Chapter 142
Susie, the adopted daughter, had been badly hurt as a child by David, but Bernard and Monica had cared for her well. Feeling deeply grateful, she worked hard to repay the Baxter family for their years of kindness. The Harvey family, however, possessed a far more complex kinship, their dynamics irrevocably altered by Selina's return after twenty-one years. Nora, reflecting on this, felt a profound sympathy for Selina.
Having grown up within a loving family, Nora struggled to understand Selina's experience. The thought alone left her chilled and disoriented.
"I'm used to it," Selina said lightly, "Fortunately, I've let it go." The shattering of her past life had extinguished any lingering feelings for the Harveys. She was, in essence, fearless, having shed all familial vulnerabilities.
When the competition schedule was announced, Selina and Lloyd were assigned to the third racetrack, while Caleb was placed on the second. To prevent collusion, members of the same racing club were deliberately separated.
Nora, stunned by the result, exclaimed, "Selina, this…"
"Exactly what I want," Selina replied. She planned to defeat Lloyd using his own strengths, silencing him once and for all.
Meanwhile, Lloyd, upon seeing his placement, narrowed his eyes. "Caleb, are you serious? Did this woman really make you fall?"
"Well… strictly speaking, it wasn't her fault, but her skills are extraordinary," Caleb replied calmly. Aware of Selina's identity as the world-renowned jewelry designer, Angel, he was unsurprised by her skill. He mused, What could be more shocking than a country girl without a junior high school diploma becoming an internationally acclaimed jewelry designer?
Lloyd's spirits lifted. "Then I'll let her know how ignorant she is." In the name of the Harvey family, he vowed to win, regardless of Selina's tactics.
Manuel tried to dissuade him. "Lloyd, about Selina… Don't hate her so much. It's my fault…"
"Manuel, I know you want to be a jewelry designer because of Angel, but that's no excuse for Selina hurting Dad, Mom, Ashley, and the entire Harvey family!" Lloyd retorted. "She wants to be our enemy. The blood of the Harvey family is all over her! If she wants to do this, she should give her life back to Dad and Mom first!"
Manuel, seeing Lloyd's resolve, felt a surge of despair. He realized that his obsession with Selina, stemming from her identity as Angel, had caused his own world to crumble. His attempts at reconciliation were entirely driven by this revelation. Without knowing she was Angel, Selina's importance would have remained entirely unknown to him; she was, after all, his biological sister.
Now, watching Lloyd make the same mistake, Manuel felt numb. He doubted he could dissuade him. Perhaps, he thought, Lloyd would avoid his own self-destructive path.
"Don't worry. No matter how good Selina is, I've never been afraid of anyone on the racetrack," Lloyd reassured Manuel, patting his shoulder. He couldn't comprehend Manuel's guilt. Selina had, after all, harmed the Harvey family and landed Manuel in jail. Even if she were Angel, he felt Manuel should hate her.
But Lloyd couldn't control Manuel's feelings. Having learned about Selina's actions against the Harvey family, Lloyd's anger burned uncontrollably. He would not forgive her.
The race commenced. Participants sped down Ravencrest Mountain on specially cleared tracks, isolated from the crowds. Spectators held signs, cheering on their favorites, particularly Lloyd. As the fourth son of the Harveys, he possessed undeniable charisma and a stellar racing record, making him a celebrated idol.
After two rounds, Caleb held the lead with a time of five minutes and twenty-one seconds. As Lloyd prepared to start the final round, Manuel spoke, "Lloyd, I want to sit in your passenger seat."
Seeing Manuel's determination, Lloyd conceded, "Okay, but don't ask me not to hate Selina anymore. Manuel, I don't know what's changed your mind, but I will never forgive Selina! Never!"
Manuel sighed. He couldn't stop his brothers from hating Selina, only watch helplessly as things spiraled. He hoped Lloyd would avoid the same fate, the same gnawing guilt he felt.
When Lloyd's modified GTR drew alongside Selina's Lamborghini, Selina opened her window, leaning on it casually. The mountain breeze tousled her hair. Her profile, illuminated by the lights, appeared cool and aloof. Lloyd narrowed his eyes. "What a coincidence, Selina." He couldn't understand why God had reunited the Harveys with such an ungrateful daughter. This, he thought, was just the beginning of his revenge. God finally did something right!
Selina, noticing Lloyd's hostility, smirked, flipping him the bird.
Nora, from the passenger seat, made a face at Lloyd. "Want to beat Selina? Dream on!"
"Can't beat her? I've won the World Supercar Championship and Formula 1 multiple times; this is a piece of cake!" Lloyd boasted.
His confidence, while seemingly arrogant, stemmed from undeniable skill. Nora, however, muttered, "Narcissist!" though her voice lacked conviction.
Learning Lloyd was Selina's elder brother, Nora discreetly researched his racing record. He was indeed impressive. "You only won the championship after Flying Shadow retired, right?" Selina challenged.