Regression - Second Chance At Life Chapter 295: You Will Not

Adam is still in disbelief at the words spilling from Renee’s lips.

She’s urging him to join illegal street racing to aid her in capturing the mastermind pulling the strings.

How could it possibly get more ridiculous? To the public, he’s merely an eighteen-year-old who celebrated his birthday just months back.

For Renee to show up and request his involvement in something so perilous, staking his life for a cop he hardly knows, labels her as utterly insane.

"What if I say no?" Adam questions. It’s a fair inquiry, after all. He’s clueless about the mess he’d be stepping into. With this being an illicit operation backed by some group, danger is inevitable amid all that cash at stake.

Stepping in would be like walking into a starving lion’s lair. Once more highlighting the sheer folly of dragging Adam into it.

"You can’t refuse. If you try, I’ll haul you in and ensure you face the harshest penalty allowed," Renee declares.

Upon hearing that, Adam reclines. His smile vanishes, replaced by a blank expression.

Renee’s threat irks him deeply.

"Don’t you remember? Clara Dean is my personal attorney. I’m not afraid to battle your charges in court. Plus, I’m wealthy myself, and my dad’s a multimillionaire. Your petty threats don’t faze me," Adam retorts.

At Adam’s response, Renee grins, as though she’d foreseen his exact words. Spotting her smug smile, Adam senses she’s already mapped out this exchange in her mind.

"You’re correct—with Clara on your team, plus your father’s clout and wealth, you’d barely face consequences. At worst, the law might demand community service and a charitable contribution," Renee admits with a resigned sigh, settling back once more.

Adam lifts his eyebrows, puzzled by this wild woman’s reasoning. She knew blackmail wouldn’t sway him, yet she attempted it anyway.

‘Is she testing my personality?’ Adam ponders. He grasps that her scrutiny persists; it may never cease.

‘She’s cunning; I must stay wary around her,’ Adam muses.

"You knew threats wouldn’t work, so why bother?" Adam probes.

"I figured I’d test the waters, see if it stuck," Renee replies, flashing another smile.

Adam stays silent for moments, gazing at her while thoughts whirl in his mind.

"What’s your next card?" Adam demands, sensing Renee holds more leverage to convince him for this crazy scheme.

His query makes Renee’s grin broaden.

"Well, I’ve dug into your background. Turns out you’re quite money-hungry and fond of chasing women—taken or not," Renee reveals.

Adam stiffens inwardly but keeps his face composed. Clearly, she’s pried far too much into his private affairs. Why probe his personal escapades?

"Doesn’t that describe most guys? Everyone craves cash and girls; I’m no exception. So why pick me?" Adam counters.

"Sure, all men desire money and women, but you stand out due to your track record..." Renee notes with a smile.

"See, I’ve scrutinized your actions over the last month. You’re a real smooth talker; every woman you’ve targeted ends up smitten. A perfect success rate with all your encounters? Unprecedented.

Your business moves too—the crypto investment. You turned pocket change into a windfall, cashing out perfectly before the rug pull hit others. No ties to the scammers, so no insider trading. Maybe luck, or perhaps you had an edge.

Then you snapped up a startup with those gains: an online escort service. Bold choice, but sex sells, so it’ll thrive.

You grabbed half ownership in the restaurant where you work, and it looks poised for success.

You’ve got a sharp nose for profit.

Your other pursuits as well. You picked up MMA just weeks ago, yet you outperform most already. Word is you’re aiming pro.

You’re also honing gun skills, mastering self-defense in every form—and excelling there too, from what I hear." Renee concludes.

Adam furrows his brows upon realizing Renee has obsessively delved into every part of his life.

Truth be told, Adam feels impressed by how Renee gathered all this information in just a few days.

"It’s like you’re training to become a super soldier. That’s exactly why I’m picking you: you stand out. Anyone looking at your actions would reach the same conclusion. You excel in everything compared to most people. To me, you represent a solid investment.

I’m putting my faith in you. I’m confident you can assist me in tracking down the man I’m after." Renee declares.

Adam absorbs her words. Renee’s background check is thorough, yet he fails to see the personal gain in partnering with her.

"Thanks for the compliments, but what if I still say no?" Adam questions.

"You won’t," Renee replies, catching Adam off guard. Why wouldn’t he turn it down? Does she hold some enticing offer?

"Why not?" Adam probes.

"Like I mentioned, you’ve got a sharp sense for money, and you’re greedy," Renee states.

"So, money’s on the table?" Adam asks, his curiosity sparking. Still, he doubts the government would offer enough to truly hook him.

"I won’t hand you cash, nor will my police department, but you’ll rake in a massive fortune," Renee assures.

"How’s that?" Adam presses.

"Through dominating the races," Renee reveals.

Adam lifts his eyebrows, eager for details.

"See, the race organizers are kicking off a fresh season. It might sound odd that illegal street racing follows seasons, but that’s the reality. These folks rake in huge profits yearly from organizing. Instead of broadcasts, the cash comes from betting. Billions pour into these events annually.

And racers claim a hefty share of the winnings. More victories mean bigger payouts..." She trails off, her grin widening; something juicy is coming.

"And sweeping every race, right up to the grand finale, nets you 375 million dollars," Renee drops.

Her final statement strikes Adam like a thunderbolt.

His eyes bulge at the staggering prize pool.

"Three hundred and seventy-five million..." He echoes.

"Naturally, only if you crush nearly every race to qualify for the finale. Your earnings hinge on your prowess," Renee clarifies.

Adam pauses to gather his thoughts. Initially, Renee’s scheme held zero appeal, but now, with 375 million on the line, everything shifts. That sum is insanely massive. Temptation grips him hard.

He glances back at Renee.

"That’s an enormous haul, all from illegal activities. What stops you from busting me after I claim it?" Adam challenges.

Renee laughs, not at the question itself, but at how Adam’s already assuming victory.

"No need to fret. Payments aren’t in cash; they’re bonds. Whoever holds those bonds controls the funds. As mentioned, the organizers boast powerful connections; they expertly launder money without drawing eyes," Renee explains.

"I’ve got tons of questions," Adam admits.

"Fire away. I’ve got the whole day," Renee invites.

"Why not recruit a pro racer who’d jump at the chance to team up?" Adam wonders.

"Impossible. Our racer can’t link back to us. A big-name driver would raise red flags. A fresh face with no ties is ideal. What better disguise than a wealthy young heir itching for thrills in supercars and underground races?" Renee grins.

Adam falls silent, mulling it over, and Renee gives him space.

"You mentioned the organizers’ deep connections; that implies insiders in the police too. How many are in on this scheme?" Adam asks.

If he dives in, trust is crucial.

Renee beams, noting Adam’s intensity. Agreement feels imminent.

"Right now, just four: you, me, my Captain, and the Police Chief. Nobody else. Organizers’ influence runs deep, so trust is scarce—that’s why I met you solo," Renee confides.

Adam digests the response, contemplating deeply.