Chapter 252: The crowd rose in unison, gasping as their eyes fixed on the spot where the advertising boards stood.


    How could the organizers overlook such a tant safety hazard? Comints rippled through the stands, growing louder as tension mounted.


    Amid the chaos, Allison, mid-slide, caught sight of the two skaters who had fallen.


    The advertising board, which should have been securely anchored, now hung precariously, leading to their disastrous fall.


    The height of the drop,bined with the sheer speed of the event, could have easily resulted in catastrophic injuriesor worse.


    If it hadnt been for Travis timely intervention, Allison knew she could have been seriously hurtor killed.


    But what gnawed at her was the mystery: Why would a stranger risk his life for her? She was certain of one thingTravis wasnt just any stranger.


    He knew her.


    As the chaos unfolded, Allison approached him, her gaze locked on his goggles.


    Who are you, really? she asked, the growing sense of familiarity tugging at her.


    She frowned as she gazed up at the man, his imposing six-foot frame looming over her, his identity concealed underyers of gear.


    In a low, measured tone, Ken responded, Ms.


    rke, it seems our paths cross again.


    At that moment, there was no longer any point in Ken hiding.


    Given Allisons sharp instincts, she would have figured it out soon enough.


    I would appreciate it if you could keep this between us, he requested.


    Allisons mind raced as the pieces clicked into ce.


    So, Travis Rivera was Ken.


    Despite the voice modtion, the steady, authoritative presence could only belong to Ken.


    The fact that he casually asked her to keep it a secret confirmed her suspicions.


    I see now, she replied, nodding thoughtfully.


    I appreciate the help.


    If not for you, things couldve gone south real quick.


    It wasnt just Kens intervention; it was also Allisons quick thinking and their remarkable coordination that had averted disaster.


    Without it, the oue could have been much worse.


    As the debris was cleared from the track, the judges, after a brief deliberation, decided to resume thepetition.


    However, the earlier mishap had rattled most of the athletes.


    Only Allison and Ken seemed unfazed, racing with unwavering focus as if nothing had happened.


    The crowd erupted in cheers as Allison crossed the finish line in first ce, leaving spectators speechless.


    She nearly got knocked off the track, but she sped up toward the end like nothing had happened! And Travis came in second! Who wouldve thought? If Im not mistaken, Lemonade is actually that Allison whos been all over the newsdivorced Colton, joined the Lloyd Group, and now this? Wow, shes unstoppable! A top-tier perfumer and a speed demon! Meanwhile, Colton didnt even make the top ten! Word spread quickly that Colton had bet Allison that the loser would have to kneel in front of everyone.


    This was about to get really interesting! Overhearing the whispers, Colton stalked off the track, his face a mask of bitterness.


    No one had expected his humiliating performance, and the sting of defeat festered like an open wound.


    But what gnawed at him the most was the fact that Allison, once again, had bested him.


    Not only had she surpassed Travis, the three-time champion, but she had secured the top spot for herself.


    The more Colton dwelled on it, the more his frustration built.


    With the crowd abuzz in the background, he marched toward Allison, determined to salvage his pride.


    If those two hadnt fallen, I wouldnt have been thrown off my rhythm, he said, his voice sharp and cold.


    This race doesnt count.


    We need a rematch.


    But Allison wasnt listening.


    Her mind was elsewhere, consumed with thoughts about the two men who had crashed.


    They didnt move like professional skaters; their approach was too calcted.


    Assassins? Perhaps.


    But if they were, would they have been so easily thwarted? Coltons voice grated on her nerves, snapping her back to the present.


    Mr.


    Stevens, have you said enough? Please, move aside.


    Ive got a medal to collect! Her words hit him like a p.


    Colton opened his mouth, ready tosh back, but something in Allisons demeanor stopped him cold.


    That frosty indifference it was the same attitude shed adopted since their divorce.


    While everyone else tiptoed around him, Allison had no qualms about cutting him down to size, time and time again.


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