Pausing briefly, she added, “If the experts decide to move forward with the special drug, reach out to Phoebe directly.”

“Got it,” Brayden replied, dipping his head in agreement.

The screen went dark as the call ended, but the unease in his chest refused to fade. He exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing. “Something about this doesn’t add up.”

Charlie hesitated before speaking, concern edging his voice. “Should we put someone on her? Theo’s been acting more aggressively lately, and I’m concerned he’s going to come after her.”

Brayden gave a slow, deliberate nod. “Pull her flight details. You go personally and don’t lose her. Her safety comes first—no exceptions.”

At the airport, once they’d cleared security, Jessie finally stopped and turned back, her expression sharp. “Tell me the truth. I don’t buy that this is just a vacation.”

Gracie tightened her grip on the boarding pass, her knuckles paling. After a long pause, she looked up. “Jessie… I’m pregnant.”

“What?” Jessie halted mid-step, shock flashing across her face as her eyes dropped instinctively to Gracie’s stomach. “But you and Brayden are in a contractual marriage. How could this even happen?”

With a shallow breath, Gracie quietly explained the unexpected incident from that day, her voice low and unsteady as the truth spilled out.

After a brief pause, Jessie asked quietly, “So… you’re thinking about going overseas to end the pregnancy?”

Hesitation crept into Gracie’s voice. “I-I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

Instinctively, her palms rested over her lower abdomen, as if she could already sense the fragile life forming there.

She had weighed the option of having the procedure abroad, fully aware that if the news ever surfaced, Valeria would pressure her relentlessly to keep the child.

Yet under the current circumstances, that child could easily become a fatal weakness—for both her and Brayden—especially with Theo lurking in the shadows, ruthless enough to exploit anything.

“Gracie…” Jessie reached out and squeezed her hand, her tone softening. “I opposed your marriage to Brayden at first, but I’ve come around. He’d be a good father.” She searched Gracie’s face. “Are you sure you’re ready to give up this child?”

“The reality isn’t that simple,” Gracie answered quietly, her voice weighted with restraint. “Theo has Ellie locked away. He already knows I was reborn, and he’s using Ellie as a test subject—running human experiments to dig out the truth behind rebirth.”

Jessie’s eyes tightened, shock flashing across her face. “He’s that crazy?” Her voice dropped. “Doesn’t he care what happens when this comes out and destroys him?”

A slow shake of Gracie’s head followed. Theo had long since drowned in jealousy and obsession; consequences no longer mattered to him.

Lowering her voice, Jessie squeezed Gracie’s hand again. “Give yourself a few days before deciding. If you ask me, you should keep the child. This life may have come without warning, but it could be a blessing. And your mother…” She paused gently. “She would have wanted to see you married, raising children, living something close to happiness.”

Gracie lifted her gaze, her mouth pressed into a thin, trembling line.

“Passengers bound for Avelonia, please proceed to boarding…”

As the announcement echoed through the terminal, the two of them moved with the crowd and boarded the plane.

With the most spectacular racing tournament unfolding in Avelonia, the place had drawn racers, teams, and fans from every corner of the globe.

Stepping out of the airport alongside Jessie, Gracie immediately noticed Yousef leaning lazily against a luxury car, his bleached hair impossible to miss.

Bright sunlight washed over him, casting a faint halo along his sharp profile and making him stand out even more than usual. Drawn by his looks, a few locals slowed their steps, phones already lifted as they snapped photos from a distance.

“Gracie, over here.” Yousef caught sight of them, pushed his sunglasses up with an eager grin, and strode toward them at once.

After a quick glance at their empty hands, confusion flickered across his face. “No luggage at all? I thought you were staying for the entire event.”

“We were in such a hurry that we didn’t pack much,” Gracie replied lightly. “Anything we need, we’ll just buy here. I think it’d be better if we stopped by the hotel first. Jessie and I need some time to shake off the jet lag.”

“Sure.” With a nod, Yousef swung the car door open for them, his tone playful. “The youngest racer at your service—your personal chauffeur.”

Once seated beside Gracie, Jessie leaned in and whispered, eyes bright with curiosity, “Is it just me, or does he look extra charming today? I’ve seen him plenty of times, yet I never realized he was this good-looking—must be that professional charm.”

A subtle laugh escaped Gracie as she remarked, “On the track, he really is dazzling. This trip to Avelonia was partly to cheer him on.” Her gaze drifted ahead, proud and calm. “He’s the only one from our country competing in this final.”

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