RedNovelChapter 135 Travis watched the small figure racing around the track, his emotions a tangled knot of worry and protectiveness.
He knew this lap would leave his little sister exhausted-he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.
In that moment, he made a silent vow: *Even if she loses, I won't let her face the fallout alone.* If worst cto worst, he'd walk away from the Carmichael family with her. He'd take care of her, no matter what.
Sure, Manley could be stingy, but he had his generous days. And after all these years, Travis had saved enough-it wouldn't be hard to support the two of them.
Citrine was the smallest girl on the track, and since she'd been trailing behind for most of the race, no one expected her to win. Travis didn't, either.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThat is, until Sylvan suddenly shouted, "No way-she's passing them!" Travis snapped his gaze back to the track. Citrine, who'd been running at a steady pace, suddenly surged forward in a burst of speed. With every stride, she picked up momentum, overtaking one runner after another. Tension silenced Travis. All he could do was watch her intently, silently praying nothing would go wrong. With just one lap to go, Citrine was running even faster, closing in on Regina, who'd been half a lap ahead. Yet Citrine's breathing remained steady and calm.
"She's been pacing herself for a final sprint," Springer observed, quietly impressed by Citrine's stamina. "Unbelievable! If I didn't know she was Primus Academy's top scholar, I'd swear she was a track athlete," Sylvan exclaimed, high-fiving Springer in excitement.
"Her endurance is unreal," Carney added in awe.
Regina glanced nervously over her shoulder as Citrine closed the gap with alarming speed. Her own breathing faltered.
*No way. This can't be happening.* As Citrine drew closer, Regina's forehead broke out in even more sweat.
*I can't lose. Not now.* Just as Citrine was about to overtake her, Regina subtly stuck out her right foot.
Citrine had always been wary of Regina, but she hadn't expected her to stoop to such a cheap trick.
As she reached Regina, Citrine suddenly accelerated, stomping hard on Regina's foot as she passed.
Regina's face went pale, pain shooting up her leg. *Damn you, Citrine*, she cursed inwardly, gritting her teeth and forcing herself to keep running.
By now, Citrine had left everyone far behind. She was the first to cross the finish line.
Thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd. The moment she left the track, students from Primus Academy hoisted her up, tossing her in the air and catching her again, over and over.
Regina crossed the finish line a full minute later. Seeing Citrine surrounded by adoring fans, she muttered bitterly, "It's just first place. What's the big deal? Look at her, acting all smug." The results were clear: the winner had been decided.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTravis, leaning on his cane, made his way over. Regina spotted him immediately.
She recalled that she and Travis had only met a handful of times; there was hardly any bond between them. Regina guessed he must be here for her.
"Travis!" she called, excitement bubbling up at the thought that he hadn't paid her any attention in so long. She ran toward him.
But Travis didn't even glance her way.
He walked straight past her and stopped in front of Citrine. You must be exhausted. Here, have a drink," he said, pulling out a bottle of water and gently dabbing the sweat from Citrine's forehead with a tissue. Citrine accepted the water without hesitation, taking a sip and letting Travis wipe her brow.
They looked every bit the picture of a close-knit brother and sister.
Watching them, Regina felt a sharp stab of envy. Sure, Travis was just a nobody from Havencrest Technical College, but it still stung to see him care for Citrine more tenderly than he ever had for her. Citrine, surprised to see Travis there with his cane, asked, "What are you doing here?"
Travis looked away awkwardly, not wanting her to feel guilty. Thinking quickly, he fibbed, "Oh, it's just s Sylvan. NO He had an event today and insisted I ccheer him on." He shot Sylvan a meaningful look. "Yeah, that's right," Sylvan chimed in instantly, catching on without missing a beat.
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