Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 464

Rory was about to crash right into Chris when, out of nowhere, a car shot forward like a streak of lightning. Shadow slid in front of Rory just in time, nudging Chris' car safely out of harm's way.

Rory, who’d been ready to send Chris flying, slammed on the brakes but it was too late. His car smashed into the barricade with a sickening thud. Sparks burst in every direction and, for a moment, his car hung in the air before crashing back down and spinning out of control.

The crowd erupted with screams.

Even with all the built-in safety features, the impact was brutal. Rory felt a warm trickle sliding from his temple, blurring his vision. He tried to steady himself, but the pain was sharp and immediate.

Accidents like this weren’t unusual in racing. Still, when Rory didn’t respond or send for help, the rescue team sprinted onto the track, equipment in hand.

Even with the accident, the race was still going full throttle. Country D’s team, now without their captain, fell apart fast. Forget about chasing Country A. Other teams blew past them, leaving their hopes in the dust.

Lydia finished the entire race in thirty-five minutes and eight seconds. Two hundred and ninety kilometers, and she’d conquered every twist and turn, each section more challenging than the last. Most of the racers hadn’t even reached the halfway point when Lydia was already celebrating her win.

The stadium exploded with cheers. The chant of “NO1” thundered through the air, shaking the stands.

With Lydia out in front, Chris crossed the finish line right behind her, then Jay, Weston, and Arden followed. Weston and Arden looked at each other, stunned. They had never done this well before. It felt unreal, like something out of a dream.

Country A had totally dominated the first real race. If Chris could keep the team going like this, the championship would be theirs without question.

Lydia left the track and quickly changed clothes. She pulled out her silver needles and gave Chris' two teammates a quick treatment. Thanks to her, both of them could compete again that afternoon.

They felt way better. After watching the race, they were still buzzing from how wild and exciting it was. Finding out Lydia was the legendary NO1 just blew their minds. No wonder her advice had helped them take down Country D.

Now that NO1 had already finished and the energy in the arena was starting to settle down, Lucinda’s words carried through the crowd around them.

Connor saw the sweat on Lydia’s forehead and gently pulled her into the seat next to him. He grabbed a little electric fan and held it up so the breeze cooled her face.

“You must be exhausted.”

Lydia gave him a small smile. “I’m okay.”

Iceblade rolled his eyes. “Okay? Do you even realize how much you were sweating out there?”