bChapter /bb186 /b

    Ashton sat by the bay window for a long time. Only when a car pulled up did he close hisptop, get up, and head. off to change. Briar walked in just behind Connor, curious to see Ashton’s reaction to her email–not for sympathy,

    but to know what he honestly thought.

    Connor greeted Briar with a bright, enthusiastic smile. “Morning, Miss Jennings.”

    Briar smiled back. “Morning.”

    “You’re up early today. Are you waiting for a morning run with Mr. Wade?” Connor iasked/i. He had recently taken over Brandon’s responsibilities, driving Ashton back and forth each day. He knew that whenever Ashton stayed here, he not only prepared Briar’s meals but also served as her morning running partner.

    Briar nodded. “Yeah, I woke up early today and came over to see Ashton.”

    As they chatted, Ashton came downstairs dressed in his workout gear. He approached Briar and gently kissed her forehead. “Why are you here so early?”

    The warmth of his kiss made Briar instantly lose her cool. “Someone’s here, you know…”

    Ashton chuckled, took her hand, and started leading her toward the door. “Who? I don’t see anyone watching.”

    “Connor’s still here,” Briar said, turning to point out that he was still standing nearby. But just as she did, Connor quickly slipped into the kitchen, disappearing like he’d been greased up.

    Briar was utterly at a loss for words. Ashton grinned. “See? No one’s here now.”

    By the time they reached the yard, ino /ione else was around. As Ashton began to stretch, he casually asked, “Briar,

    did

    you ever face any bullying back in school in Qathana?”

    Briar raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like the type that can be easily pushed around?” She leaned closer, teasingly asking, “What’s with the sudden interest, Ashton?”

    Ashton’s eyes flickered as he gazed at her face, now mere inches away. “I’m curious about what you were like back in Qathana. You’re so pettie and sweet–what would you have done if someone tried to mess with you?”

    Briar made a fierce expression, but to Ashton, she still looked as cute as ever. “If anyone tries to bully me, I’ll beat them up!” She raised her gentle little fist yfully toward Ashton’s face and twirled it. “I’m serious, I’m good at fighting. No kidding.”

    Ashton gently held her fist and said, “Oh, I believe you. I bet you could kick some ass.”

    Briar nodded earnestly. “Just wait–next time I get the chance, I’ll pick a fight and show you what I can do.”

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    The women’s two–mile race was divided into three groups, and by chance, Briar and Beatrice found themselves in the same group, assigned to neighboringnes. Considering the recent tension between the sisters, Beatrice chose not to make small talk this time. In the stands, Halle had brought Camden to support Beatrice. “Go, Beatrice!” they

    cheered.

    Sitting next to them was Robert, his eyes fixed on the track. He intently observed the girl assigned to thene beside Briar, his hands clenched into tight fists as he silently hoped she would contribute this time.

    Briar shot a casual nce at the girl who had edged a little closer to her, then let out a lowi, /iambiguous snort. The girl instantly recoiled, her shoulders hunched, afraid to meet Briar’s gaze. ‘With nerves like that, does she think she can mess with someone? Isn’t she worried about getting burned herself?‘ Briar wondered.

    Beatrice, on the other hand, had noticed the girl’s nerves. She leaned in, engaging her in conversation and offering a quiet pep talk, even hinting at a reward if she performed well. “Leni, don’t stress. Just be yourself out there- the championship is practically calling your name!”

    Sure enough, Leni seemed to rx significantly, her expression much more rxed. “I’m fine inow/ii, /iso don’t worry. I’ll give it my all.”

    As the race was about to begin, Briar couldn’t be bothered by the pretense of invisibility from the two blocking her path. She shoved them aside. “Move aside, you’re in the way.” Perhaps Briar was simply that strong, or maybe the two girls were off bnce, but with just a gentle push from her, both of them fell over.

    The crowd gasped as a wave of shock swept through the stands. However, the starter was already calling the runners to their marks, so none of the other athletes dared to speak. They helped the two girls to their feet, and everyone took their positions, ready for the race to begin.

    “Bang!” The starting gun fired, and everyone on the track surged forward–everyone except Briar. She casually strolled off the line,pletely unfazed, as if the race didn’t matter to her at all.

    Beatrice and Leni took off quickly in thenes right beside her. By the time they realized Briar wasn’t even trying to keep up, they had already left her 160 yards behind. Leni kept ncing back. “Beatrice, why is she running so slowly?”

    Beatrice frowned, equally perplexed, “Who knows? Perhaps she’s saving her energy for a final sprint. That works for us. When we reach the secondp, let’s catch up to her. Don’t waste your opportunity–stay calm, or someone

    might get suspicious.”

    Leni nodded, “Got it. Don’t worry.” She had already taken the cash. No matter how anxious she felt, she had to see the job through topletion. With that kind of money at stake, paying it back was her only option. She was tired of people showing up at her door, demanding she settle her debts.

    Ashton and Hamish were also seated in the stands, enjoying the best seats in the house, surrounded by university administrators from various institutions. “Hey, what’s Briar up to now?” Hamish chuckled, observing Briar move along at a snail’s pace.

    Ashton watched with interest. “Isn’t she running beautifully? Her breathing and strides are perfectly in sync–she

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    13:23 Thu, 21 Aug A

    doesn’t even seem tired.”

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    Hamish shot him a look. “Is that what I meant? Are you two hiding something from me? Please don’t tell me someone’s trying to set Briar up or sabotage her out there!” Hamish had observed everything that urred before the race began, and after noticing the two girls repeatedly looking back, he immediately sensed that something

    was amiss.

    Ashton just smiled, looking all mysterious. “Just wait and see–it’s still anyone’s guess who’s setting up whom.”

    Hamish nodded. “Alright, as long as you guys have it under control. I’ll sit back and enjoy the drama.”

    After all, Ashton was as cunning as a fox–once he sensed danger, he would never let it pass by. And Briar, she was

    not foolish at all.

    As they entered the secondp, real excitement started. Beatrice deliberately slowed her pace to match Briar’s rxed speed, engaging her in conversation to keep her distracted. At that moment, Leni caught up, and the

    three of them found themselves running side by side.

    As they ran, Leni suddenly turned pale and began to sway, appearing as if she might copse at any moment. Usually, there would be observers stationed along both sides of the track during a race, but at that moment, there

    wasn’t a single one near the three of them.

    Beatrice noticed that Leni didn’t look well and, sounding concerned, asked, “Leni, are you okay?”

    Leni shook her head, breathing heavily in short gasps. She opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly her foot slipped, causing her to sway. In an unexpected move, sheunched herself straight at Briar.