Chapter 137
After three years away from the racing circuit, Niamh had only hoped to place somewhere in the standings–just enough to snag the lowest tier of prize money. That was her sole intention for entering the race in the first place.
She never expected to win the whole thing, let alone shatter the course record.
The crowd’s roar erupted like fireworks.
Even Jonathan, who generally found car racing dull, couldn’t help but comment, “Not bad driving.”
“Not bad?” Preston Winslow practically spat as he spoke, so worked up he showered Marina with flecks of excitement. “That was pure genius! Absolute perfection! Unbelievable skill!”
He slammed his hands together and declared to Jonathan and Marina, “I’ve made
idol. up my mind! From this day forward, The Speed Queen–Katarina–is my Preston Winslow, number one fan!”
Jonathan shrugged, a half–smile on his face. “You haven’t even seen what she looks like. What if she’s a total train wreck?”
“She’d still be my idol,” Preston shot back, thumping his chest for emphasis. “There are plenty of women out there with looks but no brains. I, Preston Winslow, am not that shallow. With driving skills like Katarina’s, nerves of steel–hell, she could have a face full of freckles, and I’d still be a fan!”
Jonathan let Preston’s words wash over him, but he had to admit Preston was right about one thing: Katarina had both the skill and the guts.
This track was notorious among the drifting crowd–difficult, of the corners could be fatal if you didn’t brake.
Most drivers hesitated, nerves getting the better of them.
n dangerous. Two
But Katarina? She took those turns like she had nothing to lose, pushing the limits with every drift.
What stunned everyone wasn’t just her daring–she actually pulled it off.
Everyone in the arena was left in awe of her fearless driving and technical mastery. For the first time, Jonathan found himself genuinely curious about a woman’s looks.
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Chapter 137
He wanted to know what The Speed Queen–this woman who had returned after three years and immediately claimed the championship–really looked like.
“It’s starting, it’s starting–the awards ceremony!” Preston was practically jittery with anticipation. “I’m finally going to see what my goddess looks like.”
Marina craned her neck, just as eager.
Three racers stepped onto the podium, but only one kept her helmet on.
Katarina.
Clad in a jet–black racing suit that hugged her tall, slender frame, she gave off an air of cool confidence, her curves adding a touch of alluring sensuality to that icy poise.
“Why won’t my goddess take off her helmet? Is she too gorgeous to show her face?” Preston was already lost in fantasy, convinced she must be stunning beneath the visor.
“Or maybe she’s hiding because she’s not?” Marina teased, though a part of her secretly hoped she was right.
Jonathan’s gaze followed Katarina across the stage. Judging by her figure alone, he doubted she’d be a disappointment.
Something about her lean athleticism and graceful curves made him think of
Niamh.
But even as she stepped onto the champion’s podium, Niamh didn’t remove her
helmet.
She’d made a special request to the organizers beforehand, and they’d agreed.
… her very first race,
It wasn’t that she wanted to be mysterious. At fourteen, back… her very she’d shown her face to the world.
But then, she’d been Katarina.
Now, she was Niamh.
The cheers inside the arena swelled higher and higher, but even as the ceremony wrapped up, Katarina kept her helmet on, leaving Preston more than a little crestfallen.
“Is that a piano on her helmet?” Marina asked, pointing.
“Yeah! I read somewhere that Katarina always uses that paint job,” Preston replied.
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Chapter 137
“That piano design… It kind of reminds me of the Grand Piano Collection by that famous designer from FY. She must have hired someone to do it for her,” Marina murmured, her eyes still on the stage.
