Chapter 445

"What's the matter?" Alexander's voice was low and gravelly.

"Our jockey was attacked by one of the Lockwood family's deranged horses while exercising ours!"

The Sinclair family exchanged horrified glances.

"What?"

Alexander's eyes darkened with concern. "How is he? Please tell me it's not life-threatening."

Though known as a ruthless businessman in the corporate world, Alexander had always treated his staff with kindness. His first thought wasn't about the race—it was about the jockey's safety.

Mr. Donovan, the estate manager, wiped his forehead. "Thankfully, no. He's got multiple bruises and a broken arm. We've sent him to the hospital, but there's no way he can compete now."

Alexander exhaled in relief. "As long as he's alright, that's all that matters."

"Which horse caused the injury? We need to hold them accountable," Isabella reminded gently.

"Don't worry, my dear. The Sinclairs won't be bullied. I've already handled it. They'll face full consequences."

But now, the Sinclairs were in a tight spot.

Without a jockey, were they supposed to withdraw from the competition, handing over victory on a silver platter?

Alexander clenched his jaw, frustration etched across his face.

"Chairman Alexander, what a shame your horse won't compete in such a prestigious event."

Frederick's words dripped with false sympathy, his lips curling into a smug smirk. "But there's always next year. No need to dwell on it."

Alexander's expression darkened.

So your son bullies my daughter, and now you think you can gloat over my misfortune? Over my dead body.

The Chambers and Fairhavens sighed in relief—one less competitor to worry about.

"Regret? Mr. Frederick, don't speak too soon."

Evangeline stepped forward with effortless grace, her tone laced with quiet confidence. "The Sinclairs don't entertain regrets, nor do we accept defeat."

Frederick's smirk faltered.

Evangeline's words shattered the tension, shifting the atmosphere entirely.

Thaddeus watched his fiery love with a soft smile, anticipation burning in his gaze.

That little troublemaker is at it again, Giselle muttered under her breath.

"Hmph, she's just putting on a show because she can't stand losing," Edith scoffed, twirling a strand of hair. "What can she possibly do? The race starts soon. Unless she plans to ride herself—ha!"

Before Edith's laughter faded, Evangeline spoke calmly, "Dad, let me ride for the Sinclairs."

The room erupted in gasps.

What did she just say?

Was Evangeline seriously going to race? Could she even handle it?

Thaddeus's breath hitched as he stared at her, his pulse racing.

Edith's eyes nearly bulged out of her skull.

Giselle smirked. "Oh, look who predicted it perfectly."

"Let her play the hero. We'll see how far she gets," Edith hissed, venom dripping from her words.

"Evangeline, are you sure about this?" Alexander asked, concern lacing his voice.

"Dad, do you really have to ask?" Evangeline winked playfully, mischief dancing in her eyes.

Alexander, Isabella, and Cassius exchanged glances. They knew Evangeline could ride, but racing was an entirely different beast.

"Ms. Evangeline, racing isn't child's play," Barry said dismissively. "This event is crucial for business alliances and family honor."

Clearly, they expected her to fail spectacularly.

"And look around, Ms. Evangeline—do you see any other women competing? Is it really appropriate for you to participate?" Edith sneered, emboldened by her grandfather's words.

"Ms. Edith, are you implying horse riding isn't a sport for women, or do you inherently believe women are inferior to men?" Evangeline's gaze turned icy, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "If I recall correctly, your grandmother was a celebrated equestrian in her youth, even winning international titles. Are you saying her actions were improper, or do you look down on your own family?"

Edith's face flushed crimson, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.

Barry merely sighed at his granddaughter's impulsiveness.

"Um, Julian."

Marianne clutched Julian's hand nervously. "Evangeline just offended Edith. Isn't she afraid?"

"Afraid? Why should she be?" Julian chuckled, squeezing her hand. "When the formidable Thaddeus bends over backward for her, what is there to fear?"

"No, I didn't mean that."

The Sinclairs were about to witness another defining moment—one that might just turn the tables in their favor. Marianne kept her gaze lowered, her lips parting slightly as she whispered, "I'm worried. Worried Edith will target her."

"Did you say something?" Julian asked, not catching her words.

"Nothing! It's nothing." She shook her head frantically.

Fragmented, nightmarish memories flooded her mind. She took a deep breath, forcing them away, though a sheen of cold sweat formed on her brow.

