They found their seats just as the practice race was about to start.

Kelvin and York had never been into racing before, so they didn’t really know who to cheer for.

But after watching for a bit and listening to the commentator, they learned that car number 38, driven by CC, and a couple of other racers were the favorites to win.

The twist? CC was the only female racer in the competition.

Naturally, she had captured the attention of many in the crowd.

Especially after CC executed two breathtaking overtakes on the bends, causing everyone to gasp in

amazement.

Kelvin couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, that’s gutsy! Impressive!”

Dalton chuckled to himself, knowing Kelvin had no idea CC was actually Vesta.

CC came in first place in both practice races.

Kelvin, unable to contain his excitement, said, “Who is this CC anyway? I need to meet her!”

Just as he finished speaking, the screen showed “CC” stepping out of her car and removing her helmet.

When Kelvin realized CC was Vesta, his eyes widened in disbelief. “CC is her? Well, um—”

After the initial shock wore off, disappointment set in. “I was thinking of asking her out, and now you’re telling me CC is Thorne’s girlfriend?”

He realized he didn’t stand a chance.

Feeling deflated, he mumbled, “Wow, Thorne really hit the jackpot, didn’t he?”

Vesta noticed them from across the way. When she spotted York, she looked pleasantly surprised.

She approached them with a friendly smile. “Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Watson, Mr. Scott, didn’t expect to see you guys at a racing event!”

Dalton spoke first, “We hadn’t really been into racing before, but you mentioned it, and we had some free time today, so we thought we’d check it out.”

He added, “You raced incredibly well, congratulations on coming first both times.”

Vesta grinned, “Thank you.”

York chimed in, “Congratulations.”

Vesta replied, “Thanks.” She smiled at York, “It’s been a while since I last saw you, Mr. Watson. For a moment, I thought I was seeing things.”

York said, “Work keeps me busy, not much time off.”

Vesta continued, “I heard you’re a pilot, Mr. Watson. Compared to flying fighter jets, does our race seem a bit dull?”

“Racing has its own appeal. I don’t think they can be compared. Besides, Ms. Hawkins, you really nailed it out there.”

Vesta smiled at York’s compliment.

Dalton seemed to remember something, and he asked, “By the way, where’s Mr. Henderson? Didn’t he come to watch you race?”

“Thorne had some work, so he couldn’t make it. But he’ll definitely be there for the main event,” Vesta assured them. “If you guys are free, you’re more than welcome to come and watch.”

Dalton replied, “If I’m free, I’ll definitely be there.”

He genuinely wanted to see her race in person, but with Thorne attending, he was a bit hesitant.

Saturday rolled around.

Charlene woke up early that morning.

She booted up her computer to check on some model data, and before long, her phone rang.

It was Gaylord calling. He had recently proposed an idea at work that Charlene found promising. She allotted some resources for it and was personally monitoring its development.

As a result, they’d been in frequent contact, exchanging phone numbers in the process.

When his name appeared, Charlene

figured it was about work and answered the call. But Gaylord wasn’t calling about work; he wanted to know what fun things there were to do in Starfall, seeking

her recommendations.

Charlene responded, “What I enjoy might not be your thing. Don’t you have friends here? Wouldn’t it be quicker to ask them?”

Gaylord said, “Their suggestions didn’t really pique my interest.”

He paused, then asked, “Are you working on a weekend? I hear typing.”

Charlene replied, “Yeah.”

“Planning to stay cooped up all weekend? No plans to get out?”

Charlene kept her eyes on the computer. “I’m taking my grandma to see a play tonight.”