Too Good for You The Ex-Wife You Lost novel Chapter 122

Liam thought about pressing further, but it was obvious Hunter had no interest in discussing the family. His stance was firm, leaving Liam no room to push. The idea of going home and dealing with their parents' inevitable questions already made Liam's head ache.

Sometimes, he envied his younger siblings for having the courage to walk away.

He didn't, and he couldn't.

…

That night, Noelle was having dinner at the hotel with Alexis when she spotted Derrick walking with Louis. She pulled Derrick aside to a quiet corner and asked, "Derrick, did Louis talk you into throwing games?"

Neither of them had competed today, so there was still time to stop it.

Derrick looked at her with feigned confusion. "Ms. Quinn, I don't know what you're talking about."

Noelle pulled out a recorder. "I've got the recording of Louis talking with the coach from Norland. He offered you five million dollars to throw a race. Derrick, do you realize what that means?"

If he lost to Norland, his standing in this round of qualifiers would definitely take a hit. How would he ever get recommended for the International Grand Prix after that?

Derrick dropped the act when he realized she'd figured it out. "Ms. Quinn, to be honest, I was the one who asked Coach Burke to set it up."

Noelle was stunned. She had assumed Louis was just in it for the money, taking a cut and conning Derrick. But it turned out Derrick had pushed for it himself.

Derrick gave a bitter smile. "The coach from Norland promised me that if I lost just one race, he'd recommend me for their national team. With their slot, I'd get the chance to race internationally."

Noelle was even more shocked. "You mean you're planning to leave our intensive training camp after this and join Norland's national team?"

She couldn't understand his decision.

Derrick's face turned red. "Ms. Quinn, I'll admit it. You're a phenomenal driver. I'll probably never surpass you. You've always shared your techniques freely, and because of that, our whole team has advanced further than ever before."

He dropped his gaze. "But maybe that's exactly why I can't stay. With my skills, I'd probably never break past the top ten here in Stonegate. But if I switch to the team in Norland, I could be top three, maybe even number one."

His eyes carried a desperate hunger. "I've been racing since I was a kid. My parents even sold their house back home so I could keep going. They've sacrificed everything, and I can't let them down…"

She murmured, "Norland's national team isn't all it's cracked up to be. The food's awful, the language barrier is tough, they treat foreign drivers terribly, and—"

"Ms. Quinn!" Derrick cut her off, his voice breaking. "Please, stop. Don't say any more."

His decision had nothing to do with her. It was simply knowing he wasn't good enough.

Noelle fell silent. After a pause, she said, "Alright then. I wish you the best. When we meet at the International Grand Prix, we'll be rivals."

She flashed him a smile. "When the time comes, don't expect me to go easy on you."

Through his tears, Derrick managed a shaky smile. He understood what she meant. She agreed not to expose him.

He wiped his face. "Don't worry, Ms. Quinn. I won't disgrace the intensive training camp. No matter where I go, I'll always carry the stamp of this place."

His gaze dimmed. "Coach Landaal will always be my coach."