dollar prize bike she was dying for was being passed around by these three like a hot potato, she'd probably have a heart attack.

Although the three of them were pushing it back and forth, with no one actually wanting it, Brian was still excited and dragged them both to the race maintenance department to claim the prize

It was a bike once owned by an international champion.

Even if it just sat in the garage as a showpiece, it would still look good!

Since neither Serena nor Brianna wanted it, he'd just use it as a decoration!

Even though Brian was the majority shareholder of this speedway, the procedure for claiming a prize was still the same.

Brian went with the speedway's acting manager to handle the paperwork.

The process happened to take place in the motorcycle parking area, where the Ghost was parked.

Brianna's bright eyes darted around before she took Serena's arm,

swinging it playfully. "Serena, tel.ne

racing techniques you were telling Brian about... can I try them out?"

Serena raised an eyebrow, her cool eyes narrowing as she looked at her.

Brianna shrank back a little, her

ло

Bet

voice soft. "You'll be right here with me... I won't race. I'll just... just try that cornering technique your mentioned in front of you!

The girl's tone grew more pleading with each word.

She blinked her starry eyes, looking at Serena imploringly.

Serena said, "...Fine. Just a try."

Brianna's eyes lit up instantly, and she shook Serena's hand, cheering, “You're the best, Serena!"

With that, she excitedly pulled Serena toward the spot where the Ghost was parked.

Neither of them noticed two figures standing in another corner of the maintenance department.