CHAPTER 823: CHAPTER 824

"Just the usual."

Ophelia had a passion for extreme sports that knew no bounds. Parkour, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and skydiving were all in her wheelhouse.

She was born with a silver spoon, the sole heiress to a prosperous family. Two years prior, upon finishing her college studies ahead of schedule, her parents had entrusted her with the family empire.

To the world, she was the formidable Ms. Almond, but behind closed doors, she morphed into a race car driver, a parkour expert, a legend on the ski slopes, and a skydiving enthusiast, among other things.

Her squad - Rosemary, Kelly, and two other gals - were kindred spirits, tight as can be.

They kept to their own lives, rarely bothering each other, but were ready to lend a hand or share a slice of life in their group chat at a moment’s notice.

"Perfect timing, I need a favor." Ophelia said with a beaming smile, "Took a bit of a tumble doing some extreme sports a few days ago and messed up my foot. There’s an underground car race tonight, and I

need you to step in for my team."

These underground races weren’t as formal as the sanctioned ones; it was all about showing up and showing off.

"If we win, the other team has to hand over their track."

That track was the prized possession of some enigmatic mogul whose drift racing team was the scourge of Belloria. They boasted that no crew in Belloria could touch them and promised to hand over

the track if proven wrong.

Their challenge riled up many teams, each taking turns to dethrone them. But without exception, all challengers faced a bitter defeat.

Ophelia’s crew, confident as they were, had been poised to win the crown until her unfortunate injury.

She had considered powering through, but her right foot just couldn’t hammer the gas or slam the brakes with the necessary finesse.

"Is it serious?" Rosemary asked, her concern evident, "Is the emergency stash I gave you doing any good?"

"Yeah, thank God you left me with those treasures. The family doc said your stuff was better than theirs. Been using it for about a week, and it’s getting better every day."

"How good is this other team?" Rosemary probed further.

"They’re worth the challenge."

A statement like that meant they were competent.

"After the race, I’ll come check on you."

"Great. I’ll have a victory feast waiting at home. We’ll celebrate your triumphant return," Ophelia said,her spirits high.

She had a video conference tonight and couldn’t be at the race. "My team will be there to cheer you on.

They all know you. Just do your normal play." Ophelia continued, "The other side is full of braggarts with foul mouths. If you can’t stand them, feel free to trash the place, throw a punch if you need to. If

things go south, I’ve got your back."

After all, the Almond family carried weight in these circles. Rosemary chuckled, "I don’t lose my cool that easily."

But if those guys needed a lesson, she wouldn’t hesitate to teach them. After a good chat with Ophelia,Rosemary noticed that Horace had sent her a few messages not too long ago.

"Boss, we originally offered them 30 million, and they agreed to sell, but now they’re backpedaling, saying they want to think it over. They think the price is too low."

Thirty million was low?

"They’re clearly playing us," Horace seemed annoyed.

Rosemary was straightforward, "What do they really want?"

"They said without 50 million, their boss probably won’t budge. That island is his pride and joy."

A weed-infested island, their beloved isle?

Rosemary smirked coldly. If they understood medicine and knew the value of those medical materials, they’d naturally take good care of the place. But Horace had inquired, and since someone had bought the island, no one had lived there - it was left to fend for itself. How could such a place be their beloved isle??

"Forty million tops, take it or leave it."

"Alright, I’ll talk to them again." As Horace spoke, as if remembering something else, he asked, "Boss, you were okay last night, right? Those guys didn’t find the hotel, did they?"

"They didn’t show."

"Good," Horace had been worried sick all night, haunted by nightmares. Hearing his boss was fine, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"I’ve got to head to the princess’s castle in a bit, no need for you to follow."

The royal guards were strict and vigilant, not just anyone could enter. Even she would have to go through several security checks. Horace was just her subordinate; he couldn’t pass through those gates.

"Sure, just call me if you need anything."

"Okay."

Elsewhere, when Romeo woke up, he saw dozens of unread messages, thinking they were from Rose, but his face fell when he checked them - they were voice messages from his troublemaking friend Timothy Bynes.

"Romeo, I’ve got news. I think I’m going to have a girlfriend."

"Met a girl last night. She was wearing a mask, but those clear beautiful eyes, that mesmerizing aura, I never believed in love at first sight, but last night, I swear I could feel my heart skipping a beat."

Romeo felt speechless while listening to this.

"I’ve already sent people to find out about her; should have something in a couple of days. Romeo,didn’t you say you wanted to introduce your fiancée to us? I’ll bring her along then. I bet the moment you see her, maybe you would leave your fiancée. She’s really gorgeous, full of grace! But let me make this clear; I saw her first, and she can only be mine!"

Romeo didn’t listen to the rest, replying in a flat tone, "Drunk last night? Talking nonsense?"

"It’s true!!" To Romeo’s surprise, Timothy shot back, excited, "You have no idea about the scene last night; she was so captivating, and so kind-hearted!"

She even risked her safety to save children trapped in cages. For the first time in Timothy’s 22-year life, a truly different girl had appeared! Last night, from room 2, he was spellbound by the fight unfolding

below.

"Aren’t you the one with dating experience? Tell me, what do girls like? What should I do to win her over? What do you do to pamper your fiancée? Give money? Gift cards? A yacht??"

"Stay away from her, and don’t scare her off; that’s the best gift you could give," Romeo disillusioned him in an icy tone.

"I really like her; it’s not just for fun. Even if she looks plain under that mask, I’m interested in getting to know her, approaching her - I don’t even know if she has a boyfriend."

But even if she did, he was sure he was better than any boyfriend.

"Romeo, just tell me, what do you give a girl? A luxury car? Designer products? Or a trip abroad?"

"See if you can win her over first," Romeo pocketed his phone, done with the pointless banter.

"I will win her over; I’ll touch her heart! A girl like her is too rare; no, I need to get my guys to step it up, find her as soon as possible."