Chapter 60
Chapter 60: Belinda caught sight of the watch on Allen’s wrist and frowned at its expensive brand. Before she could stop herself, she tugged on Madisyn’s arm. “No need. I don’t have anything of equal value to bet.”’ Belinda tried to keep her voice low, but Allen stood so close he heard every word. He mistook her hesitation for doubt and flashed a smug grin. “Don’t worry””everyone starts as a beginner. The bet’s just for fun. Don’t take it so seriously.”’ Leaning against a nearby column, he radiated confident ease. “Here’s the deal: if I lose, the watch is yours. If you lose, just add me on WhatsApp. Sound fair?”’ “Deal!”’ Madisyn snapped her fingers and accepted on Belinda’s behalf before she could protest. “Let’s gear up and start right away.”’ Allen chuckled as he stood and patted Belinda on the shoulder. “Ms. Nelson, safety first when racing. Don’t stress””just finishing is an achievement.”’ He then rejoined the circle of spectators who hung on his every word. “Allen’s slick at getting a girl’s number,”’ one of them joked. “That watch must be worth at least two or three million. Do you really want to risk it?”’ another asked. “He spent his time overseas racing instead of studying. No way he’ll lose to a newbie,”’ a third chimed in. As Allen adjusted his racing suit beside his car, he shot Belinda a confident look. “If she beats me today, I’ll come after her.”’ The group erupted in laughter and applause. “What an ego,”’ Madisyn muttered, rolling her eyes. She laid a reassuring hand on Belinda’s shoulder. “Just focus and show him he’s not unbeatable.”’ Belinda met her friend’s gaze, skeptical. “I haven’t raced in years. Aren’t you worried I’ll make a mistake?”’ Find inspiring stories on “You’ll do fine,”’ Madisyn reassured, drawing Belinda closer to the starting line. “You’ve always been our rock. Remember how unstoppable you were? Allen doesn’t stand a chance, not even after all this time.”’ Belinda let a small smile creep across her face. “Okay, I’ll do my best not to disappoint.”’ Soon they were both geared up at the line. When the official waved the flag, their cars shot forward like unleashed arrows. Before the race began, everyone””Madisyn excepted””was certain Allen would win easily. Yet with each lap, disbelief rippled through the stands. Belinda, the track’s latest sensation, surged ahead of Allen so decisively that by the time he realized the threat, it was already too late. She crossed the finish line well in front of him. A hush fell over the crowd, their faces mirroring astonishment. “You won!”’ Madisyn cried, sprinting forward to embrace her friend. “I knew you had it in you!”’ Just then, Allen’s car rolled over the line and coasted to a stop. He climbed out, removed his helmet, then slid off his expensive watch and offered it to Belinda. “A bet’s a bet.”’ “Thanks!”’ Belinda managed before Madisyn, grinning, snatched the watch from his hand. “Allen, you’re such a good sport and always keep your promises!”’ Allen chuckled, his expression bright. Even in defeat, he bore no bitterness””only excitement and admiration as he watched Belinda. It had been a long time since he’d met someone as poised, skilled, and captivating as she was. “Mr. Wilde,”’ Belinda began, extending her hand with her phone in it. “Though I emerged victorious, Madisyn may have given you the wrong impression. I’m hardly new to racing. Let’s call it a draw.”’ A flicker of surprise lit up Allen’s eyes as he quickly took out his phone, saved her number and added her on WhatsApp. Once they were connected, Belinda stowed her phone away. ‘Madisyn and I are off now. Take care.’ With those words, she turned and strode towards Madisyn, her hair billowing behind her in the wind and enhancing her already striking presence. Compelled by her allure, Allen took out his phone again and took a photo of Belinda in her racing attire. He uploaded it to a chat group with a caption: ‘Just met the woman of my dreams after the race. How long do you reckon before I win her heart?’ Meanwhile, at the Cox Group skyscraper”¦ Kristopher had just exited the lift when his phone vibrated with a notification from the same chat group. It was Allen’s message. His expression turned to a frown as he opened the message and saw the photo of the woman. He came to an abrupt halt….