Back at the preparation grounds, Patricia stood beside Liberty, stroking his mane and feeding him treats as a reward for his extraordinary performance.
"Congratulations, my horse derby racing princess!" Isaac's voice rang out as he approached, his arms enveloping her in a warm hug. He pulled back just enough to plant a small, celebratory kiss on her lips.
"Thank you, my knight," Patricia replied, her smile soft but triumphant. "I guess I wanted to prove you wrong about me, that I'm not as naïve or incapable as you once thought I was. That's what drove me to win."
Isaac chuckled, his blue eyes gleaming. "Then I stand corrected, my princess. I'll have to make it up to you at our victory dinner."
"That sounds lovely," Patricia said, her smile widening.
As she leaned in for another kiss, Isaac suddenly moved away from her and ducked into a nearby horse stall. Confused, Patricia turned to see Jethro striding toward her, a wide grin plastered across his face.
"Patty, my sweet, beautiful doll!" Jethro exclaimed, pulling her into an embrace and planting an unwelcome kiss on her lips. Patricia's stomach churned with disgust, but she forced herself to remain composed.
"You truly kept your word and surprised me! Watching you out there, it was like seeing a seasoned pro. And that win! Wow! Simon really did leave behind a golden charm, and lucky me, I've got it!"
Patricia stepped back, disengaging from his hold. She took a steadying breath before replying, "Thank you, sir. I'm grateful for the opportunity you gave me. I promise to continue racing to my full potential and make you proud."
Jethro waved her words away with a laugh. "Oh, stop with the formalities, pretty doll! You're already amazing. I can't wait to officially make you mine and enjoy all the benefits you bring. Tonight, we'll celebrate with a victory dinner to welcome you to the club. But first, I have a little present for you."
He whistled sharply, and a man appeared, leading a magnificent black stallion with a striking white lightning bolt marking on its forehead.
Patricia's breath hitched as she stared at the horse. Emotions surged within her, and tears welled in her eyes. Slowly, she approached the stallion, her hand trembling as she reached out to stroke his mane. The horse neighed softly, as if recognizing her touch.
Jethro cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "I guess it's only right that Lightningbolt is back with his rightful owner. My driver will pick you up for dinner at the hotel. Get some rest until then. See you later, pretty doll!" With that, he turned and left, the man leading Lightningbolt's reins following close behind.
Patricia's gaze lingered on Lightningbolt as she inspected him. Her heart sank at the sight of whip marks and scars marring his sleek coat. "Oh, what did they do to you..." she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Isaac's hands rested gently on her shoulders, his touch comforting. "I'll make them pay for this," she said, her voice trembling with resolve. "I swear, they'll pay."
Isaac nodded, his voice steady. "We'll bring them down together, my princess. But for now, let's get Lightningbolt back to the ranch. You need to rest and prepare for tonight."
Patricia leaned into his embrace, her strength momentarily faltering. "But... are you going to be okay? I'll be with Jethro at the event, and you saw what he did earlier. It might be worse at the party."
Isaac stiffened, his jaw tightening. The memory of Jethro's earlier actions still burned in his mind, but he forced himself to remain calm. "I'll manage," he said, his voice low. "For now."
...
The victory dinner that evening was nothing short of grand. Patricia wore a breathtaking, floor-length golden gown that shimmered under the soft lighting, perfectly contouring her figure. Her hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders and back, and a delicate golden crown adorned the crown of her head. Around her neck rested a heart-shaped golden necklace, completing her radiant look.
Jethro raised his glass, commanding the attention of the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate Ms. Patricia Milton's exceptional victory and her induction into our esteemed club. She has proven herself worthy and resilient, earning her place among us. I trust you will extend to her the same respect and camaraderie that binds us together. May her journey to glory and fame elevate our banner even higher. So let us toast, to Miss Milton!"
"To Miss Milton!" the room echoed, glasses clinking in unison.
As the evening progressed, Jethro introduced Patricia to the club members, each interaction adding to her growing presence within the group.
"Say, Jethro," one man mused, his eyes gleaming with curiosity, "you've truly struck gold. Who would've thought Milton's golden charm was his daughter all along? You're one lucky man."
Jethro chuckled, his gaze lingering on Patricia with a possessiveness that made her stomach turn. "Lucky indeed," he replied, his tone laced with pride and something far less noble.
"Well I am afraid that's not quite true." The sharp voice cut through the jovial conversation, drawing all eyes toward its source,Congressman Saccoth, approaching them with measured steps.
As he reached them, his expression remained calm, but his words carried weight. "When I challenged Ms. Patricia Milton to the race, I made a condition. Should she win, I would pledge my unwavering support and sponsorship, alongside the other racers who align with me. So, Mr. Morales, it would seem that the golden charm isn't yours to claim but it belongs to me."
Jethro's smirk faltered, his narrowed eyes betraying his irritation. "I believe you said 'support,' not 'sponsorship,' Mr. Saccoth. Are you twisting your words now?"
"Not at all, Mr. Morales," Saccoth replied smoothly. "What I'm saying is simple, if Ms. Milton wishes to aim for the big leagues, she'll need all the assistance she can get. Isn't that what we all want? To elevate ourselves? To rise higher?"
Turning to Patricia, Saccoth softened his gaze. "This journey she has began is a tough road and she will need all the support she can get."
He then handed her a wrapped present, his gesture deliberate. "A token of my respect and congratulations. I concede defeat and hope we can work together. If ever you require my assistance, my door is open."
Patricia accepted the gift, her voice steady. "Thank you, Mr Saccoth. I'll keep that in mind."
Saccoth inclined his head before taking his leave, leaving Jethro silently fuming.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of introductions, compliments, and well-meaning but exhausting questions. Patricia graciously navigated through the crowd, smiling and charming her way into their good graces. Finally, she excused herself, citing exhaustion, and retired to her hotel room.
....
After a long, hot bath to ease her tense muscles and calm her racing mind, Patricia slipped into bed, hoping for a moment of peace. But her gaze landed on the wrapped present from Congressman Saccoth, resting on the table like an unanswered question.
Curiosity tugged at her. Rising from the bed, she picked it up, turning it over in her hands before carefully unwrapping it.
Her breath caught as the contents were revealed. Inside was a golden box, engraved with the image of a horse. Unlike the previous one she had encountered, this box bore no words. Hands trembling slightly, Patricia reached for the key hanging around her neck. As the lock clicked open, she found a folded piece of paper resting atop the contents. Written in bold letters were the words: 'Two heads are better than one.'
Beneath the paper lay a golden-colored hard drive. She lifted it delicately, its weight solid in her hand. Before she could inspect it further, the lights in her room abruptly flickered and went out, plunging her into darkness.