chapter461

Kylie chimed in, her voice gentle but steady. "Lucinda, I know racing isn't really your thing, but since you're here, let's show some respect for everyone's hard work,

okay?"

Neither Kylie nor Cameron seemed bothered by the way Connor had scolded Lucinda. Honestly, their daughter had been out of line. Lucinda didn't like NO1, but they were all here to cheer on Chris. She could have just kept quiet, but instead, she kept throwing shade at the drivers. How did she think Chris' brother would feel hearing that?

If you really thought about it, wasn't she just putting Chris down too?

"Connor, I'm sorry," Cameron said gently. "Lucinda's still young. She doesn't really get it yet."

Connor just looked at them, his meaning clear. "Lydia is the same age, but she knows more than I do."

He wasn't just saying it to compliment Lydia, either. It was true.

Lucinda's eyes filled with tears. Lydia again. It was always about Lydia.

Ever since Lydia came back, Lucinda felt like she mattered less and less to the Norwood family. Grandpa Samuel, Connor... they barely seemed to notice her anymore.

So why did Lydia have to come back at all?

When Connor mentioned Lydia's name, Cameron and Kylie couldn't help but smile. "She really is amazing," Kylie said.

She looked at Lucinda, who was on the verge of crying. "Sweetheart, we're saying this because we care about you. You should try to learn from your sister, and from anyone who's doing great things. If we respect others, they'll respect us back."

Lucinda clenched her jaw. She didn't want to hear another word, but in front of her parents, she dropped her gaze and mumbled, "I get it, Mom, Dad."

A little ways off, Blake watched her, concern creasing his brow.

Out on the track, the announcer's voice filled the stadium, excitement building with every word. NO1 was just too good. If she finished in fourth, people would say she was throwing the race on purpose. That would mess up the results, drag down the whole team, and make Chris' teammates' wins look fake.

The announcer seemed to be sending Lydia a message, practically shouting into the mic. "Here we go! The finish line is right there! How fast will NOT blast past everyone? Let's witness this miracle together

A hint of a smile played on Lydia's lips. She slammed the gas pedal.

In a heartbeat, she shot forward.

"Whoa! Did you see that? Everyone, did you see that? NO1 is going for it!"

Lydia, who'd been in fourth, looked like she'd fused with her car. In a flash, she streaked past everyone and crossed the finish line first. It took her just three seconds.

She was unstoppable!

The second Lydia's car broke the tape, the whole stadium went wild. It all happened in the blink of an eye.

NO1 really was in a league of her own. No one could touch her speed.

Right behind her were Chris, Jay, Weston, and Arden, leaving the Team Country D eating their dust.

Rory was so mad he swore out loud and nearly tore the steering wheel off.

What the hell?

How did Chris manage to get NO1 on his team? And Jay, who was supposed to be just A-level, drove like an S-tevel superstar. Chris really knew how to work the system, building the perfect shield for his team.

Damn it, damn it.

He was about to lose his mind.

The crowd was losing theirs too, chanting NO1's name so loudly it felt like the stands would shake apart. Lydia got out of her car, still wearing her helmet, and waved to thefans. The noise just got louder and louder.

Right behind Lucinda, a girl screamed at the top of her lungs. Oh my god! I love

her! I'm obsessed! Is NO1 a guy or a girl? If he's a guy, I'm marrying him! If she's a girl, I'll marry her!"