4:32 PM

The girls gathered in Hazel’s room.

Winter had arrived with a small bag, her face as blank as ever. She stood in the corner, watching the others with her dark, unreadable eyes like a cat observing its surroundings, taking in every detail without revealing anything.

Hazel looked at the clothes laid out on the bed. Scarlett had brought a selection of stylish outfits: dresses, jumpsuits, accessories, everything elegant, modern and beautiful. The fabrics shimmered under the soft light, silks and satins and soft cottons, each piece carefully chosen to flatter.

Hazel picked up a deep burgundy jumpsuit, the fabric soft and flowing like liquid wine. It had a V-neck that would frame her collarbones perfectly, a cinched waist that would accentuate her curves and wide legs that would move beautifully when she walked.

"This," she said.

Scarlett nodded, her eyes appraising. "Good choice. It’ll make your eyes pop."

Winter stood in the corner, still watching.

Scarlett picked up a black dress, simple and elegant, with a high neck that would frame Winter’s sharp features and a slit up the side that would add just a hint of allure. "This for you, Winter."

Winter walked forward and took the dress. She held it up, studied it with her analytical gaze, then nodded once.

"I’ll help you with makeup," Scarlett said.

Winter’s voice was flat. "I don’t need makeup."

Scarlett shook her head. "Yes, you do."

Winter opened her mouth to argue, but Hazel shook her head. "Don’t argue. Scarlett always wins."

Hazel slipped into the burgundy jumpsuit. The fabric fell perfectly, hugging her curves, flowing around her legs like water. Scarlett did her makeup in warm tones, with soft eyes and a hint of gloss that made her lips shine. Hazel looked elegant, confident, and beautiful.

Winter wore the black dress. It fit her perfectly, the high neck framing her face, the slit revealing a glimpse of her long legs. Scarlett did her makeup too, light and subtle and barely there, just enough to soften her sharp features and bring warmth to her pale skin.

Winter looked at herself in the mirror. She was very beautiful.

Scarlett wore a deep emerald dress, the color rich and striking against her skin. Her hair was loose, falling in waves and her makeup was bold, with smoky eyes and red lips that demanded attention. She looked fierce and gorgeous.

And Bella. Bella had brought her own dress, a soft champagne color, the fabric flowing like water, with delicate straps and a neckline that dipped just enough. Her hair was in loose waves and Scarlett had done her makeup, soft and warm and luminous. Her brown eyes sparkled like stars.

"Amazing!" Bella gave a thumbs up, looking at Hazel and Winter. "You both look incredible."

Hazel smiled. Winter said nothing.

Bella turned to Scarlett. "And you look like a goddess."

Scarlett flipped her hair. "I know."

Dominique knocked on the door. "Ladies! Are you ready?"

"We’re ready!" Bella called.

The door opened.

Dominique stood in the doorway, his eyes sweeping over them. He was wearing a sharp black suit, his hair styled, his jaw clean-shaven. He looked like he had stepped out of a magazine.

He whistled. "Wow."

"Wow what?" Scarlett asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Wow everything." Dominique grinned, his eyes sweeping over them with appreciation. "All the guys are going to lose their minds tonight."

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

Cedar International Racing Arena

The car wound through the mountain roads, the peaks rising around them like ancient guardians, their jagged edges cutting into the pale sky. The clouds were breaking apart, the last traces of rain evaporating into mist that clung to the treetops like gauze. The air was cold and clean, carrying the scent of pine and wet earth, sharp and invigorating.

Bella pressed her face to the window, her breath fogging the glass with each exhale. The view was breathtaking—layers of green and gray stretching into the distance, waterfalls cascading down rock faces like silver ribbons, the road curving along the edge of cliffs that dropped into deep, shadowed valleys. She had never seen anything like it.

She hadn’t expected this.

The arena appeared through the mist like a vision, rising out of the fog like something from a dream. It was built into the mountainside, sleek and modern with sweeping curves of glass and steel that seemed to defy gravity.

The main structure gleamed under the pale sun, its surface reflecting the surrounding peaks like a mirror. Towers rose at intervals, their tops designed to look like the jagged edges of mountains, blending the man-made with the natural in a way that felt almost magical.

"Wow," Bella breathed, her eyes wide.

Dominique, sitting beside her, nodded. "It’s one of the most luxurious racing arenas in the world. Jason’s been trying to win here for years. He’s come close but never quite made it."

The car pulled through the gates, and the full scale of the venue became clear. The track itself was visible from the elevated road, a ribbon of dark asphalt winding through the mountain terrain like a serpent. It twisted and turned, climbing steep inclines and dropping into sharp curves, challenging even the most skilled drivers. Barriers lined the edges, reinforced with layers of safety technology designed to absorb impact and protect the drivers at all costs.

And the screen. It was massive, a colossal display mounted on the side of the main building, currently showing a live view of the mountain. The camera panned across the track, and Bella could see the damp patches where rain had pooled, the glistening surface that looked super dangerous.

Her stomach tightened.

"Those roads look so slippery," she said, her voice small.

Hazel leaned forward to look, her eyes narrowing. "They are. Jason’s going to have to be careful. One wrong move and he could spin out."

"Jason’s going to be fine," Dominique said, his voice confident. "He’s been training for this. He knows what he’s doing."

The car stopped at the entrance, and they stepped out into the cool mountain air. The sound of engines echoed from the track—distant roars, sharp revs, the scent of fuel and rubber mixing with the crisp mountain breeze.

They walked into the main building.

The interior was just as stunning as the exterior. High ceilings arched above them, smooth glassy floors reflected the light, and walls of glass offered panoramic views of the track from every angle. Waitstaff in crisp uniforms moved through the crowd, offering champagne and canapés on silver trays. Screens mounted on every wall showed live footage from the track, the countdown to the race already ticking down.

Bella looked around, her eyes wide with wonder.

"This is incredible," she said.

Dominique grinned. "Wait until you see the pit. That’s where the real action is."

They made their way through the crowd, past clusters of reporters and fans, past families in matching jackets and groups of friends holding signs. The atmosphere was electric, full of anticipation and excitement.