chapter716

Lydia smiled, cool and confident, like nothing could shake her. "We like to fight for what we want," she said, her voice calm and sure.

Felix just stared. Holy crap, Lydia's smile was something else. It's beautiful enough to make your heart stop.

Daisy and Patricia stiffled a laugh, covering their mouths.

"Lydia, are you serious right now? You've only got four people on your team. Look at those two, they can barely stand up. And you still think you're getting first place?"

Lydia raised an eyebrow. "They're taking a break now, which already puts them ahead of most people. We've got seven days. How can you be so sure we can't win? Right now, you might have more energy, but can you keep that up all week?"

Daisy's eyes flickered, just for a second, but she quickly recovered and scoffed. "Lydia, even if the world ends, your team isn't getting first place. That's ours, and you know it."

Monica and Fiona scrambled to their feet, hands on hips, trying to look tough. First place is ours!"

Sure, they were a little unsure, but there was no way they'd admit Daisy's group was better. And with Lydia and Jules on their side, who said they couldn't win?

Daisy burst out laughing, almost doubling over. "If you win, I'll write my name backwards!"

Lydia smirked. "Is that so? You really think you've got this in the bag?"

Patricia snorted. "Obviously!"

Lydia grinned. "If you're so confident, let's make this interesting."

Daisy narrowed her eyes, instantly suspicious. "What are you up to, Lydia?"

Lydia just shrugged, completely at ease. "I'm not up to anything. I just want to make a bet. What, are you scared?"

Daisy bristled. "Me, scared of you? What's the bet?

Lydia thought for a moment. "You really don't want to apologize to me at the opening ceremony, right? So let's do this. The losing team has to drop out of school. Are you in?"

Felix let out a shocked curse. "That's insane!"

Daisy clenched her fists. She hated the idea of apologizing to Lydia. Honestly, she was already planning to sabotage her during the challenge. Now Lydia was the one raising the stakes? Fine by her.

"Fine, Lydia! You think I'm scared? Whoever comes first stays, loser's whole team is out. I mean everyone."

Her glare was icy. She wanted Monica and Fiona gone, and as for Jules, who had turned down her invite, he could leave too.

Lydia nodded. "Deal."

Felix and the others just stared at each other, totally stunned. Were they really just dragged into a bet that could get them all kicked out? Wasn't this a bit much?

Before they could say anything, Daisy puffed up with pride. "Our team's all top-tier. First place is ours, no question."

A sharp voice cut through the group. "Wow, who's talking so big already? We've barely started and you're acting like you've got this in the bag. You sure you're not overestimating yourself?

Everyone turned. Daisy spun around, ready to snap back, but the words stuck in her throat.

Five people were walking over, Rosie in the lead, looking like she owned the place.

No matter how cocky Daisy usually was, she had to dial it back in front of Rosie. The Gibson family was way more powerful than the Rivers family. Even if the Rivers were

famous in the Capital for their medical legacy, they were nothing compared to the Gibsons.

Patricia's eyes darted away when she saw Rosie and her friends. She quickly pointed at Lydia, desperate to shift the attention. "It's her! Lydia said she'd get first place. We were just telling her not to get ahead of herself!"

Svon