Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 525

Vernon wasn't about to let Jiro off easily; the guy was the one who started being arrogant in the first place.

He'd be doing Stella a massive disservice for helping him if he didn't slap Jiro's ego down hard.

Jiro clenched his jaw and said stubbornly, "Who's going back on their word? I'll do it!"

He couldn't be the reason Rubinia Country lost its dignity.

Vernon lifted his chin, radiating smugness. "Then let's hear it! We're all listening!"

Humiliated, Jiro forced out three agonizing barks.

Once it was over, he clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and hissed, "Don't get too smug. One of these days, I'm going to make you pay. Hmph!"

He stormed off in a furious huff!

Vernon led his team away, utterly triumphant and riding high. Today was incredibly satisfying.

After changing out of her gear, Stella went to find Vernon, only to see him leading his crew back already.

Back so soon? Was their trash-talking game that weak, or what?

"How are you guys back so quickly?"

"Haha, Jiro looked like he was going to die of anger. He barked like a dog and stormed off furious. Absolute victory for us."

Vernon finished boasting and immediately added, "Come on, let's throw a victory party!"

"Hell yes! Thanks, Mr. Lowell. Let's go drink until we drop!"

On the road.

Just like on the way there, Stella rode in Vernon's car.

"Vernon, just a heads-up. You really should look into your guy, Ajax."

Stella hummed. "So that means even if Ajax had raced, he would have thrown the match? But backing out entirely doesn't give Jiro a good excuse either."

Vernon analyzed it. "Stella, there's another possibility. Jiro knew beforehand that Ajax's skills might actually beat him,

so he paid Ajax off. As long as Ajax didn't race, he was absolutely certain no one else on my team could touch him.

After all, my skills are second only to Ajax. No wonder Jiro had the guts to come to my face yesterday and make that barking bet."

"That makes a lot of sense. Handle it however you see fit. I just felt something was off and wanted to give you a heads-up. Just don't blame me for sticking my nose where it doesn't belong."

"Are you kidding? I couldn't thank you enough. Does Julius know you race?"

"He didn't before, but after today, he definitely does."

Vernon, Julius, and Jason were all friends. There was no way this was staying a secret, and she hadn't planned on hiding it anyway.