Chapter 18

Henry raised his hand as if taking a sacred vow.

Today marked Victoria's first race since her return to the country. She was the undisputed queen of the racetrack, the most celebrated female racer on the continent—and my absolute idol. Missing this was not an option. I swear I'll leave right after the race. So don’t worry about me. Just go home.

But before Isabella could protest, a deafening roar erupted from the crowd ahead.

"Victoria!"

"My idol is here?" Henry gasped, instantly forgetting about Isabella. He joined the sea of cheering fans, lifting his binoculars to focus on the starting line.

Isabella blinked in surprise at Henry’s sudden fervor. Since when had he been into racing?

They weren’t exactly close, but she was certain he’d never shown any interest in the sport before.

"I wasn’t into it before," Henry admitted, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But that was before I discovered Victoria! Do you have any idea how stunning and fearless she is? Just wait until you see her, Isabella. Trust me, you’ll fall for her too. She’s perfection. Everyone adores her!"

At that moment, Victoria made her grand entrance.

Henry erupted into cheers again, completely forgetting Isabella’s presence.

Isabella hadn’t eaten dinner yet.

But given Henry’s fanatic devotion and the overwhelming noise making conversation impossible, she decided to stay and watch the race with him. She’d drag him home afterward.

A short while later, Henry shoved the binoculars into her hands. "Isabella! Look, there she is! Number 38, in the red racing suit! Isn’t she the most electrifying woman you’ve ever seen?"

Though racing had never interested her, Isabella couldn’t resist Henry’s infectious enthusiasm. Reluctantly, she lifted the binoculars—and froze.

Victoria was none other than Victoria Kensington.

She’d heard rumors that Victoria dabbled in extreme sports, but she had no idea she was a professional racer with a legion of devoted fans.

Victoria stood tall and poised in her red racing suit, her figure both athletic and striking. Confidence radiated from her every movement, a mesmerizing blend of wild elegance and undeniable allure.

Isabella adjusted the binoculars, scanning the opposite stands. There, she spotted Alexander. His gaze was locked onto Victoria, utterly entranced.

Her grip on the binoculars tightened.

As the race was about to begin, Henry impatiently snatched them back. Meanwhile, Isabella’s attention remained fixed on Alexander’s side of the stands.

He wasn’t alone. Sophia and Alexander’s tight-knit circle of friends were all there, undoubtedly gathered to cheer for Victoria.

The race began with a thunderous roar as the cars shot past in a blur, igniting the crowd into a frenzy of screams and applause.

Henry thrust the binoculars back at Isabella.

"Look! My idol is fearless and flawless. She’s incredible! Watch her!"

Isabella took them reluctantly, focusing on Victoria. Moments later, Victoria executed a daring, perfectly calculated overtake on a sharp turn, leaving the audience breathless.

Isabella, who had never cared for racing, found herself captivated. She stood motionless, transfixed.

Suddenly, she understood why Alexander was so infatuated with Victoria.

It made perfect sense.