When she saw the silver Ferrari convertible with Adolph grinning in the driver’s seat, Echo walked over, opened the door, and shoved him into the passenger seat.
Without bothering to ask why he was tagging along, she slid into the driver’s seat and floored the gas.
The Ferrari roared down the road.
“Not bad driving,” Adolph whistled, impressed as the speedometer climbed past 200. He ran a hand through his hair, giving Echo a nod of approval.
“Is that right?” Echo smirked, pressing the gas harder and zooming past cars on the highway.
Behind her, a chorus of shouts erupted as early-morning speed demons took interest in the chase, trying to keep up with her.
“You think you can beat me? Ha!” Echo slammed the pedal to the floor, weaving through traffic like a fish cutting through water.
Her sharp maneuvers and reckless speed sent angry honks and shouts in her wake.
As the other drivers fell far behind, Echo slammed her fist on the horn and let out a long, satisfied breath.
“Hell yeah!” she yelled.
After being under Ryan’s thumb for so long, this wild burst of freedom felt amazing.
Everything seemed brighter, bigger-perfect.
“Great,” Adolph said, his eyes gleaming as he sat back in Echo’s car, clearly impressed.
He couldn’t stop praising her driving-it was skillful.
“Thank you,” Echo replied, slamming the brakes and smoothly taking the next turn off the highway and into the city.
Adolph raised an eyebrow as he noticed she didn’t hesitate for a second. “Looks like you don’t need me as a guide. You seem more familiar with the area than I am.”
“Of course,” she replied.
Having lived here for over a decade, she knew the city inside and out, even with all the time spent on professional training.
A few more turns, and she parked like she was right at home. Adolph, amused, just followed along with a grin.
Echo went straight for some bargain clothes from a street vendor. She picked out a $20 skull-print shirt, the black skull and its creepy colors giving off a mix of terrifying and weird vibes. For the bottoms, she chose a pair of $60 gold-red jeans, covered in jangling metal bits that clinked with every step. She topped it off with a pair of $10 sandals, toes exposed. The whole look was chaotic, to say the least.
Adolph stared at Echo’s transformation, torn between laughing or staying quiet. His own high-end designer outfit, with its dapper, stylish vibe, suddenly looked dull compared to Echo’s wild, bargain-bin ensemble.
Somehow, her cheap clothes completely overshadowed his luxury brands.
“This is your sense of style?” Adolph finally asked, touching his forehead in disbelief as he took in the over-the-top, tacky look.
“The tackier, the better,” Echo said with a sigh, seemingly unfazed by his criticism. “Extreme tackiness is true elegance. Why didn’t I figure that out sooner?”
If only she hadn’t tried to be so unique back then, using some kind of ‘signature sunshine-scented’ perfume, she might not have attracted someone like Ryan-the ultimate demon.
She shook her head, realizing it was a little too late for regrets, and strode out confidently, as if she didn’t have a care in the world.
Adolph watched her with fascination.
This woman really knew how to draw attention, even though she didn’t seem to realize it herself.
Despite the cheap and tacky outfit, her natural confidence and carefree attitude made it clear-no matter what she wore, it didn’t define her.
It was the first time he’d seen someone who wasn’t defined by their clothes, but rather elevated them.
Too bad, though-she was Ryan’s woman. He could only admire her from afar, but couldn’t touch.
Dressed in her flashy, low-budget outfit, Echo wandered through the city streets without a second thought, and Adolph, walking right beside her, didn’t mind at all.
They chatted and laughed as they went, completely ignoring the stares and whispers from everyone around them.
Echo was the type who lived freely, doing what she pleased and paying no attention to judgmental looks, while Adolph, a natural leader, had long been immune to the opinions of others.
Together, they made an odd pair, strolling down the street-so mismatched in appearance, then they turned into a strange but captivating sight.
“Haha, well, well, who do we have here? Turns out it’s my dear son, Adolph. Is this really your taste? You actually find such a vulgar woman appealing?”
Echo and Adolph were casually strolling down the street when a car suddenly pulled up beside them.
A cold, elegant woman stepped out, dripping with wealth and disdain. She cast a scornful glance at Echo before turning to Adolph with a faint, icy smile.
Adolph immediately stopped in his tracks, flashing Cecily a charming smile. “I thought it was just some rude woman making judgments about others. Turns out it’s my beloved mother. Wow, since when did you become so… nosy, my dear mother?”
Cecily’s smile didn’t falter, but there was a flicker of disgust in her eyes. “Oh? Perhaps I’ve just been too worried about your future, Adolph. That’s probably why I’ve become so chatty.”
Adolph burst into laughter. “Are you admitting you’re getting old, Mother? If that’s the case, why stress yourself out so much? You should consider retiring and getting some rest.”
Standing off to the side, Echo watched the exchange between Adolph and Cecily. Though their expressions remained pleasant, their words were sharp, full of subtle jabs. It was quite entertaining, and Echo couldn’t help but lean against a nearby glass window, ready to enjoy the show.
“My dear son,” Cecily said, still smiling with that air of superiority, “I’ve heard you’re in a bit of trouble this time. Perhaps Mom could lend you a hand?”
Adolph responded with an elegant grin. “Trouble? That’s news to me. Who told you this? I find it fascinating that you know something I don’t.”
While the two of them continued their polite verbal sparring, Echo casually scanned the black car parked nearby. Reinforced bulletproof glass, a modified body, and even the tires were custom-made-definitely top-tier equipment.
Through the open door behind Cecily, Echo caught a glimpse of a man inside, wearing white suit pants. She couldn’t see his upper body, but the build was unmistakably male. His perfectly manicured fingers were tapping rhythmically on his thigh, a sign of both patience and refinement.
Curious, Echo slowly edged closer to Cecily.
Given Adolph’s age, Cecily must be older, no matter how well she maintained herself. Whoever was in that car was either her lover or an accomplice, and Echo wanted a better look.
As she inched closer, more of the man became visible.
Echo could now see his neck. She took another step forward, just as a group of young thugs came barreling around the corner, running as if something was chasing them. Echo, distracted, didn’t notice the chaos until one of the guys lost control and crashed right into her.
Focused on getting a clear look at the man, Echo didn’t see it coming. The impact sent her stumbling, and she lost her balance, falling to the ground.
Adolph, standing nearby, instinctively reached out to catch her, but halfway through the motion, he suddenly pulled back.
A loud “thud” echoed as Echo hit the ground, clutching a piece of fabric in her hand.