Chapter 28

Without uttering a single word, Rylie settled herself inside Brad's car.

Crolens' legendary winding mountain road, home to the World Racing Knockout Tournament, was notorious for its steep descent and endless hairpin curves-features that made the race daunting for even seasoned drivers.

Up above, a helicopter hovered, its blades slicing through a gentle drizzle as it made its way around the mountain.

Brad broke the silence, his tone even. "From what I've heard, this course hasn't seen a race in five years. Extreme elevation shifts put both drivers and their machines to the test. They also say the fatality rate is no joke."

Rylie stretched out in the seat, unfazed. "I'm impressed you're so well-versed in this track's reputation."

Brad turned, his eyes searching. "Feeling prepared? I haven't spotted your name in any major races before. Is this your championship debut?"

A ghost of a smile flickered on Rylie's lips, her eyes shining with quiet determination. "Officially, yes.But if we're talking experience, there isn't a soul here who can outdrive me."

No one who watched her could dismiss the authority she carried, despite her youth.

Rain had stopped at the foot of the mountain by the time the helicopter touched down. Already, the area buzzed with racers and eager onlookers.

Jumping from the helicopter, Rylie started to thank Brad, only to catch a shadow of emotion crossing his face as he lingered in the cabin.

Her gaze drifted skyward, and with a sudden motion, she dug out a candy from her bag, tore off the wrapper, and signaled from the edge of the aircraft. "Come here. Bend down."

Brad paused, weighing her request, then ducked down from the helicopter, curiosity clear.

His voice was steady. "What is it?"

Rylie pressed the candy gently to Brad's lips, her fingertip leaving a fleeting touch that unsettled him in ways that he couldn't explain.

Brock, the vigilant soldier assigned to Brad's security, sprang forward. "Sir! You really shouldn't accept food from anyone!"

Ignoring the protest, Rylie parted Brad's lips with practiced confidence and slipped the candy inside.Moisture from her fingers lingered briefly before she wiped her hand on her pants. "I made it myself.The medicine's aftereffects might still linger, especially with the altitude changes. This should help you adjust."

Instead,a cool burst of mint spread through Brad's mouth, soothing the pressure in his chest almost immediately.

He waved his hand to indicate to Brock that he was fine, his expression softening slightly."|tdoes help."

A quick grin flashed across Rylie's face."Time for me to go."

While she disappeared into the crowd, Brad's hand drifted to his mouth, and a quiet chuckle escaped him."Fascinating woman."

Subtle shifts in Brad's mood never escaped Rylie's attention, and she picked up on it instinctively.

Breaking the moment, Brock interjected, "General, the meeting's about to begin. Colonel's wondering why you aren't logged in yet. They're still waiting on your verdict about the Emerald Sea oil field."

Letting out a slow breath, Brad reclined in his seat. "Push it to midnight. Book a VIP suite overlooking the track-I'll watch the race from there."

Surprise flickered in Brock's eyes, and he blurted,e you planning to stay for Miss Kirk and take her home when she's done?"

A coolglance from Brad met his question. "Is there a rule against it?"

Brock kept his thoughts to himself, though he couldn't help but feel that his commander's interest in that remarkable doctor was becoming more obvious-even at the expense of a high-stakes meeting.

International waters near the Emerald Sea had recently yielded new oil reserves, and rival nations were already dispatching reconnaissance ships, raising tensions all around.

Brad seemed to read Brock's mind and simply remarked, "They can handle decisions on their own sometimes."

A heavy feeling dropped in Brock's stomach. "Then may you break every record, General-even for the next ten thousand years."

At the registration desk, Rylie caught sight of countless Phillip supporters in the stands, their banners waving proudly.

Stacey's admirers were there as well; despite being one of the youngest racers, she charmed the crowds and always drew the spotlight with her polished appearance at every ceremony.

Rylie glanced around coldly, already anticipating how Stacey might mess things up and how Phillip would face the fans' wrath after a crushing defeat.

Waiting at the entrance, Britton spotted her and quickly flagged down the officials. "She's here! Our last team member has arrived!"

From the registration area, members of Phillip's crew noticed Rylie too, shouting for Nicolas, "Look!Rylie actually made it! We thought she'd bail!"

For hours, Phillip's calls to Rylie had all gone unanswered, his temper rising with each attempt. Her appearance at the track now had him scoffing in triumph. "Of course she came. There was no way she'd miss the race."

He leaned toward Stacey, lowering his voice. "Since she's finally shown up, we stick to our usual plan.You'll run the anchor leg, Stacey. Rylie can handle the other segments."