Sophia Sullivan turned and walked away.
Liam Winston stood frozen in place.
Spotlights focused on the championship podium.
Sophia stood at the highest platform.
The medal gleamed against her chest.
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
"Ms. Sullivan is truly a genius!"
"A professional actually competed in this amateur race."
"Why is Zephyr wearing a mask beside her?"
"Those two rule-breakers got disqualified."
"They nearly killed someone."
"Serves them right."
Liam looked up at Sophia.
Her expression was icy.
No trace of her former gentleness remained.
She'd become a completely different person.
Frustration churned in Liam's chest.
He'd lost to Sophia.
Chloe Evans wrapped her arms around him from behind.
"Liam...we lost to her?"
Her voice trembled with unshed tears.
"It was those cheaters' fault."
"If they hadn't interfered with your performance..."
"You're still the best."
Chloe blamed everything on the accident.
She deliberately ignored Sophia's skill.
Jealousy burned through her veins.
Sophia's racing ability shocked her.
It made no sense.
Worse still, they couldn't claim the Blood Jade now.
Liam remained silent.
He knew the truth.
Even without the interference.
Sophia had outperformed him completely.
Her crisis response proved everything.
She moved with professional precision.
Like a trained athlete.
But Liam refused to admit defeat.
"This match doesn't count."
He said stubbornly.
Just then, Sophia and Isabella Robinson approached.
A staff member stepped forward.
"Mr. Winston, we heard about your bet."
"The loser must kowtow in apology?"
Isabella answered before Liam could speak.
"Absolutely true!"
She'd been waiting for this moment.
Isabella produced a megaphone.
"Everyone gather round!"
"The Winston Group heir must honor his bet!"
"Kowtow and apologize!"
Her voice echoed through the venue.
All eyes turned toward them.
Liam's face darkened.
Chloe clutched his arm tightly.
Sophia stood motionless.
Her gaze frosty.
Waiting for justice to be served.