Chapter 12: Phantom Circuit 2

The cars sped through the night, taillights flashing by in a blur. Engines roared, filling the air with a wild mix of power and speed.

Mari’s grip on the wheel was firm, her heartbeat steady as she assessed the situation. She had already settled into third place, the white Hellcat just ahead of her, and the blue NSX weaving recklessly in front.

"Alright, let’s see if Nova was right."

The Hellcat’s driver was solid, but Mari could see the hesitation in his movements. He braked too early on turns, corrected too cautiously. A predator playing prey.

Her foot pressed lightly on the accelerator.

The next corner came fast as a sharp right with little room for error. The Hellcat slowed more than necessary, just like Nova predicted.

Mari didn’t hesitate.

She shifted down, hugging the inside of the curve with precision. The Hellcat’s driver twitched at the sudden pressure behind him, overcorrected, and lost his line.

She overtook him easily.

Now, the blue NSX is still up ahead of her. Nova called it reckless, probably thought he was the only one who can drive like hell.

Mari could already see it, his turns were too wide, his confidence misplaced. He had the raw speed, but he was bleeding time at every corner.

A sharp left turn was up ahead, leading into a small downhill straight.

Mari smirked.

She faked a dive on his inside, just enough to make him think she’d force a pass. He panicked, turned too aggressively and skidded wide.

Too easy.

She darted past, stealing second place just before the next section.

Up ahead, the silver Porsche remained in the lead, steady and unshaken.

"Plays it safe, huh?" Mari thought, eyes narrowing.

She flexed her fingers on the wheel, feeling the engine hum beneath her, the road calling her forward.

She saw her opening.

With a quick shift and a precise maneuver, she accelerated forward with speed to reach the first.

…..

The glow of city lights stretched beyond the raceway, casting long shadows across the exclusive VIP lounge. Unlike the rowdier betting floor below, this section was quieter, a place for those with real power, away from the reckless gamblers and adrenaline junkies.

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Seated near the glass railing, a stunning blonde woman sipped her wine, eyes idly watching the roaring machines on the track below.

She looked like Celine with her same golden hair, same sharp blue eyes but where Celine carried the energy of a young teen hungry for the thrill, this woman exuded something entirely different.

Her poise, experience and her exuding authority were a dead giveaway the she was not Celine.

Caroline Webbing, the eldest daughter and heir of the Webbing family.

Her expression remained unreadable as she watched the race unfold.

The door to the lounge slid open.

Celine walked in, her usual confident stride carrying her toward the seating area. Beside her, Adrian Dennario followed, a smirk already tugging at his lips.

Adrian spotted the woman first and grinned wide, his grin practically oozed arrogance.

“Hello sister-in-law.” he greeted, voice dripping with amusement. “Looking as radiant as ever.”

Caroline barely spared him a glance. “Adrian.”

Celine saw her sister and immediately knew she wasn’t happy about the situation. She leaned in to her ear and whispered. “I just ran into him in the hall, and he just tagged along. Sorry.”

Adrian chuckled, unfazed by the lack of enthusiasm. “Come now, don’t be so cold. We’re practically family, aren’t we?”

He leaned against the railing beside her, glancing at the track. “Or at least, we will be… once my brother puts a ring on your finger.”

Celine sighed, rubbing her temple. “Do you have to bring that up every time?”

Adrian grinned. “It’s my duty as a younger brother to be a pain in the ass.”

Caroline finally turned her head slightly, her cool blue eyes meeting his. “And yet, your brother’s not even here.”

Adrian laughed. “What can I say? He’s a busy man. Someone has to uphold the family name in places like these.” He gestured around with a smug expression.

Caroline simply hummed, sipping her wine.

Adrian, clearly not getting the reaction he wanted, shrugged and turned back to the betting board. “Anyway, the real reason I’m here is because I’m taking this race. That Koenigsegg Jesko is a beast. Custom-tuned engine, aerodynamics on another level, and power that’ll leave every other racer eating his dust.”

He flicked a glance at Celine. “Which is why you should’ve put your bet on my car, Celine. You missed out on free money.”

Celine exhaled sharply, arms crossed. “You’re talking like the race is already finished.”

Adrian laughed. “Because it is. It’s just going through the motions now. A mere formality.”

Caroline, who had remained completely disinterested, finally spoke. “I assume you placed quite the large bet, then?”

Adrian grinned, flashing receipts slip from his jacket pocket. “Oh, you bet I did.”

He held it up like a trophy, waving it slightly. “Let’s just say… I’m about to be a very happy man by the end of this.”

Celine scoffed. “You’re insane.”

Adrian smirked. “No, no. I’m a visionary.”

He gestured toward the screen where the crimson-red Koenigsegg Jesko was aggressively weaving through competitors. “Look at it. Dominating. That car is built to win.” His smirk getting wider and wider by the second.

Celine shook her head, unimpressed. “He’s reckless.”

Adrian waved her off. “Oh, come on, don’t be a sore loser before the race even ends. What did you even bet on?”

Celine gave him a flat look. “Not your car.”

Adrian let out an exaggerated sigh. “Tragic. Really, truly tragic. Imagine having the inside track and still throwing your money away.”

Celine’s patience was wearing thin. “It’s called not betting like an idiot.”

Adrian chuckled, completely unfazed. “Oh, don’t worry. When I win, I’ll buy you something nice. Maybe a little consolation gift for your poor betting choices.”

Caroline swirled her wine, speaking idly. “I wouldn’t be so quick to celebrate.”

Adrian raised a brow, grinning. “Oh? What, you think your little sister’s bet is gonna come through?”

He laughed, shaking his head. “That’s cute. Really. But no. I have the winning ticket right here.”

He tapped the betting slip against his palm and leaned back, smug as ever.

Down below, the race raged on.

And Adrian was about to get a reality check.