But now, there was no more need to hide.

After ending the call, Claudia glanced at the time and saw it was nearly five o'clock.

“Let's head that way. I need to be in a group photo after the competition," she told Bennett.

Bennett nodded. He picked up her backpack and held her hand as they walked to the competition area.

When they arrived, the event was winding down.

They found a shady spot to sit, and Bennett bought her a coconut.

She barely had time to take a sip before organizers beckoned her for the group photo.

“I'LL quickly change and snap that picture. Be right back," she said, leaving her coconut with Bennett and sprinting through the crowd to the changing room.

After changing her clothes, Claudia returned to find the men's award ceremony underway.

Standing among the other female racers, her relatively fair complexion stood in contrast to their tans.

She approached the group, helmet in hand, for the photo.

More than a few male competitors seemed momentarily entranced by her, losing their focus.

"Is she the women's champion?"

The crowd seemed puzzled, many mistaking Claudia for Novalee since they never saw her without a mask on.

“I'm CC," Claudia said, her voice tinged with embarrassment. As soon as she spoke, someone in the crowd muttered, "Wow!"

"CC, you're not only skilled but also stunning. Would you consider adding me as a friend?"

“Do you want to connect on Line, CC? Now that you've revealed your face, we can be a bit more friendly, can't we?"

“Absolutely! Let's add CC to the group! We have this amazing community of motorboat enthusiasts from all over the country. We regularly plan sea outings. Add me, and I'll get you into the group."

Just as Claudia was about to decline, Heidi chimed in, dripping with sarcasm. "Let's not bother her, shall we? The real champion this year is Novalee here. Seems like someone is just fishing for attention by unmasking, afraid that losing the championship might mean losing popularity as well. Why drop the low profile after maintaining it for years?"

In the past, Claudia would have let such comments slide.

They never mattered to her, and refuting them would not stop the rumors anyway.

But the landscape had shifted. Claudia was no longer willing to shoulder undeserved scorn, regardless of what others might think.

“Why this year, you asked? Simple. Because I'm married," Claudia responded.

With a look of pure innocence, she continued, "Now that I'm married, the mask-or lack thereof—doesn't really matter. I won't be caught up in any unnecessary drama