Chapter 245
Isabella nodded.
“That’s right.”
During those three years with the Blackwood family, she had missed out on quite a few competitions.
So, it made sense she might not have heard of Travis Rivera—a man who had dominated the racing scene, securing the championship three consecutive times.
She exhaled, her gaze distant for a moment.
“What a shame, though.”
“He always wears a mask, completely covered up.”
“The man is a mystery.”
Olivia then draped an arm around Isabella’s shoulders.
“But hey, you’re you.”
“A champion, no matter where you go.”
“It’s in your blood.”
“No way you’re losing today.”
Isabella chuckled softly.
“I’ll give it my best.”
Three years away from the adrenaline of the speed circuit, no serious training in all that time.
And now, with a three-time champion like Travis appearing out of nowhere, today’s race was shaping up to be unforgettable.
As the competition drew near, Isabella headed into the inner area to change into her racing gear.
Just as she stepped out of the locker room, fate had other plans.
“Isabella, how dare you show your face in front of me?” Ethan’s voice was sharp, his eyes narrowing as they took her in.
Dressed in sleek red racing gear, her ponytail pulled high and tight, Isabella looked every inch the warrior.
The clean lines of her form and the confidence in her stride were a stark contrast to the woman Ethan once knew.
He blinked, momentarily thrown off by the striking image before him, before his expression darkened with frustration.
Too much had happened lately—the mess with his father’s two illegitimate sons, both clawing for a piece of the family fortune, had frayed every last nerve.
His parents had been married for decades, each holding dirt on the other.
Otherwise, he might not have kept his position as the heir.
Sophia, feeling sorry for him, had signed him up for the race to lift his spirits.
Little did he know, Isabella would be here, of all places.
Why was it that she was always there?
Sophia stepped forward, her expression sweet but her words laced with condescension.
“Isabella, you must’ve known Ethan enjoys these races, right? I didn’t expect you to show up here too.”
The implication was clear—she was suggesting Isabella was nothing more than a shadow, trailing after Ethan.
But Isabella wasn’t the type to let passive-aggressive nonsense slide.
“I should be asking you the same thing.”
“Why is it that you two are always where I am?”
She never hesitated to turn their tricks against them.
The words hit their mark.
Ethan’s face flushed, his temper flaring.
“How could I possibly be chasing you?” he spat, his anger boiling over.
“I’ve told you before, Isabella—no matter how many races you compete in, it won’t change the fact that you’ll never catch my attention.”
“In fact, it only disgusts me!”
Isabella laughed at the absurdity of his words, memories of their early marriage flashing through her mind.
She remembered the first year, when Ethan would brood and disappear into races.
She had tried to join him once, thinking it might ease his mood, only to be coldly mocked.
He had told her to go back home, that her place was indoors, keeping house, hidden from the world.
Back then, she had swallowed her hurt, bent to his will, and played the role he wanted.
Three years of marriage had suffocated her soul.
But now?
Now, she was free.
Everything she owed him had been repaid, and the past was nothing more than dust.
“So, what now?” she quipped, her eyes gleaming with challenge.
“Has dear Ethan, heir to the Blackwood family, been humbled by his grandfather’s cane again? I swear, you haven’t changed a bit!”
Standing beside her, Olivia smirked, unable to hide her amusement.
“Exactly.”
“Do you even know who you’re talking to? How dare you speak to Isabella like that?”
“Pathetic!”
