Chapter: 31

Derek stayed quiet, his attention drifting back to the racecourse. As he mentally prepared to head backstage, something caught his eye, leaving him stunned.

Norah, with a defiant grin, declared, “I refuse."

In a swift motion, Norah removed her mask, unveiling her striking features to all. “I don't like being threatened, so I can't accept your term."

Norah, now unmasked, radiated a fierce beauty. She carried herself with confidence and pride, her gaze sharp and determined. It was Norah, who had been among the spectators moments before.

Cradling her helmet, Norah faced Nocturne and complimented, "You're an exceptional racer. When will we have the chance to compete again? Just the two of us." She tilted her head with an earnest look.

Nocturne, observing her earnest demeanor, smiled and said, "Sure."

He gestured dismissively and added, "Norah, it was a pleasure. We'll cross paths again."

Ignoring Norah's look of surprise, he departed in his sleek black vehicle.

Norah pondered over Nocturne's enigmatic departure. His quick exit after she unmasked herself puzzled her, leaving her to muse over the odd encounter. She felt he was a strange person.

After the encounter, Norah returned her helmet to its place and headed backstage to change. Emerging from the dressing area, she was met by an upset Joanna.

“Norah, did Nocturne cheat? How did he manage to surpass you? Did you intentionally lose?"

Norah helplessly replied, “I bet on myself to win. There's no reason I'd let him win. I can't tell if he cheated."

Joanna was baffled. “With your talent, beating Nocturne should have been easy, right? I still remember your race from two years ago. Your drifting skills were undeniable!"

Norah cast her eyes downward. Two years ago, she was full of confidence and able to conquer any challenge. She clenched her fists, her voice determined as she uttered, "How can I be the same person I was two years ago? I've been out of touch with racing for too Long. I've already told you I'm not as sharp as I used to be.”

Joanna's frustration flared at the mention of the past. "This is all Derek's fault! His obsession with his past love led him to ruin..."

She stopped before she could continue scolding Derek, who had just appeared.

Seeing Norah radiant, Kathy said with envy, “Why didn't I see this side of you when you were with the Carter family? Did you pick up some new tricks after the divorce, trying to lure men in? Did Nocturne leave so hastily because he wasn't impressed by you?"

Joanna was seething and snapped, “Can you think before you speak? If you've lost your senses, maybe a hospital visit is in order. Don't bark like a crazy dog!"

“How dare you!"

"Did I have you there?"

Kathy, fuming at Joanna's words, was ready to escalate the confrontation by resorting to a physical attack but was held back by Madeline.

Derek, observing Norah's transformed demeanor, asked with a frosty tone, "Since when did you get into racing? And how did you climb to the top as Selene, the leading racer?"

Norah responded with dismissive coolness, "Does it concern you, Derek Carter?" Her tone was ice-cold. “It seems I owe you no explanations about my life."

Norah's detached response made Derek's expression harden. He retorted, equally cold, "Remember, the divorce isn't final yet. You're technically still a Carter family."