Chapter 250: Reba arched an eyebrow, her voiceced with curiosity.
Allison, didnt you always say that short-track speed skating was just for fun? Yet here you are today, wagering the Ruby Jade.
Arent you worried that those two might set their sights on it? She knew all too well that Allison was as sharp as a de, rarely bested by someone as ipetent as Colton.
Still, the value of the jade was no small thing.
Reba had long understood the deeperyers of the situation, knowing why Keanu had entrusted Allison with such a precious family heirloom.
In Ontdale, almost everyone was vying for Allisons attention these days, fully aware that Keanu held amanding share of the Stevens Group.
Marrying her could fast-track someones entry into the Stevens Groups fortune.
You can never be too careful, Reba added, giving Allisons shoulder a gentle pat.
I bet Colton and his sidekick are so blinded by greed theyd stoop low enough to steal the jade if they could.
Allison smiled, a knowing look in her eyes.
As long as youre around, they wont get far.
Rebas grin widened, proud and confident.
Of course not! Her arm looped casually around Allisons shoulders, radiating confidence.
Trust me, Ill handle those clowns.
No onesying a finger on that jade.
Without hesitation, Allison handed the jade over, fully trusting Reba to safeguard it.
Alright then, dinners on meter.
Deal! Reba replied, as they walked toward the arena.
The sport itself was no stranger to Allison, though she hadnt been on the ice in three years.
Getting back on the rink now meant there would be a few rough edges.
Beyond her physical conditioning, she was working to regain the muscle memory and instincts that had once made her a standout.
In her mind, thispetition was just a warm-up.
As the event began, the tension in the air grew thick.
Spectators were glued to the screen disying the race lineup.
Please, dont let me be up first, someone muttered.
I heard Travis is racing today.
Do you think hell finally show his face? This race is different from the usual.
The prize moneys much better, and I heard the president of Lloyd Group is watching with his niece.
Of course, theyll probably be up in some fancy VIP booth.
People like us wont get a chance to see them.
You lot are clueless! Coltons here too, trying to stir up some drama.
Did you hear about that wedding disaster? And dont even get me started on that almost-contract with that giarist cartoonist.
I cant believe he had the nerve to show his face here.
Exactly.
Theyre trying to use thispetition to clean up their image after all the mess they made.
Amid the chatter and spection, Allison stayed focused, unbothered by the gossip.
What did catch her by surprise, however, was the fact that Ken had brought his niece along to watch.
She had no idea where they were sitting, but it seemed like Ken had taken her advice seriously.
Exposing Lorna to past activities, Allisons thoughts were interrupted by the sharp crack of the starter pistol, signaling the athletes to attention.
Reba, ever the enthusiastic supporter, cupped her hands and shouted, Go, Allison! Allison acknowledged her with a nod, her gaze shifting to the draw in her hand.
Momentster, the match-up list appeared on the screen, and Allisons eyes narrowed slightly.
The pairing seemed too convenient.
Well, isnt that just perfect timing? she muttered to herself.
She had expected to face Colton in the finals, but now, they were set to go head-to-head in the group stage.
Colton stood across the track, d in a yellow racing suit, his expression unreadable behind his goggles.
Allison crouched into position, ready to race, and stole a nce at the man beside her.
It was Travis, the enigmatic racer who always kept his face obscured by a mask and goggles, even when taking the podium.
Something about him felt eerily familiar, a strange sense of recognition gnawing at the edge of her thoughts.
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.
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