CHAPTER 832: CHAPTER 831

Rosemary’s car had barely rolled to a stop in front of a charming villa when her phone buzzed with a call from Romeo.

"What are you up to?" he asked.

"Just visiting a friend. She hurt her ankle."

"Which friend? Do I know her?"

"A good friend. You haven’t met her."

Rosemary looked up and saw Ophelia hobbling towards her with the aid of a crutch. Probably having spotted her arrival on the security camera, she couldn’t wait to greet her.

"I’ll introduce you two next time."

Romeo’s heart warmed at his fiancée’s words. "Alright, just don’t stay out too late. Hit me up when you get back to the hotel."

"Sure thing, bye." Hanging up, Rosemary saw Ophelia approaching her, who looked as if she wished to fly. As soon as they were just a few paces apart, Ophelia discarded her crutch to embrace her.

"It’s been too long," Ophelia beamed with a radiant smile.

Usually, her eyes held a frosty reserve, making her seem untouchable, but when she smiled, the frost in her eyes melted right away, and her breathtaking beauty was revealed.

"Abandoning the crutch?" Rosemary chuckled. "Is it that serious? And here you said it was nothing."

"I’ll be fine in a few days," Ophelia said cheerfully, with her eyes fixed on Rosemary. "You must be starving. I had some delicious dishes prepared. Come on, you’re going to love them."

Rosemary picked up the crutch from the ground. With an air of serene grace, she smiled and assisted Ophelia towards the house. "Now that you mention it, I could eat."

"Why don’t you spend the night with me? It’s been ages since anyone kept me company."

The villa was quiet, inhabited only by Ophelia and the household staff. Their mutual friends, like Kelly and the others, were often too busy to visit.

"I didn’t bring a change of clothes."

"That’s hardly a problem. I’ve got plenty of brand-new clothes here. Take your pick. We’re about the same size." Ophelia didn’t want Rosemary to leave so soon.

Seeing the earnestness in her offer, Rosemary agreed.

The dining table was laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes. After the staff had greeted Rosemary and bowed out, the two friends were left alone at the large table.

"This is your celebratory feast," Ophelia said as she poured some tea and video-called their other friends. "Guess who’s here?"

"You and Rosemary together?" Kelly exclaimed, both surprised and incredulous. "What are you eating? It looks delicious."

"I’m still wrapped up over here, and you guys are having a midnight snack? Last time I visited, you didn’t prepare anything near as nice," another friend with long hair teased.

"Yeah, I didn’t get this treatment either," added another, her short hair bobbing as she feigned offense.

"Today, Rose did me a solid, so this is her victory banquet! Even though you’re not here, there’s nothing to stop us from raising our glasses and toasting to the good times. Cheers, everyone!"

Kelly, who was in her bedroom, picked up a glass of water from her bedside table. "To Rose, the best of us," she lifted her glass and declared.

The rest of the girls joined in with whatever they had on hand—juice, soda, bottled water—and they all shared a lively toast, their laughter spilling through the screens.

"Come on, you’ve got to give Rose more than just a bite to eat after the massive favor she did for you," teased the long-haired girlfriend with a playful smirk.

"Seriously, Rose, don’t be shy. Just take what she gives you and enjoy it," another friend chimed in.

"A gift less than 10 million just doesn’t cut it for Rose’s special trip, right?" Kelly added with a mischievous laugh.

"Rose isn’t like you money-grubbers," Ophelia said with a smile as she turned to Rosemary, "She helped me out big time, for free! That’s what a true friend is. You all could learn a thing or two."

The group teased her about being stingy and tightfisted.

"A friend is meant to be fleeced, is that it?"

"The esteemed Ms. Almond being so penny-pinching with her true, heart-and-soul friend?"

"Rose, once she comes home, we’ll take her out and treat her to a feast on your behalf."

The girls continued to laugh and joke until Ophelia said, "Alright, enough chatting. The food’s getting cold, and I’ve got some juicy secrets to share with Rose."

She ended the video call and eagerly loaded Rosemary’s plate with food.

Rosemary looked at the mountain of food in her bowl, with her eyes sparkling, "That’s enough."

"There’s more folks outside grilling up. Once we’re done here, let’s head to the backyard for a bit more to eat. We can huddle up by the fire pit and warm up," Ophelia said excitedly. "I heard tonight’s race was absolutely electrifying – the top level in the field of the car racing."

"That’s an exaggeration," Rosemary said, with her lips curving into a smile and her eyes alight with amusement.

"I heard Harlan was so frustrated by your driving that he lost all composure and made a spectacle of himself. With you behind the wheel, the trophy was as good as ours."

Ophelia had seen Rosemary’s driving skills firsthand. Once, when an assassin had targeted Rosemary, Ophelia had been with her. To protect Ophelia from getting involved, Rosemary had displayed her driving skills, which was nothing short of breathtaking.

They’d also raced cars privately a few times. Even though Rosemary always went easy on her, Ophelia could tell that Rosemary was leagues above her.

For others, racing was thrilling and fun; but for Rosemary, she drove like a pro only to escape danger and stay alive.

That’s why she kept such a low profile, not wanting people to know about her many talents.

"Daydreaming?" Rosemary’s long lashes fluttered, wearing a soft smile which denoted the intimacy of friendship.

"No. Just thinking about what Candice said. She said Harlan was so outclassed that he forced their team captain to step in, only to be beaten by you. For him, it’s got to be the ultimate humiliation."

Rosemary seemed surprised, "That captain is that good?"

"An internationally renowned racer, who kept undefeated in so many races. People only know him as Sean because all the drivers wear helmets, and no one has seen his real face. He usually doesn’t

bother with these underground races."

Ophelia’s curiosity got the better of her. "Did you see his face tonight? What does he look like?"

Without hesitation, Rosemary replied dismissively, "Pretty punchable."

"He must be really annoying then."

"He even asked about you."

Ophelia was taken aback.

"You know him?" Rosemary’s gaze settled on her.

Completely confused, Ophelia replied, "Not at all. Could it be he’s noticed me because I wanted to win his track and open it to the public? Oh no, what if he holds a grudge against me? Do you know why so many people fear the Drift Kings? Even with Harlan messing up all the time, no one dares cross him because he’s got Sean backing him up."