Chapter 78:

"You have no right to tell me to cancel my wedding!" Tracy's anger was evident as she glared at Lowell Ruiz, her teeth clenched.

Lowell sneered. "Your opinion doesn't matter. I will only accept Shaun marrying my sister."

"You have no authority to dictate our lives," Tracy retorted, furious.

A sly grin spread across Lowell's face. "I'll offer you a chance. Outpace me in a motorcycle race, and I won't disrupt your wedding. I'll even give you fifty thousand dollars in cash as a wedding gift tomorrow."

"Don't test me," Tracy warned sharply.

"I'm stating facts. Everyone knows Shaun was coerced into this engagement. Do you really believe you deserve him?" Lowell taunted, his sarcasm dripping with malice. Tracy felt a pang of sadness mixed with anger; she knew, secretly, there was truth in his words. The engagement had been forced, and her doubts about the marriage fueled her fear.

Lowell, a prominent member of the Ruiz family—one of Liverton's three most influential families—was a powerful figure. Known for his short temper, he was rarely challenged. Yet, surprisingly, he was deferential to his older sister.

"Accept my challenge," Lowell threatened, confident in Tracy's compliance. "Or tell Shaun I picked on you? Remember, your parents are in my hands. Involve Shaun, and you'll find their bodies in the sea." Tracy's parents, who had arrived in Liverton for the wedding, had been taken to an island—unbeknownst to Tracy, an island under Ruiz family control—earlier that day. Lowell had used this to coerce her into attending the meeting and this absurd competition.

Tracy wanted to dismiss his threats, but she couldn't risk her parents' safety. "This is an unreasonable demand," she said, her voice filled with displeasure.

Everyone in Liverton knew Lowell was a skilled motorcycle racer, a consistent winner. Tracy, however, had no experience. His challenge was clearly a ploy to prevent her marriage to Shaun.

"So, you're too scared? Don't want this opportunity?" Lowell taunted, his malevolence palpable.

Just as Tracy was overwhelmed, Elyse stepped forward. Looking at Lowell with scorn, she offered, "May I race in her stead?"

Lowell sized Elyse up skeptically, noting her slender frame. "You think you can compete with me on a motorcycle?" he sneered. "Don't cry when you lose. I won't have any sympathy."

Elyse replied coolly, "I'm puzzled. They're about to be married, and you, the brother of the third party, are desperately trying to stop it. Why not speak to Shaun directly instead of threatening my best friend?" She paused, then added pointedly, "Your sister must not be a very nice person, is she?"

"How dare you insult my sister!" Lowell's fury was palpable, his eyes blazing.

"You've already insulted my best friend enough," Elyse shot back. "If you lose, you owe Tracy six times the cash gift—three hundred thousand dollars, not a penny less."

Confident in his victory, Lowell agreed instantly.

Elyse, lacking her own motorcycle and unwilling to use Lowell's, needed to buy one.

On their way to the shop, Jayden remarked coldly, "I didn't know you could ride."

Elyse, head bowed, breathed shallowly. Tracy awkwardly interjected, "Elyse was quite the rebel. She used to race in underground competitions for money. She's skilled and professional."

Jayden scoffed, his laughter laced with irritation. "I hadn't even commented, and you're already praising her. Do you realize how dangerous it is to race Lowell Ruiz?"

Shivering, Elyse replied, "I had no choice. His taunts enraged me. I had to accept for Tracy."

"So you expect me to help you buy a motorcycle so you can race that conceited boy?" Jayden's tone was a mix of anger and disdain for the Ruiz family. "You shouldn't go."

Elyse shook her head resolutely. "I have to. I made a promise."

Jayden laughed. "If you're worried he'll disrupt the wedding, I'll have someone look after Tracy and keep the Ruiz family away."

Elyse's sorrowful look disarmed him. Eventually, he conceded, "Alright, you can go, but safety first, even if you lose. I won't let him disrupt the wedding, okay?"

Relieved and happy, Elyse nodded energetically. "I know, honey. You're the best," she said, throwing herself into his arms. He looked a bit helpless but clearly enjoyed the affection.

Tracy watched them, feeling happy for them, but also envious. She'd never shared such a connection with Shaun.

At the motorcycle shop, the shopkeeper informed them that the model Elyse chose was unavailable.

Elyse furrowed her brows. "What's the issue? I have the money."

Jayden explained, "It's not surprising. Lowell's well-known in these circles. If he warned them, they won't sell to you."

Elyse fixed her gaze on the shopkeeper, who averted his eyes, clearly guilty.

Tracy bit her lip, remorse evident. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault," she apologized. "I don't understand why being with Shaun has to be so complicated."