Chapter 104
“I won’t miss it!” Portia exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over.
Calliope stood beside Portia, glued to the massive screen showing the race. The competition was intense, the kind of action that had everyone on their feet, cheering and waving flags.
Calliope’s eyes were on one particular car, her expression serious. If things went the same as in her previous life, that car would be in trouble.
“Go, Lance, go!”
“Lance is in the lead!”
Portia was shouting encouragement for Lance, waving her flag enthusiastically. Calliope glanced at her but kept her focus on the screen.
The moment was approaching. It was about to happen if Calliope’s calculations were correct.
Just as the crowd cheered, one of the cars seemed to malfunction. In an instant, it veered off the road, flipping dramatically.
“Oh my gosh!”
“Car Number Three is in trouble!”
“It’s flipping over!”
“No, it’s on fire!”
“Whose car is that?”
“I think it’s Nigel Howell’s car!”
“What? Nigel? You mean the Nigel from Howell Auction House?”
“Yeah!”
“Someone call 911, quick! If that car explodes, it will be a disaster!”
“Callie, where are you going?” Portia’s heart was pounding in her chest. She turned to find Calliope already
moving away.
She hurriedly followed, and her nerves were on edge. “Callie, what are you doing?”
Portia watched Calliope jump into a car. Without hesitation, she climbed into the passenger seat, watching Calliope with wide eyes.
“Saving someone.”
Calliope’s response was brief, her eyes as steady as a lake. She floored the gas pedal, and they were speeding towards the scene before the crowd could grasp what was happening.
“Nigel?” Portia blinked, confused. “Do you know him?”
“No, but I’m about to,” Calliope replied.
Her gaze was intense, and the car sped forward as if it had wings.
The race had come to an abrupt halt. People crowded the scene of the accident. Some called for help, others tried to assist, while a few watched in shock.
Nigel’s car was billowing smoke, and a few brave souls had attempted a rescue.
But the door was jammed, and despite their efforts and various tools, it refused to budge.
After several failed attempts, the rescuers had no choice but to retreat for their own safety.
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14:59
Chapter 10
“The door’s stuck!”
“Isn’t the fire department here yet? We’re running out of time!”
“Oh no, don’t go near it. It looks like it’s going to blow!”
“But Nigel’s still in there!”
“We can’t do anything. Going near it now would just risk our own lives!”
Despite the urgency, no one dared to approach any closer. The car was smoking more heavily, with flames starting to lick its exterior.
The risk of explosion was imminent. Charging in recklessly could mean losing your life. Besides, it was Nigel in that car, and everyone knew his reputation as a real piece of work. No one thought it was worth risking their own life for him. They had tried when there was still a chance, and that was enough to ease their consciences. As Calliope and Portia raced towards the scene, the crowd had pulled back, unwilling to get any closer.
Valerian was among them, the sight of the unfolding disaster making his legs go limp.
“Callie, it’s going to explode. You shouldn’t go!” Portia pleaded, grabbing Calliope’s arm.
“I have to,” Calliope replied, narrowing her eyes. “Don’t worry. Nothing’s going to happen. You stay here and be ready to call for an ambulance. I’ll have him out soon!”
The firefighters are almost here. Let them handle it!” Portia saw no one else was brave enough to step forward and didn’t want Calliope to risk it.
But Calliope was already moving, striding determinedly towards the danger.
