Chapter 240: The Deserts Awaits

I picked up Peter’s carbon-fiber key fob from the table, tossing it casually in the air and catching it as I looked at him one last time.

"Thanks for the upgrade, Peter," I said with a cold, smooth smirk. "My garage had an extra spot anyway."

Without waiting for his response, I handed both sets of keys to Sarah, who stepped up beside me. "Have the logistics team transport Peter’s car back to the estate. We’ll add it to the collection."

"Right away, boss," Sarah replied, a satisfied smile touching her lips.

The Trackside Takeover

Chloe and I made our way down the private elevator to the track level. The moment the tunnel doors opened to the main stadium, the press line practically broke through their safety barriers trying to get a camera angle on us.

May was right in the center of the track, surrounded by dozens of flashing cameras and shouting journalists. The moment her eyes locked onto me, her face lit up. She trotted right over, completely bypassing the media cluster, and pulled me into a tight, victorious hug, her post-run body heat radiating through her tracksuit.

"Nine-fifteen," May grinned into my neck, pulling back just enough to look me in the eye, her cheeks flushed with pure adrenaline. "Told you I’d get it back."

"You completely obliterated it," I chuckled, sliding my hand around her waist. "And you made me a shiny new supercar while you were at it."

May let out a sharp laugh, looking over my shoulder at the VIP box high above. "Peter actually fell for it?"

"Hook, line, and sinker," Chloe smiled, walking up beside us and adjusting May’s track collar. "He handed over the keys before the official replay even finished."

The lead sports commentator shoved a microphone into the center of our circle, his hand visibly shaking with excitement. "May! May! 9.15 seconds! You just set an untouchable world record live on international television! What went through your mind when you hit the 50-meter mark?!"

May leaned closer to the mic, placing a confident hand on my shoulder as she looked straight into the main camera lens.

"I just focused on my training, my team, and the people backing me," May said smoothly, her voice echoing over the stadium speakers. "Hidden Gem doesn’t come here to compete for second place. We set the standard."

The entire stadium roared in approval once again as the medal presenter stepped forward with the heavy gold medal. May lowered her head, letting the gold drop over her neck before holding it up to the cameras, her smile radiant.

As we walked off the track toward the private tunnel, May slung her arm over my shoulder, looking down at the heavy gold resting against her chest.

"So," May murmured, leaning her head close to mine with a soft, content sigh. "Ruby’s got the #1 global charts locked down, Mia’s running Sterling Co., Benita’s blowing up UncuT, and I’ve got the world record... Is it finally time for that world tour you promised us?"

I looked down at her, then over at Chloe, who was already smiling softly.

"Pack your bags," I said softly. "The derserts awaits."

Chloe and May both stopped in their tracks right in the private tunnel, turning to look at me like I had just spoken another language.

"The... desert?" May blinked, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead, her gold medal clinking against her zipper. "Ethan, I literally just finished sprinting in a stadium, and you want to drag us into the sand?"

Chloe crossed her arms with a light, amused laugh, shaking her head. "I was expecting a Mediterranean coastline or a private tropical villa, Ethan. The desert? Really?"

"Think about it," I said, a smooth grin spreading across my face as I wrapped an arm around each of their waists, steering them toward the waiting VIP transport. "Unexplored luxury. Private high-end oases, dune bashing in custom supercars, starry nights at exclusive desert retreats... and after that, we roll straight into Dubai. Luxury, world-class dining, skyline penthouses, and high fashion. A fresh scene before the usual beach vacation."

Chloe hummed, her lips curving into a soft, intrigued smile as she leaned into my side. "Well... when you put it like that, a high-end Dubai getaway and desert retreat actually sounds incredible."

"Plus," I added, checking my watch with a sharp smirk, "before we board the private jet, we have one crucial pit stop to make."

"Where?" May asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We’re going to crash Ruby’s music video set and steal her away from her management team," I said. "She’s been working non-stop for days. Time for her to take a forced vacation."

May’s face broke into a devious, excited grin. "Now that is an idea I can get behind. Let’s go kidnap our popstar."

Within twenty minutes, our tinted SUV pulled up to the perimeter of the high-security studio lot where Ruby was in the middle of shooting her third music video. Crew members were rushing around with light reflectors and cameras, while Ruby stood under the main stage lights in a dazzling silver outfit, listening to her director give instructions.

I stepped out of the SUV, flanked by Chloe and May, and walked right onto the active set like we owned the place—because, technically, we did.

The director turned around, annoyed. "Hey! Who authorized—" He cut himself off instantly, his face going pale as he recognized me, stumbling backward to get out of the way.

Ruby turned around at the commotion. The moment her eyes landed on us, her face completely transformed. The tired, overworked look vanished, replaced by a radiant, squealing smile.

"ETHAN!" Ruby yelled, dropping her prop microphone and running full-speed across the set, launching herself right into my arms.

"Pack it up, crew," I called out casually to her stunned management team over the music track, holding Ruby firmly by her waist. "Ruby is officially on vacation leave."

"Wait, really?!" Ruby gasped, clinging to my neck with wide, sparkling eyes. "Where are we going?!"

"First the desert," May teased, stepping up beside us, "then Dubai. And no music video directors allowed."

Ruby let out a loud, joyous laugh, hugging me tighter. "YES! Take me away!"