Chapter 51
Chapter 51:
Britton raised an eyebrow. “Don’t start talking like a winner just yet p>
Phillip ignored him and stepped forward, cutting Rylie off. “Didn’t you say you weren’t coming? So what are you doing here now?” Rylie stared at him flatly. “Why do you care p>
Phillip clenched his jaw but said nothing at first. The race was about to begin, and he forced himself to stay calm. “If you insist on racing for my team, fine. I’ll allow it. I’m letting the past go — even after how you treated Stacey. The race is starting soon. Go sign in. You’ll be the backup p>
Rylie gave a short, cold laugh. “Backup? Phillip, are you serious? Did I ever agree to race for you p>
Phillip’s face froze. He raised his voice. “Then why are you at the sign-in booth p>
“Boss!” Britton suddenly stepped in between them, nudging Phillip out of the way as he grabbed Rylie’s arm. “You promised you’d race for us p>
Phillip suddenly understood that Rylie had chosen Britton’s team, and he nearly exploded with anger. “Rylie! You’re actually joining Britton’s team! You do know he’s our biggest rival this year, don’t you p>
Rylie smirked. “Why are you upset? Didn’t you brag that your team could win first without me p>
Phillip snapped, “But that doesn’t mean you can join Britton’s team. That’s betrayal p>
“Betrayal?” Rylie’s face turned cold. Her voice sharpened. “You all kicked me out. Your family disowned me in public. I was never really part of you to begin with.” If anything, they had betrayed her first.
Phillip opened his mouth, but no words came out. His face flushed with anger. “Fine. One last offer. Join my team, and I’ll split the prize money with you. I’ll even let you stand on the podium p>
“No thanks.” Rylie brushed past Britton and walked straight up to Phillip. She met his eyes and said clearly, “I’m going to win this race. That trophy? It’s mine. Not yours p>
Phillip was fuming. All he could do was yell, “Unbelievable! You really think you’ll win without being on my team? Rylie, you’re going to lose — and badly!” Meanwhile, Britton looked pleased as ever. He led Rylie straight to the sign-in area, where she signed her name under his team.
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Phillip’s crew stared in disbelief. “What just happened? Why would Rylie choose Britton’s side p>
Stacey spoke quietly. “It’s probably because I joined. Maybe she didn’t want to be on the same team. Should I just drop out p>
Phillip snapped his head toward her. “Absolutely not! You’ve been training with me all this time. It would mean nothing if you quit now p>
Stacey’s eyes welled up. “But Rylie doesn’t want to be here. Maybe I should apologize. Ask her to come back p>
Phillip’s voice rose. “No! I only asked her to race out of sympathy. We’ll win with or without her p>
Over on Britton’s side, Rylie was welcomed with cheers. The team looked thrilled to have her.
Britton turned to her. “Boss, the mountain road’s rough tonight. The weather shifts fast, and the cold hits hard. Which lap do you want p>