Chapter 41
<Chapter>Chapter Forty-One: Bold and Wise </Chapter>
A flicker of anger crossed Raymond's eyes, but he quickly masked it.
"Felix, this isn't the time for petty squabbles. If Gianna gets hurt, it'll be too late for regrets!"
Felix shot him a cold glance. "If you’re that concerned, go convince her yourself."
Raymond hesitated for a moment before striding forward.
As he reached Gianna, the instructor had already brought the horse to her and was discussing safety precautions.
Feeling someone's presence, Gianna turned and found herself locking eyes with Raymond's worried gaze.
"Miss Redstone, this horse isn’t right for you. You should pick another one; this could end in injury."
His concern seemed genuine. Gianna replied with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Raymond, but I've made my choice."
Raymond frowned, lowering his voice, "Even if you're at odds with Felix, you shouldn’t risk your own safety."
She laughed softly. "You're overthinking it, Mr. Raymond. Felix isn't that important to me."
With surprising grace, she mounted the horse, catching Raymond off guard and holding his attention a little longer.
She wore a maroon riding outfit that highlighted her flawless figure, her slender waist appearing as if it could be encircled by just one hand. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, adding to her crisp, refreshing beauty that almost captivated him.
Realizing his distraction, Raymond quickly averted his gaze, hiding the emotions that swirled within him. But before he could speak, Gianna had already galloped off toward Horse Ranch Boulevard.
Felix's gaze remained fixed on Gianna in her maroon riding attire, captivated by her newfound confidence. It was a revelation to see her in this light, challenging his previous perception of her as dependent. As the situation unfolded, Felix realized he never fully understood Gianna. Meanwhile, Bella observed Felix's lingering gaze with a mixture of jealousy and a gentle smile, keeping her emotions in check despite the turmoil within.
"Jasmine, I'd like to go riding as well. Will you join me?"
Jasmine exchanged a knowing look with Bella, instantly catching on to her intent.
"Hey, it's been a while since we went riding together. Want to join us, Uriah?"
Uriah turned to the others to see if they were interested, but seeing a lack of enthusiasm, he dropped the idea. "Jasmine, you and Bella go ahead. We'll wait for you guys here."
Jasmine and Bella quickly got dressed in their riding gear, both choosing smaller, more docile horses for their ride.
The rest of the group settled into the lounge area by Horse Ranch Boulevard, watching as the two riders gently trotted off toward the expanse of the ranch.
Horse Ranch Boulevard was vast, and before long, Gianna's figure had disappeared from sight.
After about fifteen minutes, Jasmine and Bella were mere specks in the distance.
In the lounge area, the friends casually chatted while Uriah earnestly apologized to Felix.
"Felix, I was out of line before, and I know it. I promise it won't happen again; please forgive me this time."
Felix looked at him coolly. "Just keep your head straight when you're in love, and we won't have problems."
Uriah was at a loss for words.
Mitchell, with a sigh, chimed in. "Don't worry, Felix. We already gave him a thorough dressing-down. If he screws up again, I don't think he'll have the face to ask for your forgiveness."
Felix nodded, his voice still cold. "And give your girlfriend a warning – stay away from Gianna."
Uriah and Mitchell exchanged surprised glances. Was Felix getting protective over Gianna? What about Bella?
Having grown up with Bella, Mitchell, and Uriah naturally hoped Felix would end up with her. Honestly, they had their reservations about Gianna, who had lived in the countryside until she was sixteen; they felt she wasn't really a match for Felix.
"Felix, now that Bella's back, what are you planning to do about her and Gianna?"
Felix shot Uriah a chilling look, his face expressionless as ever. "What does her coming back have to do with me and Gianna?"
Uriah frowned. "Everyone knows you and Bella used to be an item, you—"
Before he could finish, Felix cut him off coldly.
"You said it yourself. That was the past. Now, I only think of her as a sister."
"And what about Gianna? Are you telling me you've fallen for her?!"
The tension hung thick in the air the moment Felix's words dropped.
Felix glared at Uriah with an icy stare. "This is between her and me. I owe you no explanation."
Uriah sensed he'd crossed a line with Felix and wisely held his tongue.
Meanwhile, over on Horse Ranch Boulevard, Bella and Jasmine had cornered Gianna. Standing on either side of her, they were the very image of a showdown.
Jasmine's lips formed a mocking smile, her face filled with scorn. "Looks like you're having trouble with your horse, Gianna. Need some help?"
Before her taunt could fully land, Jasmine's whip cracked sharply against the horse's flank. The animal, startled, let out a panicked neigh and bolted forward in a frenzy.
Bella and Jasmine followed in hot pursuit, malice gleaming in their eyes, almost wishing to see Gianna tumble from the saddle.
A determined chill swept through Gianna's eyes as she gently pulled the reins, guiding the horse while directing it toward a different path.
To Bella and Jasmine, it seemed Gianna was running scared, not heading back to the stables as expected.
Exchanging excited glances, they found shared glee in the thrill of the chase. They were determined to teach Gianna a lesson she wouldn't forget—a lesson that might leave her crippled!
Finally driving Gianna into an isolated corner, they gloated over their prey.
Gianna faced them with cool defiance. "What do you want?!"
Jasmine responded with a sneer. "What do I want? Gianna, you embarrassed me in front of Dawnridge's biggest billboard. It's only fair that I return the favor, don't you think?"
Bella chimed in, feigning concern, "Hey Jasmine, maybe Gianna didn't mean it. How about she apologizes? For my sake, let's call it even, okay?"
Jasmine arched an eyebrow, her voice dripping with disdain. "That depends on how sincere her apology is and if it's enough to cool my temper."
Turning to Gianna with a tone of faux gentleness, Bella urged, "Come on, sister, apologize to Jasmine. I don't want to see you in trouble."
As the two played their parts, Gianna's eyes flickered with amusement. "You two should consider acting. With your hypocrisy and aggressive bluster, you'd set the stage on fire!"
Jasmine's face darkened with anger as she retorted, "It seems you won't learn your lesson until you're at death's door!"
With a vicious lash of her riding crop, she aimed straight for Gianna's face, her eyes flashing a chilly warning.
Jasmine had put her whole strength behind the strike—had it landed, it would've surely disfigured Gianna for life.
Bella, standing idly by, watched the scene unfold with detached interest, making no move to intervene.
Well, if they were going to play dirty, Gianna wasn't about to pull her punches.
Before Jasmine or Bella could understand what was happening, Gianna's quick action caused Jasmine to fall to the ground.
