Afterpleting the secondp, Hera and Xavier elerated once more. Their horses began to exhale heavily, steam billowing from their nostrils, yet they continued to run side by side. Both riders hunkered down in the saddle, their bodies pressed closer to their mounts.


    They poured every ounce of effort into the final sprint, pushing their horses to the limit until they crossed the finish line. A hush fell over the crowd as Hera and Xavier reached the finish line simultaneously. Confusion hung in the air as spectators tried toprehend the oue. Slowly, Hera and Xavier brought their horses to a halt at the side of the track, the tension palpable in the silent aftermath.


    [AuntieNextDoor: Who’s the Winner?]


    [PasserbyGod: I don’t know too...]


    [HeraismySister: +1]


    [JustReading: +1]


    Hera’s legs felt numb as she dismounted from Diamond, causing her to stumble and nearly fall to the ground. Thankfully, Xavier was there to catch her, his strong arms circled her small waist supporting her as she regained her bnce.


    "Are you alright?" He asked, concern evident in his voice as he helped her stand upright. Though he too felt the strain in his legs after the intense ride, he remained steadypared to Hera’s unsteadiness.


    Hera nodded with a smile. "Yeah, thanks." She couldn’t resist giving Diamond a pat on its sweaty neck, acknowledging its efforts in the race as it breathed heavily from exhaustion.


    Shortly after, Zen joined them. "You two are so fast!" hemented, admiration evident in his voice.


    "We are not the ones running, it was the horse," Xavier stated matter-of-factly, his gaze fixed ahead.


    Hera couldn’t help butugh at his statement. It was undeniably true, but the deadpan delivery from Xavier,bined with his poker face, made it amusing.


    Their banter brought everyone back to attention, and the Director seized the moment, reying the recording of the finish line live a few more times. The cameraman stationed there had captured the moment perfectly.


    Realizing the need to inform everyone that they had to review the footage before announcing the winner, he quickly exited the OB van and hurried to the race track.


    "Xavier! You were amazing out there!" Alice’s sweet voice interrupted Hera’s lighthearted conversation with Xavier and Zen. Though Hera maintained a neutral expression, she couldn’t help but observe Alice’s every gesture.


    Alice sprinted directly in front of Xavier, positioning herself right where Hera stood, effectively blocking Hera’s view. Her long red hair flowed down her waist, and her aquamarine eyes sparkled with admiration for Xavier, as if he were the sole focus of her attention, oblivious to anyone else’s presence.


    Hera didn’t dwell on it and simply left after spotting Bry and his father heading their way. She walked over to them, leading Diamond by the reins.


    "Sister! You were amazing!!!" Bry eximed, leaping in front of Hera with wide-eyed admiration as if he had discovered a new idol to emte. Bry’s teenage brother joined them, pushing his uncle sitting in the wheelchair closer to where Hera and his father were.


    "It truly was a remarkable race," Bry’s uncle remarked with a smile directed at Hera. There was something poignant in his gaze, a mixture of fondness and mncholy that Hera couldn’t ignore. She felt a pang of empathy knowing how much he must have cherished horseback riding and racing.


    The way he looked at Diamond was filled with longing, a silent yearning for the exhration of riding, a joy now beyond his reach due to his condition. Despite his physical limitations, his enjoyment of watching the race was unmistakable, his eyes reflecting the thrill of thepetition.


    "It was all thanks to Diamond’s superb speed and endurance that we were able to reach that far," Hera replied, subtly acknowledging their meticulous training methods and the dedication they put into nurturing Diamond’s abilities. She didn’t want to im all the credit when their sess was the result of their collective efforts in raising and training the horse.


    Bry’s father’sughter thundered, and he said lightheartedly, "Don’t be too modest. I’ve been so busytely that I’ve neglected the horse’s training. It’s thanks to you that Diamond could run to its heart’s content since yesterday."


    "That’s true, I’ve heard a lot about you from the kids, especially how you managed to tame Diamond. That alone is already admirable," Bry’s unclemented with a gentle smile.


    Hera suddenly felt her face growing warm, but she managed to smile and ept thepliment graciously.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?"


    The Director positioned himself near the entrance of the racetrack, addressing the crowd with earnestness. "I understand the anticipation surrounding the announcement of the race winner. However, as you are aware, the close finish has made determining the victor a challenging task. Rest assured, my team and I aremitted to thoroughly reviewing the footage to ensure uracy before dering the winner. In the spirit of transparency, we will present a slow-motion version of the footage for all to see, enabling you to collect your winnings with confidence. Thank you for your patience and understanding."


    Upon hearing the Director’s announcement, the vigers, who had been anxiously awaiting news of their winnings, erupted into joyful celebration. With renewed hope, they eagerly awaited thepletion of the show crew’s review, anticipating a fair and urate oue.


    "I’m hungry," Xavier whispered in Hera’s ear from behind, causing her to jump in surprise. Despite her racing heart, she fought to maintain herposure, forcing a smile. However, Xavier seemed to sense her unease, a mischievous grin spreading across his lips as if he had seen right through her facade.


    "We haven’t collected our points for today’s work yet, so we don’t have anything to cook," Hera stated matter-of-factly.


    Xavier’s smile broke, concern evident in his voice as he asked, "No food at all?"