"Con, you've got to give Bella more than just a bite to eat after the massive favor she did for you," teased the long-haired
girlfriend with a playful smirk.
"Seriously, Bella, don't be shy. Just take what she gives you and enjoy it," another friend chimed in.
"A gift less than 10 million just doesn't cut it for Bella's special trip, right?" Kelly added with a mischievous laugh.
"Bella isn't like you money-grubbers," Ophelia said with a smile as she turned to Arabella, "She helpedout big time, for free!
That's what a true friend is. You all could learn a thing or two."
The group teased her about being stingy and tightfisted.
"A friend is meant to be fleeced, is that it?"
"The esteemed Ms. Almond being so penny-pinching with her true, heart-and-soul friend?"
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"Bella, once she comes home, we'll take her out and treat her to a feast on your behalf."
The girls continued to laugh and joke until Ophelia said, "Alright, enough chatting. The food's getting cold, and I've got sjuicy
secrets to share with Bella."
She ended the video call and eagerly loaded Arabella's plate with food.
Arabella looked at the mountain of food in her bowl, with her eyes sparkling, "That's enough."
"There's more folks outside grilling up. Once we're done here, let's head to the backyard for a bit more to eat. We can huddle up by
the fire pit and warm up," Ophelia said excitedly. "I heard tonight's race was absolutely electrifying - the top level in the field of the
car racing."
"That's an exaggeration," Arabella said, with her lips curving into a smile and her eyes alight with amusement.
"I heard Harlan was so frustrated by your driving that he lost all composure and made a spectacle of himself. With you behind the
wheel, the trophy was as good as ours."
Ophelia had seen Arabella's driving skills firsthand. Once, when an assassin had targeted Arabella, Ophelia had been with her. To
protect Ophelia from getting involved, Arabella had displayed her driving skills, which was nothing short of breathtaking.
They'd also raced cars privately a few times. Even though Arabella always went easy on her, Ophelia could tell that Arabella was
leagues above her.
For others, racing was thrilling and fun; but for Arabella, she drove like a pro only to escape danger and stay alive.
That's why she kept such a low profile, not wanting people to know about her many talents.
"Daydreaming?" Arabella's long lashes fluttered, wearing a soft smile which denoted the intimacy of friendship.
"No. Just thinking about what Candice said. She said Harlan was so outclassed that he forced their team captain to step in, only to
be beaten by you. For him, it's got to be the ultimate humiliation."
Arabella seemed surprised, "That captain is that good?"
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"An internationally renowned racer, who kept undefeated in so many races. People only know him as Sean because all the drivers
wear helmets, and no one has seen his real face. He usually doesn't bother with these underground races."
Ophelia's curiosity got the better of her. "Did you see his face tonight? What does he look like?"
Without hesitation, Arabella replied dismissively, "Pretty punchable."
"He must be really annoying then."
"He even asked about you."
Ophelia was taken aback.
"You know him?" Arabella’s gaze settled on her.
Completely confused, Ophelia replied, "Not at all. Could it be he's noticedbecause | wanted to win his track and open it to the
public? Oh no, what if he holds a grudge against me? Do you know why so many people fear the Drift Kings? Even with Harlan
messing up all the time, no one dares cross him because he's got Sean backing him up."