Deafening cheers erupted throughout the venue.
Countless eyes focused on the championship race car.
People craned their necks eagerly, trying to glimpse the figure in the driver's seat.
"Who exactly is this Sweetheart?"
"I heard she just won the Underground Raceway's annual championship."
"If she reveals her identity, every racing team will be fighting to recruit her."
"Maybe she's like Zephyr—some wealthy heiress who doesn't care about fame."
Liam Winston narrowed his eyes, staring intently at the red sports car.
His fingers tapped rhythmically against the railing as he calculated potential benefits.
"If I can connect with Sweetheart, negotiating with Mr. Roland would become much easier."
Chloe Evans stood beside him, absentmindedly twisting her fingers.
Her mind was consumed with thoughts about the explosives.
Could Ethan Sullivan really retrieve the keepsake from the champion?
At the center of the track, Sophia Sullivan pushed open the car door with practiced ease.
She casually removed her helmet, golden curls cascading down like a waterfall.
The white mask concealed her upper face, revealing only a delicate jawline.
Her rosebud lips curved slightly, exuding an air of careless allure.
Liam's breath hitched.
Though the face was completely unfamiliar, it inexplicably reminded him of Sophia.
That same dangerous yet captivating aura was unmistakable.
Chloe noticed his distraction, her nails digging into her palms.
"Liam, she's wearing a mask clearly to hide her identity."
"Using her to get close to Mr. Roland won't be easy."
Her voice carried subtle undertones of jealousy.
Somehow, Liam always seemed easily drawn to other women these days.
Men truly couldn't be relied upon.
More importantly, she needed to leave this dangerous place quickly.
Who knew how much explosive Zachary Sullivan had planted in the prize?
Liam frowned in contemplation. "Seems we'll need another approach—"
Before he could finish, his phone rang.
His assistant's voice came through the receiver. "Mr. Winston, Mr. Roland canceled the partnership. He's already left."
"What?" Liam's expression darkened instantly. "Is there some misunderstanding?"
"Apologies, but this was Mr. Roland's decision."
The call ended abruptly.
Liam's face turned stormy, veins pulsing at his temples.
Nothing was going right today.
"Liam, what happened?" Chloe feigned concern.
"The deal fell through." He loosened his tie irritably.
Just then, a familiar figure entered his line of sight.
Ryan Lawrence sauntered over with his trademark roguish grin.
"Well, if it isn't young master Winston. What a coincidence."
Liam instinctively took half a step back.
"Mr. Lawrence."
"Only a few days apart and we're strangers now?" The young man flashed his canine teeth. "Interested in collaborating with the Lawrence family?"
Liam regarded him warily.
This troublemaker was notoriously unpredictable.
"Not the best timing today. I'll visit your estate another time."
Chloe urgently grabbed his arm.
"Liam, since Mr. Roland rejected us, isn't this the perfect opportunity?"
She lowered her voice. "And don't you want to know how Sophia knows Mr. Lawrence?"
Liam's eyes darkened.
The thought of his ex-wife being involved with another man unsettled him.
He turned back to Ryan with a practiced smile.
"Since you're so sincere, let's discuss this now."
Ryan lazily gestured for them to follow.
"Come with me."
The pair trailed after the young man into a dimly lit meeting room.
The moment the door closed, two figures emerged from the shadows.
A sack descended over Liam's head.
A brutal kick landed in his abdomen.
He grunted in pain, eyes widening with disbelief.
Despite his constant vigilance against Ryan, he'd fallen for such a simple trap.
The scent of anesthetic filled the sack.
His consciousness began fading.
The last thing he saw was Ryan's mocking smirk.
"Will this really work?" Abigail Clementson asked uncertainly.
This was her first time doing something like this.
But after learning how Liam and Chloe had betrayed Sophia, her guilt vanished instantly.
Ryan gave an indifferent nod. "Passable."
Truthfully, he wasn't particularly fond of Abigail either.
In his mind, he was Sophia's most trusted assistant.
Having someone else share her attention irritated him.
But the thought of later receiving praise from Sophia made his lips curl upward.
"Sophia should be finishing with the awards soon."