Chapter 7

.Emilia's challenge sent a ripple of disbelief through the entire crowd.

"No way-there's no chance she could really offer a treatment from Asclepius. If she's bluffing, she's just signed her own death sentence."

"She's probably just putting on a show, hoping to、fool us. Asclepius doesn't just hand out treatments to anyone."

"But look at her-she doesn't seem like she's lying.And if what she says is true, then twenty percent of the Mitchell Group's shares is a small price for something so valuable."

In the midst of the whispers, Elias, who had been quietly observing, frowned ever so slightly.

"If Emilia's really got access to Asclepius, we should just strike a deal now." Wilbur leaned closer, keeping his voice low. "No rush." Elias lifted a hand, signaling him to wait.

"How can we not rush? If what she claims is real, the Mitchells would gain so much fromn this!" Wilbur's impatience was clear.

A sly smile touched Elias's lips. "You honestly think Emilia is going to lose?"

"How is she supposed to win? She's just a housewife, facing off against a seasoned racer. The outcome's a foregone conclusion. Heartbreak must have pushed her over the edge, thinking she can survive a Death Race."

Wilbur shot a glance at Elias, puzzled by his calm.Normally, Elias was razor-sharp-why did he seem so detached now?

Wilbur's eyes drifted down to Elias's legs, a wave of quiet frustration passing through him.

Once, Elias had dominated the tracks, racing under the code name TO, smashing Racer Ace's record.

If not for that crash, Elias might still be rewriting history.

Wilbur's greatest hope was that they could win the Asclepius treatment-maybe then Elias would walk again.

"Let's make a bet. I wager Emilia will win, Elias said at last, his voice steady and cold after a long silence.

Wilbur stared at Elias in disbelief, then reached over and pressed the back of his hand to Elias's forehead."Are you feeling all right? Did you hit your head? You must be joking!"

"Are you in or out?" Elias didn't even bother to look up.

A sly grin broke out on Wilbur's face. "All right, let's make this interesting. If Emilia loses, I get that plot of land up north. If by some miracle she wins,you can have the property I just picked up."

Elias's lips twitched with a faint smile. "You've got yourself a deal."

"Don't you dare back out if you lose. Moments like these-when you're not thinking straight-are few and far between." Wilbur couldn't help but tease him.

"You have my word." Elias kept his eyes on Emilia, his voice calm. Her boldness was something to behold.

Wilbur let out a loud laugh. "That land up north is practically mine already!" he exclaimed, overflowing with confidence.

"Don't start celebrating just yet," Elias replied coolly.

Wilbur grinned. "Oh, come on! When I win, I'll finally be able to say l've beaten you. The whole city will hear about it."

Elias kept that mysterious smile on his lips, offering no further comment.

He was convinced-he would win this wager.

"She's putting everything on the line, risking that chance at treatment. If she panics and slams into those barrels, it's all over." Wilbur's real fear was that if the Mitchells got their hands on the Asclepius treatment, Elias might never have another shot at walking again.

Even with those worries hanging in the air, Elias showed no hint of doubt.

."Are you really so sure she'll win?" Wilbur asked.

Elias met his gaze, unflinching. "I do."