Chapter 48

It seemed Flake also knew about the Hillcrest motorcycle race. It was said the races there were incredibly cruel. Participants paid their own way, and the winner received no prize money or medals. But every year, many teams and individuals participated because Hillcrest's unique conditions were perfect for racing—steep, dangerous, and challenging, with eighteen challenging bends. Racers sped down the treacherous mountain road, surrounded by cliffs and dense brush. Therefore, Hillcrest was known as "Eighteen Bends," and countless racers died there annually, leading some to call it "Death Valley." Those who attended risked their lives, which is why the race was so famous and attracted so much attention.

"Isabel, I've always wanted to watch it, but I haven't had the chance. Can you and Blake join me? It'll be fun!" Simon said excitedly.

Isabel understood young people's attraction to thrilling events; after all, she once shared that enthusiasm. She nodded. "Alright. We'll go. But you have to promise me you'll do well on the final exam this time."

Phillip, standing nearby, smiled. "Don't worry, Isabel. Simon's grades are much better than ours. And with you and Blake tutoring him, he'll be at the top of the class this semester."

Hannah was pleased and invited everyone to dinner, but Phillip and the others declined, leaving after dark.

The next day was Saturday. Simon studied at home all day, eagerly anticipating the evening. Then Isabel and Blake took him to Hillcrest; Phillip thoughtfully sent someone to pick them up.

Night fell, and many people had already gathered. There was a checkpoint; entry required a ticket and signing a waiver. The organizers wanted to avoid accidents, making each participant responsible for their own safety. In short, once inside, everyone was on their own.

"Gee! How amazing. So many people!" Simon exclaimed, stepping from the car and seeing the top motorcycle racers.

"Well, well. How did you get in? Do you even have a ticket, Simon?" a voice sneered.

Isabel and the others turned to see Jacob, in a motorcycle suit and helmet, apparently one of the racers.

"Of course," Simon replied, producing his ticket.

Jacob glanced at it disdainfully. "Maybe it's fake. I hope the ticket inspector checks it carefully, lest those 'losers' get in too."

"How could it be fake? I gave it to Simon, Jacob. Watch your mouth; you're not the only one who can get a ticket," Phillip interjected, also in racing gear, indicating his own participation.

Jacob muttered harshly, "Phillip, see you on the track. I bet any team will crush yours."

"Let's see," Phillip responded. Then, turning to Simon, Isabel, and Blake, he said, "Let's go in. Ignore him."

Although night had fallen, the area was brightly lit and bustling. Tents served as temporary base camps, each team assigned a private tent guarded by bodyguards.

Chapter 18

Once inside, movement was restricted. On the way to their tent, Isabel saw Roger, unsurprisingly. He wore a proud expression, boasting of his impending victory, surrounded by fawning admirers.

Seeing him, Jacob approached. "Mr. Clyde, it's been a while. I knew you'd be here tonight." Jacob aimed to befriend the Clyde family.

Clyde, however, ambitious and disdainful, sneered, "I'll win tonight. Jacob, is it? I've heard of you. Know your place. Don't interfere with me."

Jacob remained silent, thinking, Who knew? Roger is so rude. I failed to ingratiate myself. Well, I no longer need to be respectful.

"See you on the track," he said fiercely, but Roger walked away without a glance. Jacob kicked a water bottle, watching Roger's back. "He's so arrogant, even though his family is on the verge of collapsing. How dare he look down on me?" He vowed to win the championship.

Then, he noticed Simon. "What are you looking at, Simon? Are you going to race?"

Simon flatly replied, "No. I'm just here to watch."

"Of course you aren't. A poor guy like you can't even afford a motorcycle. How could you afford this high-end stuff?" Jacob taunted, venting his frustration with Roger on Simon.

"Simon, ignore him," Isabel said.

"Alright," Simon nodded.

They entered the tent, which contained a table, sofa, and large screen displaying race scenes, allowing them to experience the excitement from within. Phillip was inside, discussing the race order with his team. After agreeing on a plan, they prepared to start.

Isabel watched the screen. Roger would race first, as would one of Jacob's racers. Phillip sent Jason Evans, one of his racers, to race first. The starting gun fired. The roar of the motorcycles echoed deafeningly through the mountains. The drone tracked and switched scenes.

Jacob's racer initially led, with Jason in third. At the first bend, Jason overtook the leaders. On the narrow bends, the racers fiercely chased each other. By the tenth bend, Roger appeared on screen, deliberately obstructing another motorcycle. The racer reacted too late, crashing into the valley.

Everyone stared at the screen in shock, watching the racer and his motorcycle fall. The scene was terrifying. It was Death Valley indeed.

"What a bastard! Roger is so ruthless! I bet he did it on purpose!" Phillip slammed the table. Although the racer was from another team, he felt sorry for him; Roger was practically a murderer.

It was Simon's first time witnessing such a thrilling and potentially deadly scene, leaving him speechless.

Soon, Roger overtook Jacob to take first place, ruthlessly eliminating countless contestants along the way, who either crashed or fell into the valley.