"You don't enter a battle unprepared," Evangeline said, flashing Barry a confident smile. "Mr. Barry, thank you for your concern, but I never fight a battle I'm not certain of winning. This competition is mine for the taking!"

Barry was taken aback, his opinion of her shifting instantly.

Her fearlessness reminded him of his late wife in her youth.

If Edith weren't his granddaughter, he'd have to admit—this girl was a force to be reckoned with.

If my grandson courted her...

Now that was a thought worth considering.

"Dad, Isabella, Cassius—I'm running out of time. I'll go change," Evangeline announced cheerfully before striding out with Mr. Donovan.

"Evangeline! Be careful!" Isabella called after her, worry brimming in her eyes.

Evangeline turned back and flashed an "okay" sign.

"Let the girl try," Alexander said, masking his concern with nonchalance.

Thaddeus's burning gaze followed her until she disappeared from sight.

"Surprised? Didn't expect Evangeline to be an equestrian?"

Avery approached with a smirk, standing beside him like a scene from a painting.

Yet beneath the surface, these two were mortal enemies, each wishing the other would vanish.

"Evangeline is a gift from God," Thaddeus said, his voice deep. "And gifts, as you know, are full of surprises."

"Spare me the theatrics," Avery retorted coldly. "It's clear you don't understand her. Why mask your insecurity with noble words?"

Thaddeus's fingers curled into fists.

"Did you ever let Evangeline see the real you, Avery?" He laughed darkly. "Did she ever see the ruthless man who conspired with Eden and sent assassins to Star Industries, plotting her brother's demise?"

"Don't provoke me, Thaddeus," Avery warned, his smile chilling. "I can make you beg for tears that won't come."

Thaddeus smirked, unfazed. "I'd love to see you try, you rabid dog."

Edith downed three glasses of champagne, but the fire in her chest refused to die.

Alone in the lounge corridor, she pulled out a cigarette case, her movements practiced.

"Brooding with smoke and drink? Look what Evangeline's reduced you to," Giselle mocked, sauntering in.

"Bullied? As if she could bully me!" Edith snapped, taking a furious drag.

Giselle rolled her eyes but lit her own cigarette.

"No matter how much that wench shows off, Thaddeus is mine. And the title of Mrs. Abernathy will belong to me!"

Giselle barely suppressed an eye-roll.

After a pause, she fanned the flames. "Even if you marry him, it won't be easy. He's clearly obsessed with her. You'll be ditched in no time."

Ditched?

Edith's mind conjured humiliating scenarios.

"We need to stop this before it starts!"

"Oh? The Fairhaven family's tricks might work on others, but Evangeline's backed by power. You think you can touch her?"

Giselle crushed her cigarette. "I heard Evangeline was a youth equestrian champion. She'll steal the spotlight again. We're doomed to stay in her shadow."

Edith's expression darkened.

"Who says there's no chance? Today's the perfect opportunity." Her eyes gleamed with malice. "I'll make sure she doesn't return in one piece."

"What's your plan?" Giselle leaned in eagerly.

"This race isn't just about pride—it's about business. I won't just humiliate her. I'll make sure the K Group loses this deal."

The Fairhavens had their own stables. Edith knew horses.

"If we want Evangeline to fall, her horse must fail first."

Giselle shuddered. Edith's schemes were as bold as they were vile.

Half an hour later, as the derby's final call approached, competitors scrambled with last-minute preparations.

Evangeline led out her sleek black mare, Breeze, whose coat gleamed under the sun. She stroked the mare's mane gently, but Breeze seemed off—breathing heavily, her usual fiery spirit dampened.

"What's wrong with Breeze? Is she sick?" Evangeline asked, concerned.

The trainer sighed. "Miss, Breeze is the gentlest filly in our stable. She's grieving for our jockey. Her spirit isn't at its peak."

"A heart of gold—more reliable than most men," Evangeline murmured, touched.

She leaned close, whispering tenderly into Breeze's ear. "My dear, I know you're not yourself today. But your friend trained for months for this. You wouldn't want to disappoint him, would you?"

After a few more soft words, Breeze's demeanor shifted. Her head lifted, spirit reignited.

With effortless grace, Evangeline mounted her, radiating regal confidence.

The trainer marveled. She looked like a warrior queen—untouchable, commanding.

Evangeline tightened the reins. Breeze reared slightly.

"Forward! To battle we ride!"