The applause still echoed across the racecourse as the winners made their way to the honor stage. Yet only two were to be acknowledged: the victor and the runner-up. Third place was a mere footnote, deliberately omitted to keep expectations high for future races.
The announcer stepped forward, scanning the crowd for Mr. Weasley, but he was conspicuously absent. Murmurs rippled through the audience as people wondered where the owner of the establishment might be. In truth, Mr. Weasley was speeding in his carriage back home, frantically searching for the agreement Vincent's lawyer had compelled him to sign. Though he had inked it himself, now, panic flooded him as reality sank in.
Some hours earlier…
Mr. Weasley had tugged at his thinning hair in exasperation, silently berating himself for not insisting that Norma ride a faster horse.
Even after the obstacle course, Prudence had caught up with astonishing speed.
