Yulia''s heart skipped a beat. This—this was the man she''d once followed without question.


    Years had passed, and though money and status had dressed Simms in the trappings of a respectable gentleman, that rough-edged, rakish side of him would always be there, simmering just beneath the surface.


    She brought him a cup of tea, her every movement soft andnguid, pressing herself close with all the gentle charm she could muster.


    "You always said Edith''s daughter was nothing special," she murmured, voice low and sweet. "We both knew she''de back one day, but honestly, isn''t that a good thing? You have two daughters-surely you wouldn''t want Victoria to outshine everyone else, would you?"


    Simms gave Yulia a long, considering look. With a nce downward he took in her impressive curves and the subtle, intoxicating scent she wore.


    Yulia''s skin was wless, her eyes smoldering with ae-hither light. A tiny beauty mark at the corner of her eye only added to her allure.


    She tracedzy circles over Simms'' chest with a slender finger, her voice sultry and teasing. "Patience. We''ve been nning this for years. We''re so close to getting everything we want. I''m not in a hurry-so why are you?"


    For the promise of future wealth and privilege, Yulia could endure anything.


    Her soothing words melted away most of Simms'' anger. His arm tightened around her waist, eyes darkening with desire.


    "You little minx. I love that wild streak in you," he growled.


    Sweeping her into his arms, Simms carried her upstairs. Yulia, knowing her seduction had worked, let herughter turn even more flirtatious and inviting.


    Simms'' simmering anger transformed into a fire he could no longer contain, and he lost himself in Yulia''s embrace.


    **The Turner Family**


    Victoria returned home clutching her prize. The house was quiet, with only Haley and a few staff around; Simms'' car was nowhere in sight, and Yulia was gone as well.


    She knew neither of them would be back tonight.


    This Friday was her mother''s memorial. She nned to visit Edith''s grave with Gwh and offer the jade Simms had bought earlier-a symbolic first step in reiming what belonged to the Turner family.


    That evening, Curtis messaged her.


    She opened it. He wanted her address.


    "I bought a dress for the wee party tomorrow night. Send me your address and the shop will deliver it."


    Simple and direct-Curtis was giving her a dress.


    A momentter, Curtis followed up: "It''s not just for you. I got one for Ailie too."


    Victoria smirked at herself for reading too much into it.


    Still, if he hadn''t mentioned Ailie, anyone might have gotten the wrong idea.


    "Thank you, Mr. Garcia," she replied simply, then turned to herptop.


    A new message popped up on WhatsApp.


    "There''s an F1 Grand Prix in Rivervale next month. I''ll be heading there early. Interested?"


    It was Osborn. Victoria felt a surge of excitement just reading his words.


    She hesitated, then replied, "I might not be able to get away."


    arted at Quantum Core


    She''d


    her


    now


    and hadn''t even


    yet. Taking a long


    just wasn''t realistic.


    "Really noting?" Osborn wrote back. "I''m turning twenty-seven this year-after this race, I''m leaving the circuit for good. Vicky, without you my car''s got no soul. Are you really willing to let me end my career with this kind of regret?"


    He was evenying it on thick, almost pleading.


    Victoria sighed. As much as people called her a finance prodigy, she missed being Vivian-the brilliant young mechanic, the girl who lived for the thrill of the track. Before marriage, it was like racing was her destiny; now, that part of her had gone dormant.


    But Osborn''s words stirred up that old fire inside her.


    "I''ll think about it," she replied.