Chapter 12

Autumn watched Damien’s retreating figure, her hand trembling slightly. He had initiated the divorce, and now, with a curt command to return to the Caldwell residence, he walked away without waiting for her reply. Did he truly believe she would simply obey? To Damien, she was merely someone to summon or dismiss at will.

Autumn took a deep breath, striving to quell the turmoil within. More troubling, however, was the question of returning to the Caldwell residence. Hank remained there, and her absence would likely be misinterpreted. Yet, the divorce papers were signed, and honestly, Autumn had no desire to return.

Just then, her phone rang. It was Olivia. "Autumn, stay in the VIP suite and wait for my message. I'm taking you to meet a big shot."

Autumn momentarily forgot her concerns about the Caldwell residence. "Who is it?" she asked. This was unexpected.

Olivia's voice crackled with excitement. "A wealthy man from the Clerestia elite—just returned from Mavenloch." Given Olivia's extensive experience in the entrepreneurial world, her enthusiasm indicated someone truly significant.

Autumn hesitated. "Are you sure I should go?"

"Of course!" Olivia replied. "They're top-tier tech professionals with incredible achievements. In just a few years abroad, they've expanded their business to over twenty countries. Their work aligns perfectly with ours; you must go."

With such a remarkable resume, it was unsurprising he was on the Forbex billionaire list. He sounded impressive. However, Autumn couldn't recall Olivia mentioning any connections within the Clerestia elite.

Olivia explained, "Long story short, an elementary school classmate is somehow connected to this big shot. I'm only getting in because of that connection; otherwise, I wouldn't have a chance."

"Elementary school classmate? You still keep in touch?" Autumn asked.

"He posted on Facebook," Olivia said. "I reached out, and he was kind enough to share information. We chatted, and I knew he was someone I needed to connect with. And as luck would have it, he's here at the racetrack. Perfect timing, perfect place—I'd be crazy not to go! Even if I'm just a pretty face, I need to make an impression!"

Autumn was speechless.

Olivia, sensing her thoughts, said, "You tech folks don't get it—business requires a certain...shamelessness. Anyway, wait for my message. I'll call when it's time." She hung up.

This meeting, it seemed, was unavoidable.

After fifteen minutes in the VIP suite, Olivia messaged. She'd arrived but was in the restroom. To save time, Autumn decided to meet her there.

Entering to wash her hands, she unexpectedly encountered Britney. Given Damien's presence, it wasn't entirely surprising.

Britney, never the prim-and-proper rich lady, craved excitement and adrenaline, having fallen in love with racing early on. Her family, deeming it too dangerous, forbade her participation. So, she channeled her passion into collecting supercars, even hosting a private exhibition that attracted Havenmoor's elite. None of which, however, had any bearing on Autumn.

Ignoring her, Autumn continued washing her hands. Britney, surprised by the indifference, approached. Turning on the faucet, she casually asked, "How do you feel about Emilia's race later?"

Her tone was light, yet the intent was clear—to make Autumn uncomfortable. It was classic Britney.

Autumn didn't react. "Do you like Emilia that much?" she asked.

Britney's look practically screamed, Are you seriously asking that? "If I didn't like her, do you think I'd like you instead?"

Autumn was speechless.

"Autumn, can you name one single thing about yourself worth liking? Just one. If you can, I'll speak up for you."

Her words were cruel, yet her tone remained light and casual, each word a carefully laid trap—a subtler, yet equally ruthless, form of cruelty. No wonder they were siblings.

Autumn remained silent. Disappointed by the lack of reaction, Britney pressed on. "You must be dying to know why Emilia got into racing, right?"

Autumn was about to deny her curiosity, but Britney continued. "She fell in love with racing after watching Sun compete. She's practically a pro now. Still not on Sun's level, of course—no one compares to my Sun."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Autumn's eyes. "Because of Sun?" she asked quietly.

Lost in her memories, Britney's gaze turned dreamy, tinged with obsession and regret. "I haven't seen Sun in so long. I'm one of her biggest fans. I almost met her once! But whatever. You wouldn't understand." She glared. "That's why I don't like talking to you, Autumn. Trying to share what I love with you is like talking to a brick wall."

Autumn hadn't even spoken.

"But Emilia's different," Britney continued. "She saw someone as dazzling as Sun and was inspired. We connect—we like the same things. She's the most driven person I've ever met. I love racing, but I'm happy watching. Emilia turned passion into action. How many people can actually do that?"

Britney, raised in luxury, carried herself with an air of superiority. Ordinary people barely existed in her world. The comparison clearly belittled Autumn.

She sneered. "Autumn, it's no wonder Damien never truly cared about you. Look at yourself—aside from a pretty face, you have nothing appealing."

Drying her hands, she paused at the door. "When Emilia races, do try not to fall apart."

Again, Autumn was left speechless.

After Britney left, Olivia tapped Autumn on the shoulder. "Ms. Grey, how did you manage not to slap her?"

Autumn thought, If I slapped Britney, I'd lose all footing in Havenmoor. Allen would suffer as well. So, she smiled. "Because I didn't dare."

"Coward," Olivia clicked her tongue. "But I get it. I wouldn't mess with the Caldwells either." The Caldwells were among Havenmoor's most powerful families. Survival demanded knowing who not to cross. Still, Olivia couldn't resist a mischievous comment. "A slap wouldn't even cut it. Letting her find out you're Sun? Now that would be a punch to the gut."