HOW TO MAKE DIAMONDS

TWO

Unlike Amber, Jade didn't know much about cars. Her knowledge was limited to which ones looked cool and which ones were just flashy. But tonight, one car caught her eye—a sleek black sports car racing against a burnt orange Dodge. It was breathtaking, the kind of beauty that made your heart skip a beat.

"Who are we rooting for?" she asked Chase, leaning in close to speak over the roar of the engines. "Because I gotta tell you, that black car is hot as hell."

Chase grinned, enjoying her enthusiasm. "Yeah, actually, the other one. It's my cousin's. His friend must be around here somewhere. I'll introduce you later if you want."

"Sure." Jade nodded, turning her attention back to the race.

The black car won, of course. And when the drivers got out, Jade's eyes widened. Of all the people she expected to see, she hadn't anticipated familiar faces.

Carter approached them with an easy smile, his energy more warm and playful than arrogant. "Jade! Didn't think I'd see you here," he said, genuinely pleased. "You caught the race. What'd you think?"

Jade crossed her arms, smirking slightly. "You lost."

Carter laughed, unfazed. "True. But I lost to my  idol, and I made it look good, right?" He glanced over at Chase, who was shaking his head in amusement.

Jade didn't let up. "Keep telling yourself that, Carter."

"Will do," he replied easily, his grin widening. "But honestly, it's good to see you out here. Didn't think races were your thing."

She just shrugged, not really giving any answer.

Chase then leaned in toward Carter, a more serious look on his face. "Heads up, he's coming over." And she saw Carter put this really cool, really chill facade.

Jade frowned, catching the shift in their expressions. "You look like you're trying to impress someone."

Chase nodded toward the approaching figure, his expression turning serious. "That's because he is."

Everything about Seb screamed trouble, from the cocky smirk to the confident swagger in his walk. Jade's eyes narrowed as he approached, unfazed by the crowd that parted for him. The onlookers whispered and stared, clearly recognizing the winner of this race.

"Baby Jay? Is that you?" he asked, his voice dripping with familiarity.

"Aren't you a little too old for racing? We can't have your old-man sight causing an accident." The smug smile never leaving her face.

Sebastian chuckled, ignoring the reaction from those near them. "Oh, I thought I was the same age as your ex?"

"Axel is younger than you," she shot back, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, by two weeks." His grin widened as if he enjoyed her irritation.

Jade huffed and rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

The boys around them had gone quiet, completely forgotten by now. Carter looked utterly confused, like someone had just insulted his favorite icon. Kyle, on the other hand, watched intently, his dark eyes flickering with curiosity.

The man leaned in closer to Jade, lowering his voice. "By the way, have you heard the news? His lawyer said he might be getting out sooner on good behavior."

Jade's smug demeanor cracked for a split second, her expression faltering. Her mind raced. It wasn't that she was unhappy about the news; she knew deep down that Axel's arrest was her fault. But since his sentencing, Axel had cut ties with her completely. It still hurt, even now.