Chapter 250
Olivia Montgomery arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, her voice laced with playful skepticism. “Isabella, darling, didn’t you always claim short-track speed skating was just a casual hobby? Yet here you are, betting the Ruby Jade like it’s pocket change.”
She studied Isabella Sinclair closely, knowing full well her best friend was sharper than a stiletto heel—far too clever to be outmaneuvered by someone as transparently inept as Ethan Blackwood. Still, the jade wasn’t just any trinket. Olivia had pieced together the unspoken significance behind William Blackwood entrusting it to Isabella.
In Ontdale, nearly every socialite and opportunist had their sights set on Isabella these days, fully aware that William held the controlling shares of the Blackwood Group. Marrying her was practically a golden ticket into the family fortune.
“Never underestimate desperation,” Olivia added, giving Isabella’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Ethan and that sycophant of his would probably sell their souls for a shot at that jade.”
Isabella’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Which is exactly why I have you.”
Olivia’s grin turned wolfish, confidence radiating from her like a force field. “Damn right you do. Those two wouldn’t stand a chance.” Without hesitation, Isabella handed over the jade, trusting Olivia implicitly.
“Then dinner’s on me afterward,” Isabella said.
“Deal!” Olivia looped an arm around her as they strode toward the rink.
Though Isabella hadn’t laced up her skates in three years, muscle memory flickered beneath her skin like a dormant flame. This wasn’t just a race—it was a test. A warm-up for what lay ahead.
The arena buzzed with tension as spectators fixated on the screens displaying the lineup.
“Please, not first heat,” someone groaned. “I heard he’s racing today.”
“You think Alexander Kingsley’s actually here? Rumor is he brought his niece.”
“Probably holed up in some VIP suite. People like us never get close enough to see.”
A scoff cut through the chatter. “You’re all missing the real drama—Ethan Blackwood’s here trying to salvage his reputation after that wedding fiasco. And that botched deal with the plagiarist cartoonist? Pathetic.”
Isabella tuned out the gossip, but one detail snagged her attention: Alexander had brought Amelia. He’d taken her advice to heart, exposing the girl to the world beyond her sheltered life.
The sharp crack of the starter pistol snapped her focus back.
“Go, Isabella!” Olivia’s voice rang out above the noise.
Isabella’s gaze flicked to the screen as the match-ups flashed—and her pulse spiked.
Well, isn’t this convenient.
She’d expected to face Ethan in the finals, but fate had other plans. They’d be racing head-to-head in the very first heat.
Across the ice, Ethan stood rigid in his yellow racing suit, his expression unreadable behind tinted goggles. Isabella crouched into position, then stole a glance at the masked figure beside her.
Travis.
The enigmatic skater who never showed his face, not even on the podium. Something about him prickled at her instincts—a whisper of familiarity she couldn’t place.
The starting buzzer blared.
And the race began.
