Chapter 250

Rebecca arched an eyebrow. "Allison," she said, her voice laced with curiosity, "didn't you always say that short-track speed skating was just for fun? Yet here you are, wagering the Ruby Jade."

"Aren't you worried that Colton and his sidekick might set their sights on it?" Rebecca knew Allison was sharp, rarely bested by someone as incompetent as Colton. Still, the jade's value was considerable. Rebecca understood why Keanu had entrusted Allison with the precious family heirloom. In Ontdale, almost everyone vied for Allison's attention, aware of Keanu's commanding share of the Stevens Group. Marrying her could fast-track someone's entry into the Stevens Group's fortune.

"You can never be too careful," Rebecca added, patting Allison's shoulder gently. "I bet Colton and his sidekick are so blinded by greed they'd stoop to stealing the jade."

Allison smiled knowingly. "As long as you're around, they won't get far."

Rebecca grinned, proud and confident. "Of course not! I'll handle those clowns. No one's laying a finger on that jade." She looped her arm around Allison's shoulders.

Without hesitation, Allison handed over the jade. "Alright then, dinner's on me later."

"Deal!" Rebecca replied, as they walked toward the arena.

Allison was no stranger to the sport, though she hadn't been on the ice in three years. Getting back on the rink meant working through some rough edges—regaining muscle memory and instincts. This competition was just a warm-up, in her mind.

As the event began, tension thickened. Spectators were glued to the screen displaying the race lineup. Whispers filled the air: "Please, don't let me be up first." "I heard Travis is racing today. Do you think he'll finally show his face?" "This race is different. The prize money's much better, and I heard the president of Lloyd Group is watching with his niece. They'll probably be in some fancy VIP booth. People like us won't get a chance to see them." "You lot are clueless! Colton's here, trying to stir up drama. Did you hear about that wedding disaster? And don't even get me started on that almost-contract with the plagiarist cartoonist! I can't believe he had the nerve to show his face here." "Exactly. They're trying to use this competition to clean up their image."

Amid the chatter, Allison stayed focused. What surprised her was Kellan's presence, with his niece. She didn't know where they were sitting, but it seemed he'd taken her advice seriously.

Allison's thoughts were interrupted by the sharp crack of the starter pistol. Rebecca, enthusiastically shouting, "Go, Allison!" Allison nodded, her gaze shifting to the draw in her hand.

Moments later, the match-up list appeared, and Allison's eyes narrowed. The pairing seemed too convenient. "Well, isn't that just perfect timing?" she muttered. She'd expected to face Colton in the finals, but now they were set to go head-to-head in the group stage.

Colton stood across the track, clad in a yellow racing suit, his expression unreadable behind his goggles. Allison crouched, ready to race, and stole a glance at the man beside her. It was Travis, the enigmatic racer, his face obscured by a mask and goggles. Something about him felt eerily familiar.