The NASCAR race was scheduled for 9 p.m., so they had plenty of time to stroll around the local market near North Peak.
"Vivienne, you've got to try this!"
Kala was fully decked out. She was wearing a wide-brimmed hat, dark sunglasses, and a mask that covered most of her face.
Even though she was practically incognito, she made no attempt to blend in. It was almost as if she were begging to be recognized.
Vivienne accepted the skewer that Kala offered as her eyes wandered around their surroundings.
She had only ever felt this peaceful with Percival. She couldn't help but relax.
"The NASCAR races at North Peak were held sporadically. We're pretty lucky this time. I heard Hurricane is also participating in this race. It's going to be exciting!"
Kala casually shared her knowledge while they strolled. "Hurricane is a well-known daredevil in the racing world. He's known for his high speed and dangerous tactics. He tends to stick close to his opponents, and if you're not careful, he can easily force you to crash."
Being a big fan of car racing, Kala was pretty familiar with the scene.
She had watched several of Hurricane's races. Each one was more thrilling than the last, so they never failed to keep her on the edge of her seat.
"Oh." Vivienne responded with indifference.
"I'm not kidding. You'll understand once you see it."
They continued to chat and eat, and as they reached the south end of the market, they bumped into a familiar face.
"Carl?!"
"What are you doing here?" Kala asked, surprised to see him.
Caught off guard, Carl glanced at Vivienne, who was standing next to Kala, and couldn't help but show his annoyance.
Seeing his silence, Kala warned him. "You should be at home at this hour, not running around. Our mom will have your hide if she finds out!"
"It's not even nine o’clock yet." Carl fired back.
Kala noticed the race car next to Carl, and her voice grew louder. "Carl! Are you sneaking around and racing again? You're asking to be grounded!"
Kala stood with her hands on her hips as she looked at her tall, defiant younger brother. She began throwing out threat after threat at him. "You must have forgotten how Mom dealt with you last time!"
Their mother, Cheryl, was adamantly against Carl racing.
She had strictly forbidden him from going near the race track, even going as far as to smash one of his race cars.
At the mention of their mother, Carl's tone softened. "Sis, I'm sorry. Please don't tell Mom!"
Carl feared nothing except the wrath of Cheryl and Kala.
"I might consider not telling her." Kala's lips curled up into a cunning smile. "Lend me your precious race car, and I might let you off the hook."
Kala wasn't a skilled rider, but she was passionate about the thrill and the challenge.
"No way!" Carl knew exactly how ‘competent’ she was and refused immediately. "With your half-baked skills, you'll wreck my car."
He was depending on his vehicle to win tonight's race.
Although the prize money wouldn't cover his monthly allowance, he was currently broke and couldn't afford to be picky.
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