She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 28

“Who said I’m joining your team?” Loyce gave a cold snort. “You really think you’re my brother?”

The superior look on Lester’s face froze. Even the teammates beside him looked stunned, their voices jumping an octave.

“You’re not racing in the relay this year?!”

Year after year, Loyce had never missed Lester’s club events. And year after year, she’d never once been invited to their pre-race dinners or post-race celebrations. She was just a tool to win glory for Quiana and the club.

Lester immediately scowled. “Don’t be stupid. Racing with us is an honor.”

Loyce smiled faintly, without any warmth in her eyes. She tipped her chin up, staring at Lester with cold disgust. “An honor? Then tell me, does the official roster even have my name on it?”

Lester looked at her like she was being ridiculous. “Why does that matter? The slots go to Quiana, obviously. You showing up as a substitute is the biggest favor I can do for you.”

Loyce let out a short laugh. Her eyes were cold, disgusted. “Lester, you have me run the whole thing as the ‘substitute’ every year. Quiana gets the trophy. Quiana gets the prize money. So where’s my ‘honor’?”

“That’s because Quiana’s steadier than you, so I put her at the end!” Lester shot back. “Her talent isn’t any worse than yours! And besides, Quiana’s never really been treated the same in our house all these years. How much do you think she’s had to put up with because of you? Letting her have this is the least you can do!”

The people around him tried to talk Loyce down too. “Yeah, Quiana’s great. She takes racing seriously. Of course she should be up there with us when we accept the trophy. Loyce, you’re family. Don’t nitpick.”

Loyce shook out her hand, expression flat. “If Quiana’s so capable, let her take you to a win. Stop bothering me. Push me again, and I’ll make sure you can’t drive at all.”

She’d already joined Hugo’s racing club. This time, she’d make them see what happened when she became their opponent and how they planned to win then.

In front of all those people, getting knocked to the ground by a slap from a woman shattered Lester’s pride. Already hot-headed, he scrambled up and lunged for Loyce, reaching for her collar.

As the commotion escalated, restaurant security rushed in and restrained him. Tucker, who’d just left, hurried back as well.

Lester struggled, the red handprint stark on his cheek, his face twisted. “Loyce! So this is who you really are! This is how you bullied Quiana all along! You trample on every bit of goodwill I show you! Today I’m going to do what a brother should’ve done a long time ago and teach you some discipline!”