Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 390

"You skipped the exams last week, and now you're skipping lectures?" Ethan scolded, his brow heavily furrowed.

"But it's Julian's finals! I just want to support him. Who knows when he'll race locally again?" Mara whined.

Lacey instantly flared up. "Enough! Your brother is finally racing in Melvion City. If you two don't want to go, fine, but don't stop your sister!"

"I just signed a new action movie contract. I have lines to memorize and stunt choreography to drill. I literally do not have the time," Damon shot back.

Julian sat in the corner, chugging a bottle of water. He didn't care who showed up. He raced for the adrenaline, not an audience. He was used to being the lone wolf of the family.

"Julian, can you withdraw from tomorrow's race?" Ethan asked suddenly.

Ethan had suffered a terrifying nightmare about the track last night. The details were blurry, but the suffocating dread was entirely real.

"Are you out of your mind, Ethan? I've been prepping for this circuit for months!" Julian snapped.

"Fine. But Mara stays home. I'll go to the track with you. End of discussion," Ethan commanded. His instincts screamed that Mara's presence was a lethal omen.

"Ethan, if you want to go, go. Why are you dragging Mara down?" Lacey yelled.

"Don't bother, Ethan. I don't need a babysitter in the pits," Julian growled, slamming his water bottle down and storming off to his room.

The next morning, Ethan woke up at six, only to find that Julian had already left for the paddocks. And he had taken Mara with him.

The race didn't start until ten. Why the hell did they leave so early?

Ethan threw on a suit, intending to head straight to the circuit, when his corporate secretary called.

"Mr. Mercer, the acquisition bid was rejected by the board."

Cursing under his breath, Ethan ordered his driver to reroute to the Mercer Group headquarters.

Breathing heavily, Ethan dialed Leo Gable, Julian's paddock assistant.

The line rang out. Nobody answered.

Ethan dialed again. Still nothing.

He called Julian's phone again. Mara didn't pick up. He dialed a fourth time before she finally answered.

"Ethan, the guards are blocking me!" she cried.

Ethan hung up, realizing she was entirely useless. He dialed Leo one last time. This time, the assistant answered.

"Do whatever it takes to stop Julian from getting in that car," Ethan commanded.

"I'll do my best, Mr. Mercer, but he's completely wired. He's not going to listen to me."