Chapter 40
Time was ticking down, and upon hearing Michael's words, Isabella smirked coldly.
She made up her mind to let Michael lose.
The signal to start was given, and within a second, a dozen race cars shot off the starting line, leaving only excited spectators and a cloud of white smoke behind.
Olivia's car malfunctioned shortly after the start, forcing her to return to the starting point.
She maintained a good attitude, knowing that even if she chased after them, she wouldn't catch a glimpse of Ivan. So, she stayed back and used a drone to monitor the road conditions.
Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts had gathered at the mountaintop, eager to witness the two racers in action.
The entire race was incredibly thrilling.
After the first turn, the racer who appeared in the lead was surprisingly Michael, who had started last.
Not only did he easily overtake Ivan, but he also left Isabella far behind.
But Isabella was not willing to admit defeat.
At the most likely spot for overtaking on a curve, she caught up to Michael at an extremely high speed and overtook him on the outside.
The car roared as it sped up, and Isabella pressed the car so low that she was almost parallel to the ground.
At this moment, she was less than 15 feet away from a steep slope.
If a landslide occurred, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Michael's heart nearly stopped.
Isabella must be crazy to risk her life just to win. If something went wrong, she wouldn't stand a chance of surviving.
He was genuinely afraid for her safety and deliberately drove closer to the inside, slowing down.
They passed each other side by side.
As Isabella overtook him, she raised her hand and flipped Michael the middle finger.
Michael, with a dark expression, followed closely behind her, watching her skillfully navigate each turn, though her maneuvers were increasingly nerve-wracking.
He had never known she could race, let alone so professionally.
She was leagues ahead of Ethan, who constantly bragged in front of him.
However, he had no intention of letting her off the hook for what she had just done.
Isabella dared to perform such dangerous stunts just to win a race; if he didn't teach her a lesson, she wouldn't know his limits.
The cars reached the finish line at high speed, and Isabella was surrounded by cheering people.
The other cars arrived one after another.
Seeing Michael, with his long legs, get out of his car and stride towards her with a grim face, Isabella's heart tightened.
She knew he had recognized her. Without waiting to see him strip and run the track, she quickly put her helmet on a nearby girl and ran away.
Everyone there was dressed in racing suits, making it impossible to spot Isabella in the crowd.
As Michael strode over, his intimidating presence made everyone fall silent.
After all, tonight's reward was for the loser to run naked.
But no one dared to mention it because Michael looked ready to tear someone apart.
His gaze was fixed on the winner.
Everyone silently stepped back, clearing a path.
Michael, tall and muscular in his black tight-fitting suit, exuded a powerful and sexy aura.
He casually tossed his helmet to Ethan.
His handsome face was fully revealed.
Ethan, excited, took out his phone, ready to watch the drama unfold.
But the crowd gasped and screamed at the sight before them.
"Oh my God!"
The racing god was actually Michael!
The most noble and mysterious man in Evergreen City, the heir to the Brown Family, Michael.
The girl wearing Isabella's helmet almost forgot to breathe as Michael stopped in front of her. His face was simply too perfect.
Moreover, Michael was the racing god of southern Valoria, whom she had dreamed of meeting.
Now, Michael was within arm's reach.
She couldn't believe she wasn't dreaming.
Michael removed his gloves and took off the helmet from the girl's head, his expression changing instantly.
"It's really you, Michael. I love you so much." The girl hugged Michael the moment he took off the helmet, but he pushed her away as soon as she touched his clothes.
Michael exuded coldness, his sharp gaze sweeping towards Ethan.
It was as if he would hold Ethan accountable if he couldn't find her.
Ethan swallowed nervously and quickly asked, "Why are you here? Where's the winner? Where did she go?"
Even Ethan could tell that the girl in front of them was not Isabella.
Did she... run away?
The girl, frightened by their imposing presence, stammered, "I-I don't know who you're talking about."
Ethan immediately understood and pleaded with Michael, "Mr. Brown, you can't blame me for this. She must have run away because you exposed yourself."
"I'll deal with you later!" Michael shot him a fierce look, turned around, and drove off in pursuit.
Ethan stood there obediently, not daring to mention the bet. When Michael got angry, it was more than he could handle.
Isabella had already reached the foot of the mountain in Olivia's car.
After teasing Michael, she felt much better.
It was a pity she couldn't see Michael strip. If she could have taken a photo, she would have had leverage over him for life.
Just as she entered the city, Isabella's phone rang.
It was her biological father, Indigo.
Years ago, when Daniel took her away, Indigo, her nominal father, became a stranger to her.
But it seemed only she thought so. Ever since she married into the Brown Family three years ago, Indigo had frequently asked Michael for resources.
Later, he realized that Michael cared more about her sister, Bianca, than her.
Only then did Indigo stop trying to "please" her.
The last call was three months ago when Indigo questioned why she hadn't yet conceived a child for the Brown Family, which embarrassed him.
After a few rings, Isabella answered the call, curious about what Indigo wanted this time.
Indigo yelled into the phone, "Isabella, what the hell is wrong with you? It's bad enough you bully Bianca in public, but you dare to seduce Michael in front of her and almost got her hurt. I'm telling you, Bianca is very upset right now. You come to the hospital and apologize to her in person. If she doesn't forgive you, don't even think about coming home ever again!"
If Isabella were in front of him, he would have slapped her without hesitation.
Isabella pulled over and sneered, "Indigo, I'm not like them. Don't use that commanding tone with me."
Indigo said, "You ungrateful brat, you have no manners. How dare you call me by my name? If you don't come today, I'll make you taste the Taylor Family's rules tomorrow!"
Family rules?
Thinking back to her childhood when Bianca would say, "Isabella broke it..."
Without listening to her explanation, Indigo would slap her hard.
Isabella found it incredibly ironic. "Talking to me about family rules? Don't forget, I stopped being a Taylor the moment I left. But if you insist on me coming over, you better not regret it."