Chapter 965 Behind the Team I Once Faced
"A drift racing team?" Saskia's voice carried disbelief as her gaze shifted to Abella, who wore a knowing smile that suggested she'd been aware all along. So she was the only one left in the dark?
Wait—if Dennis founded the drift team, then he was the one behind the team I competed against before. But why had he been at odds with his own sister? When Abella had raced in her place, she'd called him insufferable. Before that, the siblings had been practically enemies. Had Abella not known the racer was her brother Dennis? Had he been oblivious that he was tormenting his own sister?
Could such a ridiculous coincidence actually exist?
Dennis realized too late that Steven had already exposed his identity. Saskia's eyes held a mixture of shock and something unreadable—had the drift team left her with a poor impression?
Saskia never imagined that the person with such a fearsome reputation was Abella's brother Dennis. No wonder everyone spoke of his formidable reputation and warned against crossing him. Who would dare offend a Medici heir, especially one known for his ruthless methods?
"I had no idea Dennis founded the drift team." Saskia felt a wave of relief that Abella had won the race. If an outsider had humiliated Dennis, the consequences would have been devastating.
"So you've heard of it?" Steven's smile remained warm, his gaze as affectionate as if he were looking at his own sister. "Then you must know my brother's lieutenant—Eagle Eye. If it's nothing too tricky, Mountain Eagle Eye can handle it solo."
"Steven!" Dennis hadn't expected his brother to reveal Eagle Eye's identity as well. This was a disaster.
The name "Eagle Eye" hit Saskia like a thunderbolt. The very person obstructing her project was Eagle Eye—an arrogant, lawless figure whom neither legitimate authorities nor underground networks could touch. He and his crew had repeatedly sabotaged her work, bringing the entire project to a standstill. She despised Eagle Eye with every fiber of her being.
Now Steven was saying this man worked for Dennis? Why would Dennis target her project? What had she done to earn this young master's enmity?
Saskia's expression transcended mere surprise or shock as she stared at Dennis.
Dennis felt utterly trapped, like a man trying to prove his innocence while drowning in quicksand. "Perhaps we should give Abella and her friend more time to catch up without our interference."
"Let's hear what troubles Miss Fuller is facing first. There's no rush." Steven's tone remained caring, with no intention of leaving.
"My little problems aren't worth troubling Mr. Dennis Medici." Saskia caught herself, but Dennis's sharp response cut her off, "Don't call me that."
His tone startled Saskia. Clearly Dennis disliked her and was only tolerating her presence for Abella's sake. He'd barely spoken all evening, and now when he did, impatience colored his voice. She must have annoyed him by using his name so casually.
Saskia was caught off guard and momentarily at a loss for words.
Steven shot his younger brother a warning look that clearly said, "This is our sister's friend—what's wrong with your attitude?"
"Dennis, you're completely out of line," Winston interjected, unable to watch any longer. "She's showing you respect by calling you that for Abella's sake, and you frighten her with that attitude. Apologize to Abella's friend immediately!" He emphasized the last words pointedly.
Steven's gaze added pressure. "Apologize."
He seemed to think his brother was being unreasonable—if Dennis didn't want to help Saskia or found it troublesome, he could simply say so rather than forbidding her from using his name.
Dennis felt utterly wronged. He just wanted Saskia to call him by his first name to make things a bit more friendly, but his words were misunderstood as soon as he spoke. Now Saskia barely dared look at him, nervously sipping her tea to avoid his gaze. He was truly at a loss for words.
Abella, however, read the situation clearly and smiled. "Didn't Steven just suggest that Dennis and my friend get acquainted as friends? Dennis means that since you're friends, there's no need for formal titles—just use first names, right Dennis?"
"Yes, exactly! That's precisely what I meant. My sister understands me perfectly!" Dennis's relief was palpable, his tone becoming almost cautiously gentle to avoid further misunderstanding.
Saskia was amazed that Abella could craft such a graceful explanation for Dennis's behavior. Of course, Abella didn't know about Dennis's people obstructing her project. If she did, she'd surely realize that Dennis genuinely disliked Saskia.
For Abella's sake, Saskia maintained her polite facade. "I see I misunderstood Dennis's meaning, but since Dennis is Abella's brother, using his first name seems too informal. I'll stick with Mr. Dennis Medici."
"Absolutely not!"
Dennis's emphatic refusal stunned everyone. His brothers began to suspect he was having some sort of breakdown—his behavior tonight was completely erratic.
But Abella grasped his intentions and smiled knowingly. "Dennis feels that among friends, such formality is unnecessary and creates distance. Saskia, just call him Dennis. And Dennis, you can call my friend Saskia."
"Perfect, Saskia. Here, try some pastries... I'm not good with words, please don't take it personally..." Dennis suddenly reached for the dessert plate, offering it to her. "Abella, what flavors does your friend prefer?"
"Strawberry cream," Abella prompted.
Dennis immediately turned the plate so the strawberry cream pastries faced Saskia, waiting expectantly for her to take one. If he weren't worried about seeming improper, he would have personally selected one for her.
"These pastries are freshly made—they're quite good," Dennis said, noticing Saskia's continued wariness. He glanced at Abella for support. "Right, sister?"
"Yes, Dennis is right. These pastries are delicious—you should try one."
Saskia found Abella's behavior tonight utterly bewildering. In all their years of friendship, she'd never seen Abella advocate so strongly for any man. But then again, blood was thicker than water.
For her friend's sake, Saskia took a pastry. "Thank you, sir."
Dennis felt disappointed that she still wouldn't use his name, but hearing her speak to him at all lifted his spirits considerably. "You're welcome—we're friends!"
Now the brothers understood what was happening. Dennis was interested in the girl and didn't want her to act so formally around him. It seemed their sister had grasped the situation from the beginning and had been helping him navigate it.
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