Hannah wasnt frightened; instead, she asked, Why do people agree to such risky rules? You cant get something for nothing, Hannah.


    You should understand that, Peterson replied.


    Greater the risk, higher the reward.


    The winner from each group gets half of the gambling pot.


    For these people from smaller families, that amount can be a substantial windfall.


    After saying that, Peterson smiled at Hannah and asked, So, Hannah, do you still want to take part in thepetition? Hannah replied with a calm determination, Since I promised Id ride your horse in thepetition, I wont back out.


    A glint of excitement flickered in Petersons eyes.


    Then I hope you win today.


    I wont keep you any longer.


    After Peterson left, Hannah gently ran her fingers through the white horses mane, feeling its soft, silky texture.


    She remained cautious despite the horse being sent by Peterson.


    Carefully inspecting the horse, she found it to be in impable condition.


    Given the rules, Hannah wondered if they were being set up to work against her.


    On second thought, Hannah sensed something was amiss.


    It wasnt the Lyons familys style to target her publicly in such a manner, especially with so many people involved.


    A N G E L A s L I B R A R Y As she was leading the horse to the backyard, Maloney appeared beside her.


    Did you hear about the new rules for the horse race? he asked.


    Peterson told me.


    Hannah nced at Maloney and asked, Its so dangerous.


    Do you still intend to participate? Maloney, smiling beside her, replied, Of course.


    If I dont participate and no one from the Pierce family does either, people might say behind our backs that the Pierce family is scared.


    ihat? Hannah expressed her confusion.


    Isnt your cousin, Leif, also supposed to race? Ha ha.


    Maloney, sitting next to her, scoffed, Expecting him to race is like expecting a rooster toy eggs.


    As soon as he realized the danger, he quit.novelbin


    With his casual attitude, hes not cut out for horse riding.


    If something goes wrong, Ill be the one who suffers.


    Its better he stays out of it, so Im not implicated.


    Hannah pursed her lips, smiled, and then urged her horse forward.


    Im doing this for the Pierce familys reputation.


    You dont need to risk your life.


    Even if you dont show up today, no one would me you, Maloney assured her.


    Im not worried about that.


    Hannah dered, I believe in my abilities.


    If someone who startedter than us can catch up with me, then all my training in horsemanship would be pointless.


    As they approached the waiting area, they continued their conversation.


    The first group to start wasposed of individuals from several smaller families, including several brothers from the Lyons family.


    Spotting the few participants in the background, Hannah lowered her voice and confided to Maloney, We are grouped with members of the Lyons family.


    She added, I dont think they will cause trouble at the racecourse, or plot against their own.


    Maloney, aware of the surroundings, murmured, Still, its wise to be cautious.


    Who knows what they might have nned.