Chapter 39
Clara and Loretta welcomed everyone with big smiles as they arrived. But John Curtis? Oh, he was definitely not in a good mood. His expression was stiff, his jaw clenched as he looked at Clara, who, to his frustration, looked more beautiful than ever.
Back in their college days, he had tried everything to win her heart—chased her, showered her with attention, did everything possible. But she never gave him a chance. And who did she end up with? Some guy he considered a complete nobody—a man who, in his eyes, was only living off his wife’s success.
Seriously? Of all people, why him?
John’s mood darkened as he glanced at Andrew, his irritation growing. He sneered and crossed his arms. "Well, well, Andrew. Looks like life is treating you quite well these days. I even see you’re driving a BMW now! Tell me, did Clara buy it for you? You’ve really mastered the art of living off others, haven’t you?"
Clara’s face hardened, clearly annoyed by his words, but before she could say anything, Loretta jumped in. "John, you’ve got it all wrong. Clara didn’t buy the car—Andrew did."
John let out a fake gasp, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, really? So, you’re telling me he could actually afford a BMW 5 Series?"
Then, as if the best idea in the world had just hit him, his eyes flickered to the empty street ahead. "You know what? Since we’re all here, why don’t we have a little race? Let’s see whose car is actually better."
Andrew sighed, already exhausted by the unnecessary drama. Why was John like this? Couldn’t the guy just move on?
Besides, there was no competition here. Not in the slightest.
His car? A BMW 760—one of the most powerful ones out there. And John’s? Compared to his, it might as well be a bicycle. If he agreed to this race, it wouldn’t be a challenge—it would be an absolute embarrassment.
But John took Andrew’s silence as fear and let out a mocking laugh. "What’s wrong, Andrew? Still the same coward from college? Don’t worry, I’ll even cover your gas money if you’re worried about wasting fuel."
Loretta groaned. "John, stop it! You’re acting ridiculous. Your car is a 540, and Andrew’s is just a 520. The power difference is huge! How is that even a fair race?"
John shrugged, clearly enjoying himself. "It’s not just about the car—it’s about the driver. A good driver can make any car go fast. But I get it… Andrew has always been a loser. No surprise he’s backing down now."
His little group of friends laughed, hyping him up. "Yeah, Andrew, just admit it—you’re scared!"
Andrew, completely unbothered, just smirked. "Fine, I’ll race. But let’s make it interesting with a little bet."
John’s interest piqued, thinking he finally had Andrew trapped. "Oh? What do you have in mind?"
Andrew shook his head. "Kneeling and apologizing? Too childish. We’re adults. Let’s come up with something better."
Right at that moment, Colby stepped out of the restaurant, looking sharp in his outfit, carrying a giant stack of fireworks. His face lit up when he saw Andrew. "Andrew! Glad you made it!"
Andrew smiled. "Colby, congrats on the new restaurant."
"Thanks, man!"
But John wasn’t having it. He snapped his fingers to get Andrew’s attention. "Hey! Stop trying to stall. What’s the bet?"
Andrew’s eyes flickered to the fireworks in Colby’s arms, and a slow grin spread across his face. "Colby, how long are those fireworks?"
Colby chuckled. "Three meters. And they weren’t cheap—cost me over six hundred bucks."
Andrew turned back to John. "Alright, here’s the deal. We race. Loser has to put these fireworks inside their car and light them up. Deal?"
John’s excitement skyrocketed.
Was Andrew serious?
John’s BMW 540 was leagues ahead of Andrew’s so-called "520." Winning was practically guaranteed.
And if Andrew lost? His own car would go up in flames! The seats, the dashboard, everything—gone.
John could hardly hide his grin. "Deal! Everyone heard that, right? The loser sets off fireworks inside their car!"
Then, to make things even more dramatic, he added, "And if anyone tries to back out, their whole family will suffer the consequences!"
The crowd went wild. More people rushed out of the restaurant to watch. Now, at least thirty people had gathered, all excited for the race.
And honestly? Everyone thought Andrew had completely lost his mind.
How could he possibly think he could beat a 540 with a 520?
This wasn’t a question of skill. The road was straight. This was purely about engine power.
Even if a legendary racer took the wheel of Andrew’s car, he still wouldn’t win.
Clara, worried, grabbed Andrew’s arm. "Don’t do this. He’s trying to set you up. Just ignore him."
Andrew smiled at her, calm as ever. "Relax, sweetheart. Your husband doesn’t lose."
John burst into laughter. "Oh wow, Andrew, I admire the confidence! Enough talking—let’s race!"
Andrew nodded. "Sure. How do you want to start?"
John pointed at an intersection up ahead. "We start there, race to the end, make a U-turn, and whoever gets back here first wins."
Andrew shrugged. "Works for me."
John smirked. "Alright! Everyone, be our witnesses—the race is on!"
He jumped into his BMW 540, revving the engine loudly.
Despite Clara’s protests, Andrew got into his own car, completely unbothered.
A guy from the crowd stepped forward. "I’ll do the countdown!"
John smirked. "Fine by me! Let’s get this over with!"
Meanwhile, Andrew calmly switched his car to sport mode.
His BMW 760? It packed a monstrous 6.6-liter V12 engine with 585 horsepower.
John’s car? A mere 3.0-liter engine with only 340 horsepower.
The difference? Absolutely insane.
But John? He had no idea. He still thought this was a fair fight.
The countdown guy shouted, "Ready! Three… two… one… GO!"
John slammed his foot on the gas, determined to leave Andrew in the dust.
He wanted to humiliate him. Completely.
But then—
A black blur shot past him.
In the blink of an eye, Andrew’s car was already far ahead.
John’s jaw dropped.
WHAT?!
How was this even happening?!
His so-called "520" had disappeared into the distance, leaving John in absolute shock.
And just like that, reality hit him like a brick—
He had been played.