Chapter 331

Everett Mercer and Elliot Mercer settled into their seats just as the practice race kicked off.

Neither knew much about motorsports, leaving them unsure who to cheer for.

The announcer's voice revealed that Racer 38, Selene Lancaster, and two others were the top contenders.

The twist? Selene was the only female driver on the track. Naturally, all eyes were on her.

She executed two breathtaking overtakes on sharp turns that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Elliot couldn't contain himself. "Damn, she's got nerves of steel! That was insane!"

Everett, aware Elliot didn't recognize Selene's true identity, simply smirked at the outburst. Selene dominated both practice rounds.

"Who is this Selene Lancaster?" Elliot exclaimed. "I need to meet her!"

The camera then panned to Selene removing her helmet - revealing her face. Elliot's jaw dropped.

"That's Selene Lancaster? No freaking way!"

His shock quickly turned to dismay. "I was literally about to ask her out. And she's Damien Harrington's girlfriend?"

Game over indeed.

The realization hit like a ton of bricks. Slumping in his seat, Elliot muttered, "So this is the kind of woman Damien gets to date?"

Selene spotted them in the stands.

She raised an eyebrow at Felix Rhodes's unexpected presence.

Approaching their section, she flashed a smile. "Mr. Mercer, Mr. Rhodes - I didn't take you for racing fans."

Everett responded first. "We weren't, honestly. You mentioned the event, and we had free time. Thought we'd see what the hype was about."

He added, "Impressive driving out there. Two first-place finishes? Congratulations."

Selene thanked him with a nod.

Felix spoke up. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," she replied, turning to him. "It's been a while, hasn't it? When I spotted you earlier, I thought I was seeing things."

"Work's kept me busy," Felix said. "Not much downtime lately."

Selene tilted her head. "I heard you're a fighter pilot, Mr. Rhodes. Compared to flying jets, doesn't racing seem tame?"

"Different thrills," Felix countered. "No need to compare. You were spectacular out there, Ms. Lancaster."

Everett interjected. "Speaking of, where's Mr. Harrington? Didn't he come watch you race?"

"Business kept him away today," Selene explained. "But he'll be here for the main event."

She added, "If you're free, I'd love to see you there too."

Everett nodded. "I'll make time."

And he meant it - he wanted to witness her skills firsthand. Though Damien's inevitable presence... complicated matters.

Saturday morning found Camille Hartwell awake before dawn.

She booted up her laptop to review model data when her phone lit up.

Declan Vaughn's name flashed on the screen.

Days earlier, he'd proposed an innovative project concept she'd found promising. She'd already allocated resources and was personally overseeing its progress.

Frequent collaboration had led to exchanging numbers.

Assuming it was work-related, she answered.

But Declan had called for personal reasons - he wanted Westbridge activity recommendations.

"What I enjoy might not suit you," Camille said. "Don't you have local friends to ask?"

"They suggested things that don't interest me."

A pause. Then, "I hear typing. Working?"

"Yes."

"Seriously? You're spending the entire weekend at home?"

Eyes still on her screen, Camille replied, "I'm taking my grandmother to a play tonight."