Chapter 243
Chapter 243:
In the evening, midway up North Hills, the workers at the foot of the hills had already packed up, leaving the last stretch of golden light spilling across the peak.
The valley buzzed with engines and birdsong as Gracie eased her car into a space along the slope, spotting the thick crowd of people gathered up ahead.
She clicked her tongue. “This crowd is definitely bigger than last time. But why did they suddenly decide to hold a race tonight of all nights p>
Yousef was an elite racer on the world stage. Even though he owned a club here, most of his time was still spent competing overseas. With his talent, these small local matches barely registered to him. So what was different about tonight?
Gracie’s brows knit slightly as she pulled out her phone and dialed Yousef’s number. He answered after two rings.
“I’m here,” she said.
“I’m at the summit already. Come up,” he told her.
“I thought you wanted me in the race,” she asked, genuinely puzzled.
“Come on, I’ve seen how you drive. Even I lost to you. Do you really think anyone here tonight can beat you? Instead of wasting energy on a race you’ll dominate anyway, why not just come to the top and enjoy the whole thing from there?” Yousef let out a soft laugh.
A staff member in the club uniform approached right then. “Ms. Sullivan, you can take this cable car straight up to the summit p>
Gracie ended the call and followed him into the cable car.
When she stepped out at the top, her eyes landed on Yousef almost immediately. He stood in full racing gear, and that bright red, short hair of his made him stand out like a flame in the crowd.
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“You’re here already. Didn’t think you’d get up this fast,” he said, a cigarette resting between his fingers, his fitted suit outlining his long frame.
Gracie walked toward him, her eyes catching on his hair again. “You’ve been switching hair colors a lot lately p>
“That’s the fun of being young,” Yousef joked, leaning close with a sly smile. “Oh, and I heard from Gifford that Brayden’s mom asked my mom for some drug. So… you and Brayden…” He didn’t finish the sentence, but the strain in his voice said more than the words he didn’t speak.
Gracie’s expression tightened. She knew exactly what he was hinting at.
She hadn’t imagined Valeria would actually get the drug from Cathie.
“Ahem… that’s not something you need to be bothered about,” Gracie said. Lying wasn’t her strength, and she hated remembering that day, so she brushed the topic aside.
Her avoidance made a brief shadow cross Yousef’s eyes. But just as quickly, he covered it up. “It’s not a big deal. Adults have… needs. It happens p>
People lived fast now. Jobs, stress, physical desires—everyone had their own way of letting things out.
Whether he was comforting her or trying to soothe himself, it wasn’t clear.
They continued walking together toward the club.
“Why are Theo and Aiden here tonight? Did you ask them to come?” Gracie asked.
“Theo is my guest. That bastard is not,” Yousef said with a scoff. “In our circles, nothing is looked down on more than someone born out of wedlock. And Aiden… he’s too hungry for power. You can see it from miles away p>
Yousef gave a short laugh. “He’s been ‘running into’ me way too often lately. Always acting like it’s a coincidence, always trying to talk. I figured you should know. Better to stay alert than regret it p>
By the time he finished, they had stepped into the club.
The lounge was empty.
Yousef poured Gracie a cup of coffee. “Here. This should keep you awake. The real race won’t start for another hour p>
“Are you racing tonight too?” Gracie asked.
“Me? No way. Not every small event gets lucky enough to have someone like you around. There’s nothing fun about a race with no real challenge,” Yousef said without hesitation as he slid into the seat beside her. “I’d rather sit here, relax, and enjoy watching Aiden trip over himself p>