Evelyn Ross spoke with deceptive lightness.

Alexander Vance’s brow furrowed instantly.

He blurted out, "No."

Marcus Valentine was taken aback.

His intention had been to humiliate her.

To mock Alexander through her.

He never expected her to agree.

Alexander’s opposition snapped him back to reality.

Marcus sneered. "What’s wrong, Vance? No faith in your own wife?"

His gaze was dismissive. "It’s just a horseback ride."

Alexander’s sharp eyes swept over him. "You know how dangerous it is for a beginner."

Marcus shrugged.

Though he had a terrible personality, he wasn’t trying to get anyone killed.

He seized the chance to taunt, "If you can’t handle it, don’t come! Some people just have to insert themselves everywhere. If you’re useless, stay home and be a trophy wife. Stop embarrassing yourself!"

The rich heirs behind him chimed in.

"Exactly, Vance. Why are you treating a love child like some precious gem? Why bring her out if she’s so delicate?"

"The great Alexander Vance, brought to his knees by a woman. Who would’ve thought?"

"Hey, love child. If I were you, I’d stay in my gilded cage. Stop making a fool of yourself."

Amid the ridicule, Isabella Ashcroft and Julian Evans exchanged a glance.

Excitement shone in their eyes.

Evelyn was about to be utterly humiliated.

After this, Robert Vance would surely use it as an excuse to force a divorce.

How could the Vance family have such an unrefined hostess?

Isabella spoke softly, "Mr. Valentine, please understand. My aunt… she hasn’t seen much of the world…"

Marcus snorted. "Trash with no class. What a buzzkill."

His eyes shifted to the equestrian club, lighting up at the sight of Zephyr.

He turned to Alexander. "I’ve long heard about a legendary horse in San Francisco called Zephyr. It lives up to the hype. Alexander, a hero deserves a steed. This horse is just a plaything for your amusement. Sell it to me. Name your price."

Marcus had coveted Zephyr for ages.

A great horse was hard to find. Especially one this wild yet loyal. It was an equestrian’s dream.

Seeing Alexander lead Zephyr around earlier had infuriated him.

A horse like this deserved respect!

Alexander’s voice was cold. "Not for sale."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Not for sale? So this love child can ruin it? I never took you for such a simp back in school."

He frowned. "Besides, I heard no one could tame Zephyr when it first arrived in San Francisco. It almost starved! Until your city’s best horse trainer finally broke it. Is this how you repay their effort?"

Someone behind him asked, "What horse trainer?"

Marcus explained, "There’s a female horse trainer in San Francisco these past few years. Any horse submits to her. Many wild horses would rather starve than yield, but the ones she tames keep their spirit. Incredible!"

"A woman? Taming horses? Really?"

Marcus scoffed. "Of course! Zephyr was tamed by her. Look at it now…"

He walked into the club, approaching Zephyr with near reverence.

His obsession with horses was fanatical. "Look at that coat. Those muscles. Just standing still, you can imagine its power in motion… The most amazing thing about that trainer is she never harms the horses…"

Marcus sighed. "I’d love to meet her."

Julian quickly interjected, "Mr. Valentine, stay a few more days. I’ll arrange an introduction."

Marcus laughed dismissively. "New York is far from San Francisco. I plan to stay. But no need for you to arrange it. If I get a lead, I’ll pay my respects personally…"

Someone chuckled, "Mr. Valentine, it’s just a horse trainer. Is it that serious?"

Marcus lifted his chin. "Of course it is! How many strong men fail to tame great horses? She succeeds. She’s a heroine among women!"

He deliberately glanced at Evelyn. "Not like some people who’ve never even ridden. Needing a lead rope just to sit on a horse. How pathetic."

Evelyn ‘The Horse Trainer’ ‘Pathetic’ Ross: "…"

She understood now.

Marcus wasn’t targeting her status. He was targeting her personally.

No doubt Isabella had said something…

As she pondered, Alexander stepped forward. "Marcus Valentine. Have the guts to race me. Picking on a woman? What kind of man are you?"

Marcus grinned. "I’m not racing you. I couldn’t beat you abroad. I’m not stupid enough to embarrass myself."

He reached out to touch Zephyr’s head.

Suddenly, Zephyr reared up, whinnying loudly, and kicked straight at Marcus’s groin!

Marcus paled, stumbling back two steps to regain his balance.

A burly man, unconvinced, called out, "Hey, this horse is that wild? Let me try!"

He grabbed the reins and mounted.

He was Marcus’s personal equestrian coach, specializing in taming horses.

But Zephyr was different. The moment the man mounted, it went wild.

In under two minutes, it threw him off!

"Feisty horse," the coach praised.

The crowd gathered to watch.

Zephyr tossed its head proudly, circling with arrogant grace.

Others moved to try, but the coach stopped them. "The horse is agitated now. It’s dangerous to approach."

Everyone stepped back.

Evelyn was retreating with them when a strong push from behind sent her stumbling right in front of Zephyr!