Chapter 12
Autumn watched Damien’s retreating figure, her hand trembling slightly at her side.
He was the one who had proposed the divorce. And now, with just a single command to return to the Caldwell residence, he walked away without even waiting for her response.
Did he think she’d simply obey?
To Damien, she was someone he could summon or dismiss at will.
Autumn took a deep breath, forcing herself to push aside the emotions churning inside her.
But what troubled her even more was whether she should return to the Caldwell residence at all.
Hank was still there. He would likely read too much into it if she didn’t go back.
But the divorce papers were already signed. And honestly, Autumn didn’t want to go back.
Just as Autumn was torn about what to do, her phone rang. It was Olivia.
“Autumn, stay in the VIP suite for a bit and wait for my message. I’m taking you to meet a big shot.”
Autumn momentarily set aside her worries about returning to the Caldwell residence and asked, “Who is it?”
This wasn’t what she had expected.
Olivia’s voice brimmed with excitement. “A wealthy man from the Clerestia elite circle—just returned from Mavenloch.”
Olivia had experienced plenty of high-profile events over her years as an entrepreneur.
For her to sound this excited, this person had to be someone truly significant.
Autumn hesitated. “Are you sure I should go?”
“Of course!” Olivia replied without hesitation. “They’re top-tier professionals in the tech world with outstanding achievements. In just a few years abroad, they’ve broken into multiple continents and expanded their business to over 20 countries.
“And since their work aligns perfectly with our field, you have to go.”
With a resume like that, it was no wonder this person had made the Forbex billionaire list. He sounded like the real deal.
But Autumn couldn’t recall Olivia ever mentioning a connection to anyone in the Clerestia elite circle.
Olivia explained, “Long story short, I’ve got an elementary school classmate who’s now somehow linked to this big shot from Clerestia. I’m only getting in thanks to their connection. Otherwise, I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Autumn asked, “Elementary school classmate? You still keep in touch?”
“He posted something on Facebook,” Olivia said. “I saw it, shamelessly reached out to ask how he was doing, and he was nice enough to share some information with me.
“We chatted a bit, and I knew he was exactly the kind of person I needed to get close to. And as luck would have it, the wealthy man is right here at the racetrack. With the perfect timing, the right place, and all the stars aligning, I’d be crazy not to go.
“Even if I’m just there as a pretty face, I need to show up and make an impression!”
Autumn was speechless.
Olivia could tell what she was thinking. “You tech folks don’t get it—doing business means you have to be shameless. Anyway, wait for my message. I’ll call you over when the time’s right.”
And with that, she hung up.
It seemed like this meeting was something Autumn couldn’t avoid.
After waiting in the VIP suite for about 15 minutes, she got a message from Olivia.
She had arrived but was currently in the restroom.
To save time, Autumn decided to meet her there.
She walked in to wash her hands, not expecting to run into Britney.
Then again, since Damien was here, it made sense that Britney would be too.
Britney had never been the typical prim-and-proper rich lady. She craved excitement and adrenaline and fell in love with racing early on. But because the sport was deemed too dangerous, her family strictly forbade her from participating.
So instead, she threw herself into collecting top-tier supercars.
She had even hosted a private car exhibition once, drawing in all the elite young men and women of Havenmoor’s high society.
But none of that had anything to do with Autumn.
Without sparing her a glance, Autumn simply continued washing her hands.
Britney hadn’t expected to run into Autumn, let alone be ignored by her.
She was surprised but not offended. Walking over to the sink beside Autumn, she turned on the faucet and casually asked while washing her hands, “How do you feel about Emilia’s race later?”
Her tone was light, but the intention was obvious—she was trying to make things uncomfortable.
Pulling moves like this was classic Britney.
Autumn didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, she asked, “Do you like Emilia that much?”
Britney shot her a look that practically said, Are you seriously asking me that dumb question?
“If I didn’t like her, do you think I’d like you instead?” she asked.
Autumn had no response to that.
“Autumn, can you name one single thing about yourself that’s worth liking? Just one. If you can, I’ll start speaking up for you right now.”
Her words were sharp and cruel, but her tone remained light and casual, as if she were just making idle conversation.
Although Britney lacked Damien’s icy demeanor, every word she spoke was a carefully laid trap—a subtler, but no less ruthless form of cruelty.
No wonder they were siblings.
Autumn knew better than to argue with her, so she stayed silent.
Britney, clearly disappointed by the lack of a reaction, pressed on. “You must be dying to know why Emilia got into racing, right?”
Autumn was about to say she wasn’t curious, but Britney didn’t wait.
“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 in the world compares to my Sun.”
Autumn paused, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes.
“Because of Sun?” she asked quietly.
Britney didn’t notice the shift in her expression. She was lost in her memories, and her gaze turned dreamy, tinged with obsession and a trace of regret.
“I haven’t seen Sun in so long. I’m one of her most loyal fans. I almost got to meet her once, and could’ve gotten her autograph! But whatever. You wouldn’t understand anyway.”
At that thought, she threw Autumn a look full of disdain. “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. You just don’t get it.”
Autumn was speechless.
But she hadn’t even said anything yet…
“But Emilia’s different,” Britney went on. “She saw someone as dazzling as Sun and got inspired. We actually connect—we like the same things.
“Emilia’s the most driven person I’ve ever met. I’ve always loved racing, but I’m happy just watching from the stands. But Emilia turned passion into action. She trained relentlessly until she became a pro. Tell me—how many people can actually do that?”
Britney had grown up surrounded by luxury, exposed to the finest things in life, and always carried herself with a sense of superiority.
Ordinary people barely existed in her world.
And judging by the way she spoke, it was clear that Britney genuinely liked and admired Emilia.
The more she compared the two, the more she looked down on Autumn.
She sneered and said, “Autumn, it’s no wonder Damien never truly cared about you. Look at yourself—aside from a pretty face, you have nothing remotely appealing.”
She dried her hands, then paused at the door for one final jab. “When Emilia goes out there to race, do try not to fall apart.”
Autumn was left speechless again.
After Britney left, someone tapped Autumn lightly on the shoulder.
She turned around—it was Olivia.
Olivia asked, “Ms. Grey, tell me—how the hell did you manage not to slap her across the face?”
Autumn thought to herself, “If I really slapped Britney, I’d lose all footing in Havenmoor.”
And it was not just her. Allen would be dragged down with her, too.
So, she replied with a light smile, playing along with Olivia’s teasing. “Because I didn’t dare.”
“Coward.” Olivia clicked her tongue twice, then added with a smirk, “But honestly, I get it. I wouldn’t mess with the Caldwell family either.”
The Caldwells were one of the most powerful families in Havenmoor. Anyone hoping to survive in this social circle had to know exactly who not to cross.
Still, Olivia couldn’t resist indulging in a little mischief.
“Dealing with Britney? A slap wouldn’t even cut it. You know what would really land? Letting her find out you’re Sun. Now that would be a punch to the gut.”
