Xenia Graves returned Sara Hart to Adrian Blake after a brief stroll.
Lucas Graves, feeling restless, suggested a trip to the stables, and the group headed to the back of the mountain where the horse farm was located.
"How about a little race? It's been ages since we've had a chance like this," Lucas Graves proposed, his excitement obvious.
Xenia Graves rolled her eyes. "You're the worst rider here yet always the most eager."
Eric Thorne shrugged. "I'm in."
Adrian offered no objections either.
Lucas Graves turned to Sara. "Want to join us?"
Sara smiled politely. "You all go ahead. I don't know how to ride."
Lucas Graves set the rules. "Alright, the first one to the big tree on the hill and back wins."
Just as he finished speaking, a cheerful male voice interrupted.
"What a coincidence, running into Mr. Blake and Mr. Graves here."
Sara looked toward the source of the voice and saw a middle-aged man with a scholarly demeanor. He wore black-rimmed glasses and carried himself with an air of casual refinement.
Adrian gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment.
"Mr. Liu," Xenia Graves greeted politely. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"Of course, I had to come to celebrate Mr. Thorne's big opening!" Liam Liu replied warmly.
Liam Liu and Eric Thorne were frequent collaborators, and he'd worked with Xenia Graves on a few projects before. The group naturally exchanged pleasantries.
Trailing behind Liu was Rachael, who seized the opportunity to approach Adrian with a smile.
"What a coincidence, running into you again."
"Miss Hall, you know Mr. Blake?" Liam Liu asked, curious.
Rachael offered a demure smile. "Yes, we met in college."
Liam Liu, aware of the recent news surrounding Adrian and Rachael, perked up. "Ah, it's always good to meet old acquaintances. Fantastic!"
Rachael was dressed impeccably, wearing a chic designer dress with her hair styled in soft waves. Her slim, dancer's frame and graceful posture were impossible to ignore.
Noticing how Rachael's gaze lingered on Adrian, Xenia Graves asked with a raised eyebrow, "And who might this lady be?"
"She's a new artist signed to my company," Liam Liu explained. "I brought her along to discuss a project with Mr. Wong."
Xenia Graves gave Rachael a once-over, a faintly knowing smile tugging at her lips.
Rachael felt uneasy under Xenia Graves's gaze but couldn't pinpoint why.
"How about joining us for a race, Mr. Liu?" Lucas Graves asked, changing the topic.
"Why not!" Liam Liu replied with enthusiasm.
Rachael stepped back with a polite smile. "I'll sit this one out—I'm not dressed for it. I'll wait with Miss Hart."
The riders donned helmets and protective gear, choosing their horses before lining up at the start. They raced off like arrows from a bow at the sound of the starter's signal.
Sara's attention was drawn to Adrian. His fluid motion as he mounted his horse and the effortless way he controlled the reins exuded confidence and grace.
As the riders disappeared into the distance, Rachael edged closer to Sara and broke the silence.
"Miss Hart, do you ride?"
"No," Sara replied with quiet politeness.
Rachael chuckled softly. "It's not surprising. Riding requires both time and resources—it's not something everyone can afford to learn."
Sara's gaze remained on Adrian in the distance, unaffected by the veiled jab.
Rachael hesitated for a moment before asking, "Miss Hart, what's your relationship with Adrian?"
Sara turned her attention back to Rachael, her expression calm. "Why do you ask, Miss Hall?"
"I've never seen you around him before," Rachael replied graciously. "I was curious."
Sara returned her smile. "That's something you'd have to ask Adrian about."
Rachael's composure faltered for a brief second. She hadn't expected Sara to deflect the question so deftly.
"Is that so? I'll be sure to ask him when I get the chance," Rachael said, masking her frustration.
Her curiosity still piqued, Rachael casually added, "By the way, I heard you went to First High?"
Sara's hand tightened slightly, but she maintained her composure. "Yes."
Rachael didn't press further. The riders were already returning from the race, and her focus shifted.
Adrian and Eric Thorne crossed the finish line almost simultaneously, with Xenia Graves close behind. Lucas Graves came in next, followed by Liam Liu and finally Kyle Thorne, who trailed far behind.
Liam Liu dismounted, panting slightly. "You youngsters are too good. I can't keep up!"
Adrian remained on his horse, guiding it over to where Sara stood. She looked up at him with wide, sparkling eyes, her admiration obvious.
"Want to try?" he asked softly.
Sara hesitated. "I don't know how."
Adrian extended a hand toward her.
After a brief moment of uncertainty, she placed her hand in his.
With a gentle tug, Adrian lifted her onto the horse, seating her securely in front of him.
"I'll take you for a quick ride," he said, pulling on the reins.
The horse trotted off, carrying the two of them across the field.
Rachael watched the scene unfold, her jaw tightening. The easy intimacy between Adrian and Sara left her seething with jealousy.
Even Liam Liu seemed surprised. "Miss Hart and Mr. Blake, are they...?"
The group exchanged knowing smiles but remained silent.
Adrian and Sara's marriage was a secret known only to a few. Whether or not it should be made public was a decision that rested solely with Adrian.
Xenia Graves smirked as she handed her gear to a staff member and walked off.
Eric Thorne also excused himself, leaving Liu and Rachael behind.
Liam Liu adjusted his jacket and turned to Rachael. "Mr. Wong should be here by now. Let's go."
"Of course," Rachael replied.
On her way to the restroom, Rachael made a quick phone call.
"Hello, Lisa? I think I just saw that classmate you mentioned. She's here at a mountain resort..."
The voice on the other end said something, prompting a dark gleam to flash in Rachael's eyes.
"You're right," she said, feigning concern. "Even a small blemish can snowball into a scandal in this industry. These netizens can be ruthless—like sharks smelling blood."
After ending the call, Rachael Hall stared at her phone, a sly smile curling her lips.
YOU ARE READING
Falling for the Goddess
RomanceSara Hart, a gentle and seemingly soft woman on the outside, hides an independent and clear-headed spirit. She has secretly admired Adrian Blake, a man who defies the typical image of a cold and domineering CEO. Adrian Blake is distant and detached...
