James watched silently as the figure almost tucked under the car, shaking his


    head slightly without a word. He casually ced his headset in the box next to the car door and wandered over to the vehicle with the eagle emblem, slipping inside with ease.


    As the engine roared to life, Mirabe let out a sigh, slowly straightening up. Her eyes caught the headset in the box, and after a moment of hesitation, she put it


    on.


    Before long, James''s deep voice crackled through the headset, "You ready?"


    Mirabe tightened the strap of her helmet, gripped the steering wheel, and focused on the track ahead. Racing a former champion was the kind of thrill that pushed all awkwardness aside.


    She raised her hand, shing an OK sign in the air.


    In the blink of an eye, she floored the elerator, and the red sports car zipped away like aet, bold and dazzling.


    James watched the car speed off, a smirk tugging at his lips, then quickly followed suit.


    These cars were top-notch, souped-up for peak performance and safety, and neither driver was willing to back down. It was as intense as any official race, with pride hanging in the bnce.


    Drones buzzed overhead, capturing the action on the racetrack and transmitting it to aputer.


    Curtis, leaning against a car with theputer in his arms, kept his eyes glued to the screen as the two cars raced neck and neck at dizzying speeds. This wasn''t like the race from the other night-this was all about speed.


    Wyatt, watching nearby, couldn''t hold back his amazement, "Never thought Ms. Mirabe could keep up with James like this."


    Curtis didn''t tear his gaze away, just remarked, "Pity you missed her race with Andi that night. Now, that was some serious skill.”


    Even though James was a phenomenal driver, there was something about Ms. Mirabe that made Curtis ponder a more serious matter. It seemed James''s standing at home might take a hit.


    Below the drones, the red and ck sports cars kept racing, leaving only streaks of color in their wake-a true treat for the eyes.


    Wyatt, stroking his chin, mischievously suggested, "Think of the buzz if we posted this video online tonight."


    Curtis''s lips twitched, giving him a frosty look, "Feel like risking your life? Go ahead and post it."


    "Hey... just thinking out loud, wouldn''t actually do it," Wyatt shrank back,


    remembering thest time he got sent away.


    Curtis chuckled, letting thement slide.


    Inside her car, Mirabe nced at the car beside her, perfectly matched with her own, and raised an eyebrow as she spoke into the headset, "Not too shabby!"


    A true champion, his skill was no joke. The so-called third-best in the world couldn''t even hold a candle to him.


    Mirabe''spetitive spirit was fully fired up, a fierce determination glowing in her eyes.


    James, hand casually on the wheel, seemed perfectly at ease, showing none of the usual tension of a high-speed race. Hearing Mirabe''s words, he replied coolly, "You''re pretty impressive yourself."


    Had he entered the championship that year, the oue might not have been so certain in his favor.