He hadn''t expected anyone to be renting the track at this hour. After a moment''s hesitation, he nced up at the emptynes. "Mind if I take a quickp? Just one and I''ll be out of your hair."


    Facing Andi, the world''s third-ranked racer, even someone asposed as Zack Shepherd felt a twinge of nerves. He came to the track hoping a quick run might shake off the jitters and awaken some hidden potential.


    As shook his head firmly, leaving no room for doubt. "Sorry, that''s not gonna happen."


    Zack felt a pang of disappointment but, seeing the formidable aura of the people before him, he opted for a polite retreat. He reversed his car and started to leave.


    Yet, he hadn''t driven far before pulling over again. Sitting in silence for a moment, he unbuckled his seatbelt, stepped out, and headed back.


    The track had a grandstand that offered a sweeping view of the bends. Zack took off his helmet, tucked it under his arm, and climbed to the top step. He sat, resting his hand limply on his knee, his eyes unfocused as they drifted over the track.


    If it had been anyone else today, he''d have felt confident, but this was Andi-a legend known for his ruthless precision on the track. Many had fallen to his skill.


    A wry smile tugged at Zack''s lips as he let out a soft sigh. After a few minutes, he stood to leave. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a silver sports car gliding through a distant bend, and he froze.


    The car, like aet against the night sky, executed a wless high-speed drift that even seasoned pros would envy.


    Whoever was behind the wheel...


    Zack''s grip on his helmet tightened as his eyes tracked the silver car through several bends. Each maneuver was unique and breathtaking.


    Trailing behind was a ck car that was decent enough, but it couldn''t hold a candle to the silver beast up front.


    He''d bet even Andi couldn''t match that driver''s drift skills.


    Zack was floored. When did such a phenomenal driver pop up locally?


    If he could persuade this driver to represent the Shepherd family against Andi tonight, their odds would skyrocket.


    Hope flickered in Zack''s eyes as he leaped down from the grandstand, leaving his car behind as he sprinted towards the track.


    As, noticing Zack''s return, narrowed his eyes and motioned for his men to intercept him.


    Zack, unfazed even by the daunting Curtis from the Shepherd family, wasn''t about to be intimidated by As''s crew. "Hey, Ie in peace. I just want to have a word with the owner of that silver car, if that''s alright?"


    The silver car''s owner-wasn''t that Miss Mira?


    As''s expression turned serious. "What do you want with her?"


    "Would she consider racing for us? We can offer a generous payment, just this once," Zack blurted out.


    As recalled that the neighboring track was also booked for a race. Was Zack from the other track?


    Understanding dawned, and As shook his head. "We''re not in need of money, and we don''t race on behalf of others."