In the VIP section, Sophie Parker held onto Adam Willow’s arm, a sweet smile on her face as she conversed with a young gentleman.
"Secretary Charles, I’ve long admired your reputation." Adam Willow extended his hand, his gaze from behind the gold-rimmed glasses cautiously appraising.
Charles Smith — the young secretary general of the Secretariat, nephew of the First Minister, and also an executive at Imperial Motors. He smiled slightly, reaching out to shake Adam Willow’s hand. His fingers were long and fair, with distinct joints, yet exuded an unmistakable strength.
"You flatter me, Mr. Willow." Charles Smith’s voice was as gentle as jade, yet carried a hint of inscrutable depth. His eyes were narrow and slightly upturned at the corners, seemingly smiling, but fathomless.
Next to them, Sophie Parker spoke in a coquettish voice: "Secretary Smith, Brother Adam recently acquired shares in Imperial Motors, so please look after him."
Charles Smith’s gaze lingered on Sophie Parker’s face for a moment, smiling faintly: "Of course."
Just then, Young Master Chu walked over with Nick Young, a smug smile on his face, "Secretary Charles, I just made a bet with the Carter Automotive crew, a billion dollars!"
Charles Smith frowned slightly, "You are too impulsive."
Young Master Chu waved it off dismissively, "What for? Carter Automotive doesn’t even have a new car; a makeshift team, how could they possibly win?" He sneered, "The Carter Family has really fallen, actually letting a woman make the decisions."
Adam Willow instinctively spoke up upon hearing this, "Emily Parker is not an ordinary woman."
Sophie Parker’s expression stiffened, then she laughed with disdain, "What would she know about car design? As far as I know, she doesn’t even have a driver’s license."
Charles Smith didn’t respond, his gaze scanning the entrance of the VIP section as if searching for someone.
Noticing his look, Young Master Chu asked, "Secretary Charles, are there more VIPs yet to arrive?"
Charles Smith withdrew his gaze, speaking lightly, "The First Minister was originally interested in this race, but it seems he’s too busy with official duties to attend."
On the track, the roar of engines was deafening.
The preliminaries began, with international first-class teams racing out of the start line like arrows released from a string.
Amidst the luxury cars, Carter Automotive’s car appeared particularly plain, even somewhat shabby.
From the stands came waves of boos, clearly, no one had high hopes for this makeshift team.
Yet, unexpectedly, Carter Automotive’s car demonstrated astonishing stability on the curves, with several beautiful overtakes, it tightly followed the leading group.
"This is impossible!" Young Master Chu stood up abruptly, his face livid.
Adam Willow’s gaze, however, fell on Carter Automotive’s pit area, where Emily Parker stood beside Carlos, the two of them talking in low voices.
Her expression was focused and calm, not distracted at all by the surrounding commotion.
Ultimately, Carter Automotive’s car crossed the finish line with a preliminary seventh place, successfully advancing to the finals!
The entire audience was in an uproar.
As the race ended, Faye Manor jumped out of the car, rushing excitedly toward Emily Parker and Carlos,
"Brother Carter! Sister! We did it!"
Carlos took the data report handed over by the engineer, frowning slightly, "The engine modifications were only partially completed, how did it..." Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by novᴇlfire.net
Emily Parker smiled slightly, "There wasn’t enough time for a full overhaul, so I suggested adjusting the engine’s intake system and ignition timing."
She pointed to a marked spot on the blueprint, "Although it was just a fine-tuning, the effect was better than expected."
Faye Manor looked at her with admiration, "Sister, you’re amazing!"
In the VIP section, Charles Smith’s fingers gently tapped the armrest, his gaze never leaving Emily Parker’s figure.
"Interesting." He murmured to himself, a significant arc forming at the corner of his lips.
Sophie Parker noticed his gaze, inexplicably tensed, gripping Adam Willow’s sleeve subconsciously.
Adam Willow followed her gaze, just in time to see the backs of Emily Parker and Carlos standing side by side. His eyes darkened, lost in thought.
Young Master Chu seethed, glaring at the track, "In the finals... I must make them lose miserably!"
Charles Smith gave him a faint glance, "Don’t underestimate the opponent."
His voice was soft, yet it instantly silenced Young Master Chu.
The lights of the racetrack cast long shadows of everyone, as if foreshadowing the impending storm.