Too Good for You The Ex-Wife You Lost novel Chapter 198

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In the middle of the celebration, Noelle noticed Derrick slipping away.

He had come to Emberfield but hadn't actually competed. As one of the top drivers in the intensive training camp, his absence from the track left her with regret.

She knew that in yesterday's qualifier, if he hadn't been the first to step up and change her tire, the others wouldn't have followed his lead. His quick action had saved her precious time.

Through the crowd, their eyes met.

"Derrick!" she called out and hurried over to him.

He kept his head down, tugging the brim of his cap lower, as if afraid someone might see him talking to her.

Noelle frowned. "Derrick, are you really willing to spend your career doing grunt work for the Norland Racing Team? You used to be a captain! You told me you wanted a world championship. If you don't want to stay with them, I can talk to the coach and get you back into the intensive training camp—"

"No." Before she could finish, he interrupted her. The brim of his cap cast a shadow over his eyes as he said calmly, "Ms. Quinn, the choice was mine. Since things have already come to this, I have no right to blame anyone else."

When he finally looked up, there was a sincere smile on his face. "I'm doing alright. Even if I'm just a support on their team, I still had a chance to help you yesterday. That means I'm not completely useless, right?"

His smile carried a bitter edge. "As for racing, my time will come. The drivers on the Norland Racing Team aren't better than me. Maybe next time, or the one after that, I'll get my shot. If I'm patient, it'll happen."

He lowered his voice, rough and heavy, his tall frame sagging with resignation. "Besides… I took a few million from them back then. That money was enough to help my family. I can't just take it and not do what they ask."

Noelle's chest tightened with something close to pain.

What a waste. He was a talented driver, and if he had stayed in the intensive training camp, he would have had his chance to race internationally in the next year or two. But the moment he retired and signed with Norland, that path was gone.

She had only wanted to thank him for helping her yesterday. If he refused, she couldn't force him.

Still, she spoke with quiet weight. "Derrick, don't forget that you're one of the finest drivers Stonegate has ever produced. You're no less than anyone, and you don't deserve to be trampled by anyone."