Evelyn frowned.

Marcus Valentine struck Zephyr again with his riding crop.

Zephyr accelerated in pain.

Marcus's eyes turned cold.

He was going to teach this love child a lesson.

With him watching, she wouldn't die from a fall.

But it would scare her out of her wits.

Marcus loved playing these games.

Countless society ladies had been reduced to terrified, crying messes by him.

Some had even lost control of their bladders.

Everyone in New York's elite circles knew his reputation as a troublemaker.

Today, he would make this love child completely humiliate herself.

Then she wouldn't dare bully Sophia Ashcroft and Isabella again.

Marcus delivered another strike.

Zephyr neighed and charged forward.

His own horse struggled to keep up.

Marcus kept close, watching ahead with a cold smile.

Zephyr was too fast. Evelyn was pressed flat against the horse's back.

Her posture was perfect, but her face must be pale with fear.

Marcus spoke leisurely. "Admit defeat now. Apologize to Isabella, and I'll let you go."

The girl on the horse suddenly turned her head.

Her peach blossom eyes were cool and calm. "How about a bet?"

She was putting on a good act.

Marcus scoffed. "Bet on what?"

"To that flag. Whoever gets there first wins."

"Overestimating yourself! What are the stakes?"

"If I lose, I apologize to Isabella."

Evelyn's voice was faint. "If you lose, you go to Alexander Vance and admit you'll never be better than him."

Marcus laughed. "Trying to get me to go easy on you? Fine. It's a bet!"

He had underestimated this woman.

She could still think of a way out at a time like this.

Fine. He'd give her an out.

Marcus urged his horse to overtake.

He expected Evelyn to slow down.

"Hyah!"

A cool voice rang out.

Zephyr shot forward like an arrow.

Instantly gaining a full horse length.

Marcus was stunned.

That skilled movement. That calm aura.

She was no beginner!

Marcus whipped his mount fiercely.

He couldn't lose to a love child!

...

Meanwhile, Isabella and the others had already stopped.

Isabella watched, covered in dust, her nails digging into her palms.

The others rushed to make excuses for her.

"Miss Isabella has always been excellent at riding..."

"Yes, she's been outstanding since childhood. Our parents always told us to learn from her..."

"Evelyn is just a pretty face, right? She was always last in school..."

"Different mothers, different daughters..."

"Look!"

An exclamation cut through the chatter.

Everyone looked at the field.

Evelyn had said something. Zephyr suddenly accelerated.

Instantly pulling ahead by two horse lengths.

Everyone was shocked.

Julian Evans couldn't believe it. "How does she know how to ride?"

Isabella was also stunned.

Equestrianism was her forte. She had won many awards.

But she had never achieved the speed Evelyn was displaying.

Isabella gritted her teeth. "It must be because Zephyr is too good... An Akhal-Teke gives too big an advantage."

Julian's face was tense. "Right..."

The others quickly agreed.

"Winning isn't honorable. Mr. Valentine is just riding a normal horse..."

"Zephyr is a top-tier Akhal-Teke..."

...

On the field, Marcus cursed under his breath. "What skill is there in relying on a good horse! If my Crimson Sun were here, you'd never win! Hyah!"

He whipped his mount furiously.

This horse was one of the best at the Vance Equestrian Club, second only to Zephyr.

But limited by bloodline, it had reached its maximum speed.

Under the repeated lashes, the horse suddenly spooked.

The chestnut horse neighed and leaped over the railing, charging outward.

Marcus was horrified, pulling on the reins desperately.

It was useless.

The equestrian club instantly erupted.

This was a serious accident! It could be fatal!

Coaches hurriedly mounted to give chase.

An ambulance was urgently dispatched.

Isabella and Julian exchanged a glance.

Amid their panic, a flicker of excitement appeared.

Marcus had the accident while racing Evelyn.

If the Valentine family investigated, Alexander Vance would be held responsible.

Offending the Valentines would ruin Alexander completely.

They hadn't expected such an unexpected bonus.

Excitement gleamed in their eyes.

Alexander also frowned deeply, quickly mounting a horse to attempt a rescue.

Marcus's status was special. He couldn't be allowed to have an accident here.

But he was too far away. The spooked horse was too fast. He couldn't catch up.

Everyone was on edge, feeling disaster was imminent.

Zephyr's nimble figure suddenly leaped into the air.

Clearing the railing, it charged straight after Marcus!