Chapter 49

“Shirt! Jason’s hurt!” Phillip said anxiously. The screen didn't show how Jason was injured, but they had already received a distress signal.

“Let’s go help,” Isabel said immediately. She went out with Phillip and the others. Phillip said, “Tabel, take my—” Before he could finish, Isabel took a key from him and got on a motorcycle. Putting on her helmet, she twisted the throttle, and in the next second, she disappeared.

Phillip was stunned for a few seconds. Then he immediately got on another motorcycle and chased after her. Isabel found Jason lying in a pool of blood on the ground. She took off his helmet and checked for a pulse. Realizing he was breathing, she quickly administered CPR.

When Phillip, Blake, and the others arrived, they saw Isabel rescuing Jason. Just then, the medical team arrived.

“Jason! Jason!” Phillip was worried sick.

“Get him on the ambulance stretcher,” Isabel said. Soon, Jason was taken away.

“I bet it’s Roger,” Phillip said through gritted teeth. “Only he can be so ruthless. He hurt a lot of people just like this last year.” Most people in the racing world hated Roger for his unbelievable ruthlessness.

Meanwhile, Roger overtook several racers, taking the lead. Jacob was left behind. In the first round, Roger took first place. Several more rounds would follow, with the winners advancing to the final round. In the second round, Phillip decided to race. The others watched him closely on the screen. Unfortunately, he took second place, losing his qualification for the finals. Roger’s racer won.

After several rounds, the final was about to begin. The organizer announced the finalists. No one from Phillip’s team made it, but according to the rules, each participating team could have one racer in the finals, even if none qualified. So, Phillip had to choose someone.

Phillip pondered, “Things aren’t looking good. Three racers from Roger’s team are in the finals, and they’re notoriously ruthless. If they team up to hurt someone, something bad is bound to happen.”

“But if we don’t play, they’ll think we’re scared,” another team member said. “They’ll look down on us.”

With an hour until the finals, the team took a break to discuss. Meanwhile, Isabel wanted some fresh air. She was glad Blake didn’t follow. After walking a few minutes, she saw a large base camp with many people gambling on the championship. Most were betting on Roger.

Chapter 19

He had good skills, and with three racers from his team in the finals, his chances of winning were high.

“Isabel!” Tyler, with a blade of grass in his mouth, suddenly saw Isabel. “Why are you here?” Isabel asked.

“I set up a betting pool,” he grinned.

“You certainly have a lot of ways to make money,” she commented.

Grinning, he said, “Of course. It’s a major event. Besides, the organizer invited me and others from the Celestial Clan to be bodyguards. I could certainly use some extra money. But why are you here? Are you racing, too?” Tyler remembered that motorcycle race years ago. Isabel had stood out, her performance shocking the world. Her driving skills were unrivaled.

“No. I’m just browsing. Now go. Don’t let anyone see you,” Isabel said, continuing to wander. The moon was full, and the stars were twinkling.

“Isabel.” As expected, Blake found her. “Why are you here?” she asked.

“I didn’t see you, so I came looking. Something on your mind?” he asked.

“Nothing. I just want some air. The air in the tent is stuffy. I can enjoy the moonlight, as well,” she said.

He looked ahead. “Why don’t we go over there? There’s no one there, and it’s quieter. We can…”

They walked and saw some bushes and a large stone. Blake took off his coat, put it on the stone, and said, “Sit and take some rest.” The mountain air was refreshing, especially at night. Suddenly, there was a rustling sound.

“Shh—” Blake put his arm around Isabel and squatted down. They stayed silent, and soon, two men approached.

One man said, “Our team is definitely going to win tonight. Just bet on Roger. I promise he’ll be the winner.”

The other asked, “How can you be so sure?”

The man said confidently, “I have inside information. Three people from our team are in the finals. They’ll clear the way for Roger. Who do you think will win!”

“But wouldn’t that be a foul?” the other asked.

“No, if we play it smart. Just listen to me and bet on Roger. Nothing will go wrong.” As they spoke, they unzipped their pants, and the sound of urination rang out. Soon, they left.

“Damn. Roger is going to play dirty tricks,” Blake said. He and Isabel had overheard their conversation.

“Let’s go back. The smell of their urine ruins the night view,” Isabel said.

Back at the tent, Phillip and the others finally reached a decision. Seeing them, Phillip said, “Isabel, Blake, where have you been? I’ll participate in the finals. I’ll take care of one, and you can clear the way for the other. The game is about to start. Wait for me at the finish line.”

Blake and Isabel looked at each other, knowing that given Roger’s ruthlessness, it might be dangerous for Phillip.

“Phillip, maybe you shouldn’t participate,” Blake said, suggesting this for Phillip’s own good. If something were to happen, it would be too late.

Chapter 19 (continued)

“I can’t do that. Someone from my team has to participate, or we’ll be despised forever,” Phillip said. “Besides, I want to avenge Jason by winning.”

“But you said yourself, Roger and his racers will team up to hurt others. What if something happens to you?” Simon asked. Although Simon and Phillip hadn’t gotten along in the past, they were close now, so Simon was naturally worried.

Blake persuaded, “When Isabel and I were outside, we heard someone from Roger’s team talking. Roger and his team will use dirty tricks in the finals. Perhaps you’ll be the next one ending up injured. Think about it.”

Everyone fell silent, knowing Phillip’s life would be at risk. What should they do?

Just when everyone was silent, Isabel suddenly said, “I’ll do it.” Everyone looked at her in shock.

“Isabel, are you serious?” Simon asked in disbelief.