The audience was on the edge of their seats.
Some couldn't help but burst into applause.
"It's been years since we've seen such an intense race!"
"This is true speed and adrenaline!"
"The winner will definitely be between Sweetheart and Zephyr."
"I'm betting on Sweetheart!"
"Bullshit, Zephyr is clearly more stable!"
"Who is this female racer? Never heard of her before."
"With skills like that, she must be trained by some big shot."
"She's so young. The new generation is truly formidable."
Liam Winston's gaze remained fixed on the woman on the track.
His frown deepened.
That split-second decision.
That reckless, fearless intensity.
It was exactly like Sophia Sullivan.
Even the eerie feeling it gave him was identical.
Was it just his imagination, or—
The race entered its most critical moment.
The golden-haired woman with violet eyes was about to take the final curve.
But Sophia suddenly surged from the left.
Clearly aiming to overtake again.
Liam's heart leaped into his throat.
"Overtaking on this curve? She's insane."
On the opposite stands, Chloe Evans knew nothing about racing.
She only glared impatiently as her lackey was carried away.
"Useless trash!"
—
The deafening cheers didn't faze Sophia.
Her focus was entirely on controlling the car.
The vehicle tilted at an impossible angle.
Tires screeched against the asphalt, sparks flying.
Speed pushed to the limit.
Flames licked the air.
The ice-cold beauty tamed the steel beast.
The sight ignited the crowd's frenzy.
Some cursed her recklessness.
But others threw money in wild celebration.
"Go!!"
Countless eyes were glued to the giant screen.
Everyone wanted to see if this dark horse could surpass Zephyr.
Ethan Sullivan had the perfect vantage point to observe her movements.
The car tilted dangerously.
Sparks sprayed relentlessly.
Yet she remained steady as a rock.
That familiar sensation set Ethan's blood on fire.
Some timid spectators covered their eyes.
"God help her!"
At the very last second—
Sophia regained perfect balance.
A loud bang echoed.
Both cars raced neck and neck.
But it wasn't enough.
Sophia slammed the accelerator.
The car shot forward like an arrow.
Ethan's brows furrowed.
The distance between them was razor-thin.
A slight turn of his wheel—
And she could be sent flying.
Mr. Roland shook his head from the stands.
"Too impatient. She should be satisfied with this result."
He already foresaw disaster.
"She's going to get hurt for sure—what?!"
Mr. Roland shot to his feet.
He nearly toppled over the railing.
But no one noticed.
Because the entire crowd did the same.
At the decisive moment—
Sophia crossed the finish line with crushing dominance.
Pure speed decided the victor.
The instant she overtook, the outcome was sealed.
The stadium held its breath.
No one dared to blink.
Sophia removed her helmet.
Revealing a carefully disguised face.
Those striking violet eyes brimmed with unshakable confidence.
She locked gazes with the man across from her.
"You lost."
On the giant screen—
Sweetheart's name blazed at the top.
The arena erupted in thunderous applause.