Chapter 52

"We know everyone from Immortal Fleet," I said. "This person isn't one of them. Did they find a passerby?"

"Oh," someone murmured. "Could it be one of the men who came with Phillip and the others?"

"No way," someone else stated resolutely. "Simon's too poor to afford a motorcycle. He's never even been on one. And Buke? They say he was paralyzed, but recently recovered. He wouldn't be up for something like this."

Then who...?

I decided to sound out Phillip later. He's my idol; I was set to meet up with him and the others. Phillip had said he'd treat them to a meal.

We shared irbestur and beer, enjoying ourselves. The whole group knew Isabel was BI, and Phillip had told them to keep it a secret. He raised his glass.

"Isabel, you're my sister. I love you so much. I have to drink with you," Phillip said, holding up his glass with a warning look toward someone. "Don't be your rival in love. I'm genuinely happy and impressed," Phillip explained hurriedly, seemingly concerned he had gotten the wrong idea. "Blake, Isabel, and Simon... you make my life full," Phillip said, finishing his drink in one gulp.

"How did you learn to ride a motorcycle?" Simon asked Isabel in a low voice, sensing he'd discovered her secret.

"Keep it a secret," Isabel instructed.

"My lips are sealed," he assured her, guessing she probably learned while with the Clydes. The Clyde family was well-off; children from wealthy families and poor families learned different things from a young age. She already had a sports car and a motorcycle, while he had nothing. He even struggled to pay his tuition.

Phillip and the others were still discussing today's exciting race. They were on the rooftop terrace, gazing at the stars and twinkling lights below, feeling as though the whole of Andenfall was at their feet. Even though it was late, the brightly lit streets bustled with life. Someone was singing happily from a karaoke bar in the distance, which added to the joyful atmosphere.

Simon moved over and sat beside her. He hadn't been this happy in a long time. For as long as he could remember, he'd been pushing himself to improve and create a better life. Spending the day with Phillip, however, felt incredible. He felt carefree, and as he turned around, he saw the woman he loved.

"Isabel," he said, "I'll never forget how badass you were on the track tonight."

"Two years ago," Isabel asked, "there was a racer named Hit at Top Race. That race..."

"Yes," Simon responded. "Before my accident, a friend invited me to watch the race live. Hit was so impressive. She became a legend in the sport." From that moment on, he’d been captivated. After the race, he'd wanted to meet the racing legend, but it had been too late.

"You were there?" Isabel asked, surprised. She’d thought their first meeting was in the village. She never realized they’d met two years prior.

"As I said," Simon said, "we were meant to be. The woman I longed for is by my side." He took the opportunity and put his arm around her shoulder.

Isabel leaned trustingly against him. He stopped her, saying, "Don't move. Look at how beautiful the moon is. It would be embarrassing if they saw us showing affection. Let's just appreciate the view and leave them be."

Isabel was speechless, thinking, Showing affection? What affection? Are we in love? I don't think so. But she rested her head on his shoulder, leaning on him. Looking at the stars, he said, "I sincerely hope I can enjoy every day with you from now on."

It sounded like he was talking to himself, or perhaps making a wish. Right now, he simply felt this moment was precious.

At the Clyde family villa, Rosy asked, "Why hasn't Roger come back yet?"

"I don't know," Amelia replied. "He went out very early today."

Sitting on the sofa, Calus suddenly remembered something, and his heart sank. "There's a motorcycle race at Hillcrest today. Did he go there?" he said. Immediately, he and Rosy exchanged a worried look.

"Quick! Call him!" Rosy reached for her phone. Before she could, Calus's phone rang.

"Is this Roger Clyde's family?" a voice asked nervously. Calus could barely breathe. "I'm very sorry to inform you that in today's motorcycle race at Hillcrest, Roger fell into the valley. The medical staff at the scene..."

Calus's phone fell to the floor. "Calus? What's wrong?" Rosy asked worriedly. He quickly picked up the phone and heard the voice coming from it again: "...Please accept our condolences and come collect Roger's body..."

Roger's body...

Rosy stumbled and collapsed. "Mom? Calus? What's wrong?" Amelia asked, panicking.

"Roger... dead," Rosy muttered. She thought, Roger is dead. What on earth has been going on with our family lately? First Lucian, then Maxwell, and now Roger.

11:15 AM

Chapter 52 (continued)

The second day arrived. Yolanda Yates, Blake's mother, was at home, enjoying her coffee.

"Mrs. Yates," a servant rushed in.

"What is it?" she asked flatly.

"Mrs. Yates, there was a motorcycle race at Hillcrest yesterday, and someone saw Mr. Blake there," the servant reported.

Yolanda was unfazed. "Oh. He finally went out? He used to love watching motorcycle races. To think he'd still go, even though he's paralyzed."

"It's not that, Mrs. Yates. The person said he was perfectly fine. He seems to have recovered, and he was with Miss Galvez."

Yolanda's hand froze, and she looked at the servant in shock. "Are you sure?" She thought, He can stand already? It's only been such a short time. A doctor said he was permanently disabled and would never walk again. That's why I didn't bother getting him treated and left him alone in that rural area in the northern suburbs?