The qualifying race was set in Brindley, drawing elite racing teams from all around the world.
Many were here just for the experience and to make connections, not truly expecting to secure a spot in the International Grand Prix. But if they couldn't even get a decent ranking in the qualifying race, they had no chance of making it to the international stage at all.
Jude didn't join them for the trip. Instead, he arranged for a coach named Louis Burke to lead the three racers. Before they left, Jude repeatedly reminded Noelle not to be nervous and that this was just a test run for someone like her. It was nothing worth worrying about.
She knew he was trying to ease her nerves. After all, it'd been far too long since she'd last competed internationally.
Upon their arrival at the hotel, Louis wanted to go off alone with Derrick, but Alexis wasn't having it. "Coach Burke, Coach Landaal reminded you to take care of the team before we left. You're not planning to give Mr. Clarkson special treatment, are you?"
Blunt and outspoken, Alexis had adopted Noelle's habit of speaking her mind after spending so much time with her. Now, she was practically a mini Noelle.
Some even joked that she was Noelle's apprentice.
As a coach, being called out by Alexis like this embarrassed Louis. "Mr. Clarkson and I have some men's business to take care of. It's fine if you want to tag along, but don't come crying if you get scared!"
His crude implication made Alexis both angry and flustered. Who knew Louis was a man like that?
Crossing her arms, Noelle smiled and said, "Since you both want to go have fun, we won't stop you, but don't forget that we're here to race, Coach Burke. If some scandal blows up now, don't come running back to Jude crying about it."
She knew that some men on business trips would sneak off to massage parlors or foot spas, claiming it was relaxation when it was just to seek excitement.
Still, she didn't think Louis and Derrick were up to that.
Louis chuckled. "Don't worry about that, Noelle."
After he led Derrick away, Alexis turned to Noelle and angrily said, "It's obvious that he's ditching us on purpose, Noelle!"
Before departure, they'd promised to stick together, so she couldn't understand why Derrick would betray them after arriving in Brindley.
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