Chapter 27
Chapter 27:
A harsh laugh escaped Rylie as she heard him. His teammate chimed in, “Yeah, Rylie, the club’s still negotiating with sponsors. Your choices reflect on us all. Apologize to Phillip and you’ll still have the Kirk name behind you p>
Standing taller, Phillip looked down his nose at her, clearly expecting an immediate apology. He’d already made up his mind — one word of regret, and he’d let her race and maybe even vouch for her at home. But…
“Who said I ever wanted to join your team?” Rylie scoffed coldly. “Do you really see yourself as my brother p>
Phillip’s smug expression instantly froze. The club members around him exchanged incredulous looks, their murmurs rising in surprise. “What? You’re not racing with us this year p>
Every year, Rylie participated in the club’s races, though she was conspicuously absent from their pre- and post-race gatherings. She had always been just a tool to guarantee Stacey’s victories and the club’s prestige.
Phillip immediately frowned, his tone sharp with reprimand. “Don’t be so ungrateful. Racing with us has always been an honor for you p>
Rylie laughed bitterly. “An honor? Is my name even on the team’s official roster p>
Phillip stared at her in disbelief. “Why fuss over trivial details? Obviously, the official position is reserved for Stacey. You being a substitute is already the greatest honor I’ve bestowed on you p>
Rylie sneered, raising her head to meet Phillip’s eyes, her gaze icy. “Phillip, every year I’ve raced as Stacey’s stand-in, running the full course, only for her to claim the trophy and prize money. Exactly what honor have I ever received p>
“That’s because Stacey is more dependable than you! Her skills are no less impressive!” Phillip snapped defensively. “Besides, Stacey has endured so much hardship from you ever since she lived with us. Helping her is your responsibility p>
The people surrounding Phillip chimed in, attempting to coax Rylie. “Yes, Stacey is kind and devoted to racing. It’s fitting she gets recognition. Rylie, you’re family — don’t be so petty p>
“I’m no longer a Kirk,” Rylie shot back sharply. “And I won’t be racing with you again. If you want trophies, go earn them yourselves p>
Lατєѕτ ϲнαρτєrs ιn
Phillip was momentarily stunned, never expecting such defiance from Rylie. Anger flared in him. “Rylie! You don’t really believe our team needs you to win, do you? I only offered you a place out of pity, to help you earn a little cash so you wouldn’t resort to hanging around rich old men! Are you aiming to become a gold digger p>
Phillip’s words dripped venom, and Rylie didn’t hesitate. Her hand flashed out and struck him across the face.
The slap sent Phillip sprawling to the floor, blood trickling from his split lip. Stunned, he stared up in disbelief. “You dare hit me p>
Rylie shook her stinging hand, her voice calm yet ruthless. “Since Stacey is so talented, let her lead your team to victory. Don’t bother me again — or next time, I’ll make sure you won’t even be able to drive p>
Having joined Britton’s racing club, Rylie relished the thought of facing them as rivals.
Being knocked down by a woman in public crushed Phillip’s pride. Fury overcoming his humiliation, he sprang to his feet, lunging to grab Rylie. Security swiftly intervened as chaos erupted, and Clive, alerted by the commotion, returned to the scene.