Chapter 237: Boredom Creeps In
Nathael's car ascended Table Mountain; the city lights were muted, casting a serene aura. Inside, he fixated on the night sky, avoiding certain thoughts. He didn't want to consider why she wouldn't answer his calls, why she'd dismissed Nolan and turned off her phone, or how she was with Leo.
Are you feeling restless? Or just tired of the relationship already? he wondered.
Nathael glanced away, feeling a heaviness in his chest.
In the passenger seat, Maggie's gaze lingered on a vibrant red Lamborghini. A charmingly affluent man behind the wheel caught her attention. He offered a playful grin.
"Hey there, gorgeous. Fancy a spin in my ride? It's way better than the one you're eyeing," he quipped, leaning out to engage her.
His remark failed to impress her.
Maggie chuckled. "Impressive? Prove it first, then we'll chat."
The man grinned, taking her response in stride. "Deal. If I win, you owe me a drink."
Maggie chuckled again, quickly rolling up the car window before he could speak further.
Restless and uninterested in small talk, Maggie felt a sudden urge for mischief.
Soon, a stunning woman in a revealing outfit, accentuating her curves, strolled to the starting line with two flags, ready to begin the race. Engines roared, filling the air with anticipation. Leo's hands tightened on the wheel; his demeanor remained calm and collected, unfazed by the onlookers' taunts. He showed no eagerness for the race.
Tilting her head, Maggie gazed into the night, contemplating her situation.
I'm still alive, but dead inside. God, this is annoying. Damn you, Camerons! Whoever came up with this poison plan must be cursed.
As Maggie considered the Camerons' intentions, their desire to exploit her became clear. They craved the benefits of her success but feared her rising against them. Absolutely revolting!
Deciding to allow herself a night of self-pity, Maggie vowed to remain true to herself when dawn broke.
11:27 Sat, 25 May
At the race's start, a dozen cars roared to life, speeding down the track. The adrenaline-fueled velocity jolted Maggie back to the present. Despite the closed windows, the wind's furious howl and the exhilarating spectacle of tires gripping the road reverberated in her ears.
Excitement surged through Maggie, sharpening her focus.
Leo initially held a modest position, around fifth or sixth place, with cars jostling closely on either side.
Maggie, however, was keenly aware of the impending peril—a treacherous downhill stretch with sharp hairpin turns lay ahead. This section was notorious for accidents, attracting large crowds to Table Mountain.
Amidst the cheers, a Maybach arrived, its arrival unassuming yet commanding attention. Nathael emerged, his gaze fixed on the large screen mounted on the mountain wall; his expression was intense and focused.
"Which one is it?" he asked.
Alex, sensing the danger in Nathael's tone, remained still. "The white Ferrari," he replied quietly.
Nathael quickly spotted the car. It didn't stand out, but it clearly belonged to Leo—subtle, yet ready for action. After the safer part of the course, the cars approached the bends. This was the ideal time to overtake, and everyone accelerated. The rush of speed enveloped Maggie; her throat tightened, her vision blurred, and her heart pounded—a suffocating whirlwind. Yet, amidst the chaos, she couldn't ignore the electrifying adrenaline, a euphoric rush beyond words.
"I really shouldn't have had that drink," Maggie lamented, a hint of remorse coloring her exhilaration.
Table Mountain had fallen out of Maggie's routine since Sierra's reliance on her lessened, leaving her with more free time. Lately, the Camerons had been overwhelming her with work.
"I'll be back in a few days," Leo declared, his sudden sharp turn and aggressive acceleration signaling a change in their plans.
Suddenly, a car behind them lost control, crashing into theirs with a deafening impact. Despite the chaos, Leo remained cool and collected. Checking his rearview mirror, he accelerated as they approached the next bend.
1:27 Sat, 25 May
The spectators at the starting line gasped. "Is that guy insane? Speeding on this terrain? Is he aiming for a cliff dive?"
"Check out the lady in the passenger seat, quite a looker. I hope she won't get harmed in all this chaos!"
"Talk about pushing your luck. Racing's one thing, but this is asking for trouble!"
"Wish I could swap spots with him. I'd make sure the beauty gets through this mess unscathed."
"Don't count on it, mate. She's out of your league anyway."
The crowd, focused on the big screen, chatted excitedly. Nathael stood at the edge of the gathering, his attention fixed on the screen, his lips tight, his eyes intense and unreadable.
Moments later, the crowd erupted in cheers.
"Did you see that? Unbelievable! What's under the hood of his car? Is it all skill?"
"Believe it or not, his ride's mostly factory. Just a few tweaks by Al before the race."
"Amazing! He's holding third, but those twists ahead will test his speed!"
Only when Leo's car expertly avoided the rear-end collision and sped ahead on the turn did Nathael breathe easier, though his fingers still trembled slightly. A convoy of cars soon followed, entering a maze of winding roads where the narrow, steep slopes posed imminent danger.
Despite feeling slightly queasy from the drink and the breakneck speed, Maggie remained composed, her worries limited to her upset stomach. Leo and Maggie shared a bond forged in escapades atop Table Mountain, where they'd skipped classes for thrilling adventures. Their camaraderie ran deep; both were rebels at heart, constrained by societal expectations. Years of conformity had blurred the lines between their masks and their true selves. If anyone tried to take off that mask, they'd be facing a bloody face.
The bends forced the cars in front to slow down, providing an opportunity for those trying to overtake.
A loud bang tore through the air. Two cars at the back collided and rolled toward the cliff, hanging precariously. The racers managed to escape before disaster struck, though they were screaming and cursing.
11:27 Sat, 25 May