Chapter 6 Then I'll Be Waiting

The helmet had the same design as the mask she remembered, and her heart skipped a beat. A thrill ran through her, making her pulse race.

"You're impressive," said the man from the black car, stepping out with genuine admiration in his voice.

Caylee didn't answer. "Take off the helmet. I want to see your face."

His hands tightened on the helmet, just a twist away from lifting it off.

The crowd went silent, collectively holding their breath.

"Oh my God! Godspeed, the three-time champ, is finally showing his face?"

"He better be drop-dead gorgeous!"

"Take it off! Take it off!"

The chants swelled through the stands. Slowly, the helmet shifted, and a sharp jawline appeared.

Caylee found herself holding her breath, caught in the moment.

"Wait!" she shouted just as he was about to lift the helmet fully. She stepped forward, steadying herself. "Let's make a deal."

The man froze. His face was still hidden, but his voice carried a teasing amusement. "A deal?"

"Yeah," she said, moving closer. "You tell me everything about that mask, and in return, you keep the helmet on."

The crowd buzzed with gasps and whispers.

"What's happening? Is Godspeed too scared to take it off?"

"Are you blind? The red car driver's stopping him!"

But on the track, all that noise faded away. Caylee and the man locked eyes through the visor, neither blinking nor backing down.

From the stands, Brett stared, frozen. He recognized Caylee despite her mask.

He couldn't believe it. Caylee, his quiet, obedient ex... was standing there, fearless and radiant. How had she kept this side hidden for so long?

He'd rather convince himself he was imagining it than accept she'd been holding back all these years.

Before he could spiral, a soft hand slid on his arm. Stacey's voice nudged him back. "Brett, are you okay?"

He forced his gaze downward, masking the storm inside. "Yeah, just bet on the wrong driver and lost a little cash."

A guy close by groaned. "Same here! I should've listened to Matthew and put everything on the red car. I mocked him earlier... now look at us."

Brett's gut knotted. Matthew had really put it all on Caylee?

Remembering how easy and natural they had been together earlier stabbed at him like a thorn. Shame and fury tangled up inside him.

He couldn't take his eyes off the track, where Caylee was facing Godspeed squarely.

Godspeed tilted his head, his voice teasing. "Three days. If you can figure out who I really am, I'll tell you everything about the mask, and..." He leaned in slightly, low enough that only she could hear. "The car accident."

Her chest tightened. She had guessed it right. Brett hadn't been the one who saved her.

Then, in a swift motion, the man pulled his helmet off.

The crowd erupted. First gasps, then groans of disappointment.

The face revealed was shockingly ordinary, nothing like the legend they'd built up in their heads. Some fans even openly cried, saying they'd had enough.

But Caylee's eyes narrowed. She knew better. Ordinary? Hardly.

His brows were cut sharp, his stare steady, and his presence heavy with arrogance and command, as if he stood above everyone else without even trying.

And that disguise?

Perfect.

Not just a simple mask, but a skillful reshaping of a face. Even Caylee, who was an expert herself, had to admit it was masterfully done.

With a casual flick, he tossed the helmet aside. "The proof of Stacey's little staged accident is already in your inbox," he said smoothly. "Miss Jenkins, I'll be expecting you in three days."

So he had been the one to grab the evidence before anyone else.

With a smooth, effortless walk, he disappeared into the crowd, radiating both charm and defiance.

Caylee's eyes followed him, a flicker of excitement rising in her chest.

Caylee had changed out of her racing suit and back into her street clothes. Wanting to leave without a trace, she headed for the window and jumped out-only to find Brett standing right outside.

"Caylee! Where was this side of you before?" he snapped. "We get divorced, and suddenly you're flaunting yourself! Who are you trying to impress? Or have you been wrapped up with Mr. Walsh the whole time?"

His jaw was rigid, teeth gritted as the words came out like accusations. "I really didn't know how deep you could sink."

Caylee held back the urge to slap him and let out a sharp laugh. "Filth like you assumes everyone else is just as dirty. Pathetic."

Brett opened his mouth to argue, but Stacey held onto his arm, her tone falsely sweet. "Miss Jenkins, Brett only wants what's best for you. Matthew isn't a man you can play games with. If he finds out you tricked him into thinking you're Zephyr, what will happen to you?"

"My life isn't your concern," Caylee retorted, her eyes narrowing on Brett. "But if you're worried about reputation, Mr. Griffiths, maybe you shouldn't have tossed your wife out like garbage. When that little story makes the rounds, let's see whose future gets ruined first."

Without hesitation, she shoved past him.

For three years, she'd humbled herself, thinking he saved her from the car crash. Now that the illusion was shattered, all that remained toward him was pure disgust.

"Caylee, you'd better play along with me. If Mr. Walsh finds out about your deception, you'll regret it!" Brett's voice came after her, sharp and threatening.

She paused, just long enough to flash him a dazzling, taunting smile. "Then I'll be waiting."

And with that, she walked away, leaving only bitterness behind her.