From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

As soon as Chase finished speaking, an uncanny silence fell over the room.

Daniel, in particular, looked mortified-his face shifting from pale to flushed, the embarrassment clear in his eyes.

How could he be the fool here? It was Sherman who had misunderstood Rebecca, wasn't it? Who else could that mysterious racer be if not her?

Rebecca's hand, stirring her coffee, froze mid-motion. Her complexion paled a shade. Chase belonged to Mr. Christensen, and wasn't Mr. Christensen supposed to like her? What was he getting at now?

Rebecca's grip tightened around her silver spoon.

Daniel shot Chase a glare, trying hard to swallow his anger. "You said Sherman sent you with a video. Then show us. Let's all take a look at this video!"

He was ready-he wanted to see, for himself, who would dare impersonate Rebecca. The very thought made his blood boil with indignation.

Hector chimed in, "He's right, Chase. Talk is cheap. If you have proof, let's see it."

Hector had known Daniel for years. Sure, Daniel could be a bit of a flirt, but he wasn't gullible enough to be tricked so easily. Besides, Hector's impression of Rebecca was positive-she didn't seem like the type to stage a deception.

At that moment, Rebecca's heart hammered in her chest.

She had, after all, bribed the driving school—she'd been assured the surveillance footage would never see the light of day. They'd even destroyed it in front of her. That was why she'd been so confident, so certain no one could ever trace the identity

now, Mr. Christensen had managed to

be that the driver in the footage was actually her? She did remember showing off her driving skills at the school once, with some help from the "system." Or—maybe there was no video at all. Maybe Mr. Christensen was just

"Chase, if you have

tablet, and tapped a

recording from inside a

dismissive voice: "Not going to fail, huh? Fine! Here, take the wheel and show us what you've got. Dinah,

screen, a young woman in the driver's seat turned slightly toward the instructor. "Are you ready?"

snow-pale skin,

to this woman,

The video continued.

ahead. And let me

the car shot forward, tearing down the S-curve like

training car, but in her hands, it moved

control, the

series of high-level

maneuvers—drifting, side-slipping,

that left the instructor