Race

Engines roared to life as the racers lined up at the starting point, their headlights cutting through the night like sharp fangs. The air buzzed with anticipation, the scent of burning rubber and engine fuel thick in the surroundings.

Nova stood near the edge of the track, his hands in his pockets, eyes lazily scanning the lineup. Mari was already at her car, adjusting her gloves, while Joel leaned against a nearby barrier, taking in the competitors with a sharp grin.

The race was a three-lap underground event on a dangerous, high-speed highway course with sharp turns, sudden drops, and unpredictable interference. It wasn't just about speed, so drivers needed skill and quick reflexes to survive.

Nova's gaze flickered across the drivers as he walked by around their cars.

Nova had tried out the limits of his ability. He had to be within ten meters of his target, focus on them for two to three seconds, and if he used it too much, he'd get a headache, making it harder to keep going.

Focusing on the drivers in their cars, some were just relaxed but others had that focused and dangerous look in them. Nova's expression shifted with each person before settling back to his usual relaxed demeanor.

He strolled up to Mari's car, tapping on the roof. "Alright, listen up. See that guy in the white Hellcat… he hesitates on sharp turns. If you pressure him early, he'll back off. The one in the blue NSX is reckless. Probably thinks he's untouchable. Let him burn himself out early."

Mari raised an eyebrow. "And what about the guy in the silver Porsche?"

Nova tilted his head. "Consistent and plays it safe, doesn't take risks. If you're gonna beat him, you need to shake him up."

Mari smirked, cracking her knuckles. "Noted."

Just as Nova stepped back to the barrier, Joel let out a low whistle, nudging him with his elbow. "Look who decided to show up."

Nova followed his gaze, watching as two sleek, high-end vehicles rolled up near the starting line. The first was a crimson-red Koenigsegg Jesko, its polished body gleaming under the track lights. The second, a sleek black Lamborghini Revuelto, rumbled beside it like a predator waiting to pounce.

The doors swung open, and two figures stepped out, exuding effortless confidence.

Joel smirked. "Ladies and gentlemen, the rich boys have arrived."

Nova arched a brow. "Which ones?"

Joel gestured toward the first man, he is tall, sharp-featured, and wearing a designer jacket like he just walked off a runway. "That's Adrian Dennario. He's one of the Dennario family's golden child. That guy really loves to show off."

Nova hummed. "Cocky?"

"Oh, beyond cocky. But thing is… he backs it up. He's good, he's rich and he isn't that ugly."

The second person stepped out and a young woman, sleek blonde hair falling effortlessly over her shoulders, dressed in a stylish yet practical racing jacket. Her twinkling blue eyes were sharp, scanning the competition with a quiet intensity.

Joel leaned in. "And that's Celine. She's from the Webbing family which specializes in the automotive industry. Not just a rich kid, she actually knows how to drive."

Nova's gaze lingered on her for a moment. "She racing tonight?"

Joel grinned. "Maybe. And from what I've heard? She's the real deal."

Before Nova could comment, another set of engines roared in the distance. A group of modified muscle cars rolled up, the deep rumble of their engines sending a quiet tension through the crowd.

Joel scoffed. "And here comes the party crashers."

Nova didn't need an introduction to know who they were. The Mad Hounds had arrived.

A heavily customized Challenger Hellcat led the pack, its black paint job scarred with faint streaks of red, as if claw marks had been dragged across it. Behind it, a few more aggressive-looking cars followed mainly Chargers, Mustangs, even an old-school Camaro that had been modified beyond recognition.

The driver of the lead car stepped out, rolling his shoulders like a caged animal.

Joel muttered under his breath. "That's Dante Raines. Hot-headed, fast, and stupid enough to think he's untouchable."

Nova chuckled. "Sounds fun."

Joel grinned. "Yeah, until he tries to kill you on the track."

Dante's gaze scanned the crowd before locking onto Nova and Joel. A smirk twisted on his lips as he muttered something to his crew before making his way over.

The tension in the air thickened.

Nova exhaled, rolling his shoulders. This race was about to get a lot more interesting.

…..

The rooftop offered a perfect bird's-eye view of the raceway below and with several massive screens lined the edge, broadcasting different camera angles of the circuit. A digital betting board stood near the bar, numbers rapidly shifting as last-minute bets poured in, showing the total wagers climbing into the millions.

Nova leaned lazily against the railing, drink in hand, watching as more names flickered onto the board.

"Alright," Joel exhaled, arms crossed, eyes flicking over the bets. "So… who are we putting money on?"

Nova took a slow sip before glancing at the screen. "Depends. Who do we want to piss off?"

Joel let out a laugh. "Now that's the right attitude. We don't want to piss off Mari." His gaze flicked toward the VIP crowd, where the rich loitered near their own section. "I say we go with smart money. Bet big, make bank. Luca make the bet."

Luca just nodded then made the call.

Nova smirked. "And if we lose?"

Joel scoffed. "Then we pretend we never bet in the first place."

Before Nova could respond, a voice cut through their conversation.

"You two look real comfortable."

They turned as Dante Raines strode up, his smirk laced with amusement and challenge. A few Mad Hound members flanked him, dressed in their usual mix of high-end streetwear and biker gang aesthetics.

Joel rolled his eyes. "And here I thought I could enjoy my drink in peace."

Dante chuckled, plucking a glass of whiskey from a passing waiter without a second glance. "That's the problem with peace, Joel. It's boring." He took a sip, his gaze sliding to Nova. "So? You betting on your girl?"

Nova arched a brow. "Mari?"

Dante shrugged. "Yeah. I mean, unless you've got another sweetheart in the race."

Joel smirked. "Why? You worried?"

Dante scoffed. "Please. I just like watching people burn their money." His eyes flicked to the betting board. "Let me guess… playing it safe with the others."

Before Nova could answer, a smooth, confident voice chimed in.

"I wouldn't call it playing safe," Celine Webbing remarked as she approached, her arms crossed, an amused glint in her sharp gaze. "More like betting smart."

Dante turned, his smirk never fading. "Didn't expect you up here, Ms. Webbing. Thought you'd be getting your hands dirty on the track."

Celine gave him a cool smile. "Not in this race. But I'm here to watch. And bet."

Nova hummed, eyeing her. "And who's your pick?"

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she gave him a slow once-over, like she was scanning a price tag she didn't like, then turned away with a bored sigh, tilting her head toward the track.

The Webbing family wasn't just rich, they were one of the riches family in the country, and she knew it.

Not everyone can talk to them, and definitely not to her, the youngest, the boldest, and the most unapologetically spoiled of them all.

As the race countdown flashed onto the giant screens. Dante grinned. "Guess we're about to find out."