"Everything you have was a gift from Brianna. What's the point of keeping an ungrateful dog?"
The word "freeloader" hit a nerve, touching on something Brandon refused to admit. The words "gift" and "dog" were even greater blows to his pride.
His face twisted in a snarl, and he ground out a curse.
"Serena!"
Adrian couldn't believe Serena would lay a hand on his friend, knowing full well that he was approaching. This was a direct slap in the face!
The little follower who had always been so obedient was suddenly ignoring him, and the feeling left a sour taste in Adrian's mouth.
To make matters worse, Hailey chimed in, "Serena, you've gone too far! Even if you have Mr. Foster backing you now, you can't just attack Adrian's friends! When you hit them, how is Adrian supposed to face his friends?!"
At the mention of Brian, Adrian's expression darkened, and a layer of frost seemed to cover his cold eyes.
He was even more determined to find out what was going on between Serena and Brian. When had they gotten together?
Remembering the radiant smile Serena had given Brian earlier, an unfamiliar fire churned inside him. His eyes darkened. "Serena, let him go. This isn't the place for your games. Aren't you embarrassed?"
"What's with all the stray dogs barking?" Serena's eyes lazily shifted toward him, her gaze cool. "Whoever starts it is pathetic. Get it?"
Adrian's chiseled face instantly tensed, his pupils dilating.
Did she... just call him a stray dog?
The others started to jeer. "Since Miss Blackwood says she can ride, does she dare to compete? The loser has to kneel and call the winner 'Dad'!"
"Just calling them 'Dad' isn't enough! Doesn't Lauren want the Ghost? Let's make the Ghost the prize!"
At the mention of a bet, the crowd grew excited.
"I..." Brianna was about to accept on instinct.
But just as she opened her mouth, she remembered her promise to Serena. She quickly shut it and looked at Serena.
"What, are you scared?" Seeing her hesitation, Lauren felt a wave of relief. She softened her tone, feigning concern. "Brianna, you shouldn't act tough just because you're mad at me and Brandon. You know Brandon can't stand people who put on a show."

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