Filed to story: The Heiress Rises From Ashes Book PDF Free
As the championship final loomed, Brenna and Alex both decided to use the same horses from the previous round.
Among the other eight finalists, decisions varied; some opted for fresher horses, banking on better stamina, while others, like Brenna, valued the established connection and rhythm with their current mounts.
The tension was palpable; eyes full of challenge were fixed on Alex, everyone eager to dethrone him.
Completely absorbed, Brenna stood by her horse, caressing its mane and murmuring words of encouragement, oblivious to her surroundings.
This disregard made Ethan feel invisible. Wasn’t it obvious he was there just for her?
Beside Ethan, Rosie offered a light smile and suggested, “Ethan, why don’t we head to the stands? It’s a better view from there.”
Ethan, uninterested in leaving, dismissed her suggestion. His cool demeanor intact, he replied, “No, you go on. I need to speak with Brenna.”
Rosie, slightly irritated, said to Brenna sharply, “Brenna, Ethan is trying to get your attention. Are you even listening? How dare Brenna ignore Ethan!”
Rosie nudged Brenna in anger.
Brenna, caught off guard, turned to them, confused. “Sorry, what was that?” she asked.
Rosie, turning to Ethan, complained, “Did you see? She didn’t hear a word.”
Ethan chose to prioritize Brenna’s preparation. He approached Brenna with an apologetic expression. He said, “I picked a terrible time to talk. I know talking to your horse helps with your synergy and performance. I’m sorry for interrupting. Focus on your race, and when you win the finals, let’s celebrate.” His apology was genuine.
Brenna nodded in acknowledgment. “Alright.”
Both Rosie and Neville were dumbfounded, having never seen Ethan offer an apology like that before.
Ethan had really just taken the initiative to apologize to Brenna.
It was downright shocking.
Neville was so stunned that he just stood there, mouth hanging open. Rosie, even more stunned, stared at Ethan for what felt like forever before it finally hit her-Ethan might actually have feelings for Brenna. This wasn’t just a fleeting crush; his actions spoke louder than words.
“Ethan, I did great, too! Second place and a new personal best. Shouldn’t we go and celebrate now?” Rosie hoped her longstanding friendship with Ethan would elicit some praise from him.
She waited for Ethan’s compliment, eyes fixed on his face, which bore a subtle smile. Yet, his attention remained fixed on Brenna, his gaze tender.
Ethan had never looked at her that way.
In a fit of frustration, Rosie grabbed his arm and shook it. “Ethan!”
Ethan turned his attention to her and shook off her hand, his voice icy, his gaze piercing. “Don’t touch me,” he said.
However, when his eyes returned to Brenna, they softened significantly.
The final race was imminent. Brenna, leading her horse to the starting line, was closely…
Followed by Alex, who declared confidently, “This round, I’ll beat you, Night. I’m the most skilled rider here.”
The rest of the contestants glared at Alex, dismissing his boastful claim. “Not a chance!”
“We’ll show you real strength!”
Alex, unbothered by the surrounding disdain, shrugged off their comments.
Before long, everyone was lined up at the starting line.
With a sharp bang, the race began. Everyone shot forward like arrows. Brenna lagged slightly at the start, and within seconds, Alex had pulled far ahead, leaving her in the dust.
Alex, having gained a considerable lead, reveled in his dominance. With a cocky grin, he lifted his right hand and made an obscene gesture toward his competitors before waving his riding crop at the roaring crowd. His voice rang out arrogantly. “You are all pathetic! Completely worthless!”
“Someone needs to shut that guy up! Let’s take him down!” One of the male riders racing alongside Brenna clenched his jaw in anger. He had endured Alex’s cocky behavior long enough.
Brenna exchanged a look with him. She had no intention of wasting energy in the early laps. Her plan was clear-start steady, gradually increase speed through the second and third laps, then unleash her full power in the final stretch.
For now, maintaining a ten-meter gap between her and Alex was ideal. It was close enough for her to strike when the moment was right but far enough that he wouldn’t feel threatened.
This distance was perfect.
Brenna gave the competitor beside her a small, knowing smile but made no move to speed up.
However, the man had already taken Alex’s taunts personally. Unable to tolerate the mockery, he cracked his whip, urging his horse to quicken its pace-though not by much-keeping himself still alongside Brenna.
Meanwhile, Alex confidently began his second lap.
Convinced that he had left his opponents far behind, he threw a glance over his shoulder-only to find Brenna and a male competitor not far behind him.
That ten-meter gap was dangerous. If they surged forward at the right moment, they could easily close in.
For the first time, Alex’s cocky facade cracked. His eyes flicked back toward Brenna repeatedly.
Meanwhile, Brenna remained composed, her expression almost indifferent, as if this were just a casual ride rather than a race. The lack of urgency in her gaze was infuriating to Alex-it was as if she didn’t consider him a challenge at all.
Furious, Alex raised his crop and lashed his horse harshly, demanding more speed.
The horse, pained by the blow, galloped forward with renewed energy. But it didn’t last. Barely half a lap later, its pace began to drop.