Chapter 499



After watching the girl disappear into the room to change, Kallie continued on her way to the racecourse. By the time Kallie arrived, Clayton was already riding his newly acquired horse, clearly enjoying himself. Spotting Kallie, Clayton quickly dismounted and hurried over. “Kallie, give it a try!” His face lit up with joy, a broad smile showing off the dimples at the corners of his mouth. He looked so genuinely happy, the sharp businessman momentarily replaced by a charming, youthful energy that made him seem years younger.

Kallie pursed her lips, deliberately stepping back to create distance between them. “I’d better not. I’ve learned to ride, sure, but I’m afraid I might hurt your precious horse.”

Clayton caught the underlying message, and for a brief moment, a flicker of sadness crossed his eyes. But he wasn’t ready to give up just yet. His voice softened as he tried again. “It’s just a horse, Kallie. Don’t worry. It has a gentle temperament. And if you’re nervous, I’ll ride with you.”

He paused, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t give me another excuse. I specifically asked you if you’d want to ride before we came.”

Kallie found herself at a loss for words. She hadn’t expected Clayton to have a crush on her. It wasn’t something she’d sought, and yet here they were.

Kallie knew all the unspoken rules of these circles. Businessmen like Clayton didn’t choose their partners based on attraction alone.

gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․com holds stories for every mood They sought someone who could complement their lives, elevate their status, and prove beneficial in many ways. She fit that mold perfectly, and she hated it.

As Clayton’s hopeful eyes met hers, and the lighthearted jeers of the crowd surrounded her, Kallie felt a wave of unease. She frowned, feeling trapped by the expectations. With a quiet sigh, she reluctantly reached for the reins, her fingers tightening around the leather as she prepared to mount the horse.

But just as Kallie was about to swing herself up, the thunderous sound of hooves filled the air. Out of the corner of her eye, a dark blur, like a gust of black wind, rushed past her, fast and startling.

The horse that had been standing calmly next to Kallie suddenly reared up in fright, catching her off guard and leaving her unable to restrain it. The horse broke free from Kallie’s grip and galloped across the field. Fortunately, the staff acted swiftly and managed to corral the frightened animal.

Kallie and Clayton both turned their heads in unison to the source of the disturbance. To their surprise, it wasn’t a gust of wind that had startled the horse, but Jake, who was now majestically riding a powerful black stallion.

The black horse was a sight to behold, its muscles rippling beneath its sleek coat. It dwarfed the horse Clayton had specially purchased. No wonder Clayton’s horse had been so intimidated.

Clayton’s face hardened, but his upbringing prevented him from cursing. He waved his hand and addressed the staff, “What are you waiting for? Show this gentleman guest out.”

The staff member, looking uncomfortable, leaned in to whisper something in Clayton’s ear. Clayton’s expression shifted from anger to a mixture of frustration and resignation. He forced a tight smile as Jake approached, still riding on his horse. “Mr. Jack. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier.”

Though Clayton was the most influential person present, he hadn’t organized the event. That was why he hadn’t realized Jake was present. Jake dismounted from his horse, glanced at Clayton, and walked past him. Clayton’s hand hovered in mid-air, his expression one of awkwardness. His face grew even colder.

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