Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Keegan said, "I already told Alexis that if you can beat me tomorrow, he'll let you join the team."

Joe got Alexis's WhatsApp number, and the "Come on" message he received confirmed Keegan's words.

Excited, Joe immediately asked, "What time and where tomorrow?"

Keegan gave him the time and address, adding, "Make sure to load up on carbs. Twenty kilometers isn't a joke."

Joe, full of confidence, replied, "You should exercise more, old man. I'm ten years younger, so I'll definitely win this half marathon. Get ready to introduce me to the team!" Keegan chuckled, "Alright, I'll wait."

After hanging up, Joe quickly packed his things. "I'm leaving now. I've got something important tomorrow. We'll hang out another day!"

His friend's voice trailed off behind him, "Seriously? We were supposed to stay out all night, and you're ditching me?"

The next morning, Keegan got up early, took Stella to breakfast, and drove to the race location.

He wore a sporty outfit, his hair loose and casual instead of his usual slicked-back work style. Stella, initially drowsy, was struck by how handsome he looked. "Handsome, how old are you?" she teased.

Keegan smirked as he turned the steering wheel, "Sorry, I'm married with kids."

Stella smiled, "Clothes really do make the man. You change outfits, and suddenly it feels like I have a new husband."

Keegan asked, "Do you like the old one or the new one?"

Stella sweetly replied, "I like both, as long as it's you."

Looking out the window, she asked, "Where are we going, honey?"

Keegan said, "We're going to show off to your boyfriend outside the circle."

Stella was puzzled, "What boyfriend outside the circle?"

Just then, Keegan's phone rang, and Stella saw the caller ID: "Stella's boyfriend outside the circle."

Keegan calmly answered, "I'm heading out. Don't be late, Joe. Don't chicken out if you're afraid of losing."

Stella's eyes widened-Joe was the one calling?

Keegan remained unfazed, "Just don't cry if you lose."

"Tsk, wait till I'm on the team!" Joe replied.

After hanging up, Stella asked Keegan what was going on.

"Mrs. Clint's biggest headache is that her youngest son is obsessed with racing and neglects his responsibilities. If we can help him get back on track, she'll definitely be grateful."

Stella frowned, "Why race? A half marathon? He's so young, and you're... not. Are you trying to kill yourself running 20 kilometers?"

Keegan was calm, "Stella, long-distance running isn't about how fast you start. It's about consistent and steady persistence. It's not just a physical challenge, but also a test of mental strength and willpower. I might not lose."

Stella bit her lip, "You've only recovered for a few months. I'm really worried about such intense exercise."

Keegan smiled, "It's okay. I have a strong foundation. If I reach my limit, I'll stop. Don't worry."

Stella felt a little better.

The largest lakeside park in Rivera is six kilometers around, and a half marathon is three and a half laps.

Keegan had the park cleared in advance, and when Stella arrived, she saw supply stations set up every kilometer.

A casually dressed man wearing sunglasses was lounging in the sun at one of the stations. When he saw Keegan, he waved.

Keegan took Stella over and introduced her, "This is Alexis Currie, President of Anxing Automobile Trading Group and founder of the Xingang Racing Team," then added, "This is my wife, Stella."

Alexis took off his sunglasses, revealing a shrewd face, and smiled, "You used to call me brother in school, and now I'm Mr. Currie?"ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Keegan replied, "I had to grow up."

Stella greeted, "Hello, Brother Currie."

Alexis grinned, "My sister-in-law is sweet," then turned to Keegan, "Why are you racing young guys?"

Keegan said, "Not as old as you. My wife thinks I look like a college student."

Alexis studied him for a moment and finally said, "Your wife sure knows how to flatter."

Stella was speechless.

Joe soon arrived with two friends. He brought them to ensure Keegan wouldn't back out if he won.

Though Joe came in with high energy, he got nervous seeing Stella, and then even more so when he spotted Alexis, stumbling over his words.

Finally, Joe was convinced Keegan wasn't joking-he really had a shot at joining the Xingang Racing Team!

Alexis joked, "Kid, if you can beat him, I'll make you captain."

Stella added, "Good luck! I'll be waiting for you at the finish line!"

Joe was pumped up and ready to go.

With two idols cheering him on, how could he not give it his all? He had to win or risk losing face in front of them!

After warming up, when the starting gun went off, Joe shot out like an arrow. Being young and strong, he quickly left Keegan behind.

But Keegan kept his pace steady. He didn't speed up just because Joe did; he followed his own rhythm.

Stella watched closely with binoculars.

Alexis patted the seat next to him, "Have a seat, sister-in-law. They'll be running for at least two hours. No need to stand."

Stella sat down but kept her binoculars up.

"How far along are you?" Alexis suddenly asked, surprising Stella.

Alexis said, "Keegan already bragged about having twins."

He clicked his tongue, a bit envious, "Keegan was top of our class, and now he's top of the world for fathering twins. He's really something."

Stella stayed quiet.

Was that how you use the word "excellent"?

Stella said, "The due date is mid to late September."

Alexis sighed, "Time flies. Keegan's going to be a father, and we're getting old."

He looked at Stella again, "Why do you look so familiar?"

Stella was good at chatting with people she knew but felt awkward with strangers, especially with someone as talkative as Alexis. She

became even more socially anxious.

"I saw you at the wedding," she said, though she didn't really remember Alexis.

"No, I missed his wedding. We

haven't had many reunions lately. I

shouldn't have seen you with him. Tisk where have I seen you before?" Alexis frowned, then suddenly asked, "Were you ever a hostess at a car show?"

Stella was taken aback, "How did you know?"

Alexis slapped his thigh, "I knew it! I knew Keegan had a thing for you!"

Alexis laughed and then told Stella about an incident at an auto show.

Turns out, Keegan had spoken to the event organizer to help Stella recover most of the money she was supposed to lose. It wasn't anyone else's kindness.

Alexis said, "I remember you crying

on those steps. I was just coming down from upstairs, and Keegan was standing nearby watching you for a long time.

Later, when we went inside, he mentioned it. On the way back, I asked him if he liked you, and he said no. But now look-he helped you get your wages and ended up marrying you!"