Chapter 148

The Harvey family soon rushed home after hearing the news. Seeing Quinton and the others return, Ashley immediately approached, tears streaming down her face. "Daddy, Mommy, Manuel, please… please talk to Lloyd. If he continues like this, something truly terrible might happen."

Quinton soothed Ashley, then turned to Lloyd. "Lloyd, I've never interfered before because I trusted your judgment. But this is serious. You must explain yourself."

Lloyd replied calmly, "Dad, I want to beat Selina fairly. I underestimated her at Ravencrest Mountain. This time, I'll show my true abilities. Even if things have escalated, it's fine. Winning solves everything."

Manuel interjected, "Lloyd, didn't you say Selina was strong? You couldn't even manage the five consecutive turns and drainage ditch maneuver she used to overtake you."

How had Lloyd become so confident in just a few days?

Lloyd responded, "Manuel, I understand. Selina is strong. But to achieve my dream, I must race her and defeat her. Otherwise, how can I pursue the title of the world's strongest racer?"

Lloyd's confidence wasn't about defeating Selina; it was about proving his worth. Since Flying Shadow's disappearance, he'd won repeatedly, growing bored. Reaching the pinnacle wasn't an end, but a new beginning. He'd been confident in defeating Flying Shadow, but his absence was a distant hope. Now, Selina presented a new goal. If he couldn't defeat her, he was nothing special.

The Harvey family fell silent. Lloyd's logic was sound, but the risk was immense. What if he lost?

Ashley's eyes welled up. "Daddy, Mommy, Manuel, don't blame Lloyd. It's my fault. I saw Selina at a milkshake shop and said hello. I didn't expect this. I hate myself…" She hung her head, weeping.

Lloyd comforted her. "Ashley, it's not your fault. This is an opportunity. Since losing to Selina at Ravencrest Mountain, I've wanted a rematch. Returning to Mumzik with this mindset wouldn't allow me to compete as I once did. This is a necessary step for self-improvement."

Sara started to speak, but Quinton interrupted. "Ahem, Lloyd's made his choice. Sara, let them decide. They have long lives ahead; a positive mindset is crucial." Sara sighed. "How can I not understand? It's just… why Selina again? Is this cursed?"

Since finding Selina, troubling incidents had plagued the Harvey family, almost all connected to her. Had Sara been wrong to bring their biological daughter home? Perhaps their family life would have remained peaceful without her.

Manuel surprised everyone. "Mom, it's not Selina. We've wronged her," he said with a self-deprecating smile, then added, "I'm tired; I'll go upstairs. Lloyd, I support you. I hope you win."

He left, ignoring everyone's gazes. Ashley was stunned. Manuel cares about Selina! she thought. She'd sensed this for a while. His guilt and admiration for Selina were evident. She feared that if she and Selina were drowning, he might save Selina first.

Despite her apprehension, she smiled. "Manuel's changed. That's great. I was afraid he and Selina would be irreconcilable. Daddy, Mommy, this is good."

Lloyd looked at Ashley with concern. "Ashley, you're kind. Even though Selina humiliated you…"

Ashley shook her head. "It's okay, Lloyd. I understand Selina's anger. I grew up loved, but she wandered for 21 years before being found, only to be misunderstood. If hurting me helps her, I'll endure it."

Quinton sighed. "If Selina were one-tenth as sensible as Ashley, I'd be happy. How can two sisters be so different?"

Sara said softly, "It's because she wasn't raised by us. It's our fault."

The fault lay with them, though they didn't want to admit it. Selina had been lost for 21 years; they had failed to protect her.

"Sara, you've done enough. Selina is ungrateful; don't blame yourself," Quinton said.

"That's right, Mom. I must defeat Selina for my dream!" Lloyd declared.

Night fell. Lloyd received a message from Selina. The race would be in Sokovis, at a motor racing track cleared of media. The recording would be uploaded online. The time was three days later, at 2 p.m., perfect for Lloyd.

He replied, [OK!]