Horse Farm Town.
After trading some playful banter with MAX, Adam followed Caroline's lead to the stables to meet the legendary steed, Chestnut.
"Chestnut!"
Caroline dashed over, beaming as she patted the horse's head.
This former champion horse was full of spirit, tilting its head to nuzzle her back before letting her pet it, looking totally content.
"So this is Chestnut!"
MAX fell in love at first sight.
No surprise there.
Women can't resist sparkly things—or fluffy ones.
MAX was no exception.
Back when she'd snuck into the Channing mansion with Caroline, Caroline came out in casual gear while MAX emerged draped in fur coats.
This time, though, she didn't strut into the subway with sunglasses and a "don't mess with me" vibe, smirking at onlookers with a smug, "Jealous much?"
And her soft spot for adopting stray cats and dogs? Sure, she's a big-hearted sweetheart, but it's her love for them that's the real kicker.
Adam was pretty sure she'd toss in a "So good!" if she could—her sharp tongue wasn't just for show.
"MAX, come here!"
Caroline waved her over, eager to introduce her new bestie to her "family member," Chestnut.
"Chestnut, this is MAX—my best friend. She's been there for me—no, for us—with so much warmth during these tough times. You've gotta remember her, okay?"
"Hey now," MAX waved it off like it was no big deal, but her eyes sparkled as she looked at Chestnut, itching to pet it.
"Go for it. Chestnut's super chill," Caroline encouraged, nudging them closer.
"Hi, Chestnut!"
MAX slowly reached out. When Chestnut didn't flinch, her grin grew even brighter. 😊
Adam watched from the side, smiling quietly, not wanting to interrupt their sweet little trio moment.
He'd shown up late on purpose—giving them space to bond.
He knew MAX too well. With her personality, if Caroline got picked on, MAX would jump in swinging without a second thought.
And in a place like this, with Caroline's fall from grace, she was bound to feel down—or get bullied.
Getting hassled by her old crowd in a place she used to rule, only to have MAX fiercely stand up for her? Even a sunny girl like Caroline—sharp with her dad's scheming genes—would start opening her heart to MAX.
And MAX, getting that kind of loyalty back, would only treasure Caroline more.
It's a perfect loop.
Feelings grow through shared moments like these, don't they?
When everyone's happy, that's what really counts.
"Alright, let's go pick out our own horses," Adam said after a while.
"For real?"
MAX's eyes lit up—she was clearly into it.
"We bought the whole estate. How could we not have horses?" Adam laughed.
Caroline led Chestnut along as they followed Adam to the selection area.
David, the stable manager, was already waiting. He'd gotten the heads-up from Adam's assistant, Ada, and had rounded up the best horses for them to choose from.
"MAX, pick one," Adam nodded her way.
"That pure white one!"
MAX zeroed in on a stunning white horse instantly.
David gave a subtle signal, and a staff member brought the horse over for MAX to get up close.
"MAX, give her a name," Caroline prompted.
"A name, huh?"
MAX tilted her head, then glanced at Adam. "Adam, help me come up with something."
"How about 'Little Mare'?" Adam said with a sly grin.
"No way!"
MAX shot it down fast—that name was dripping with innuendo.
Don't ask how she knew.
One look at Adam's smirk, and she didn't need an explanation. She'd even bet it tied back to some obscure East Country reference.
She knew him too well—he loved that kind of vibe.
Her sharp tongue and dirty humor were shaped by her upbringing, but no way was she letting her precious horse get saddled with a name that cheeky.
"Fine, you pick then," Adam chuckled. "As long as you're happy. Mine's still gonna be Little Mare."
MAX rolled her eyes but ignored him, thinking hard. "Caroline's got Chestnut, so how about… Sugar?"
"…"
Adam stared at her, deadpan.
That name was barely a step up from Little Mare.
"What do you think?"
MAX looked at Adam and Caroline, hopeful.
"Love it!"
"Totally you!"
Caroline and Adam both gave her a thumbs-up.
"Sweet!"
MAX brushed off Adam's teasing glint and happily patted her white horse. "From now on, you're Sugar!"
After Adam picked his own, he suggested they head out.
Caroline hopped onto Chestnut with ease.
Adam mounted Little Mare, then reached down to hoist a nervous MAX up in front of him.
"I'll teach you how to ride first, then you can take Sugar out solo," he said.
"What about my Sugar?"
MAX glanced at her white horse, still standing there.
"I've got her," Caroline said, nudging Chestnut over to grab Sugar's reins. She led Sugar alongside her.
"Learn quick, and you'll be on Sugar in no time," Adam said, giving Little Mare a light tap to trot off toward the fields.
Caroline followed, riding Chestnut and towing Sugar.
Adam coached MAX as they went.
It wasn't like they were racing—just casual riding. How hard could it be?
MAX picked it up fast and soon demanded to ride Sugar herself.
Adam grinned, helping her down and onto Sugar, then rode Little Mare beside her. Caroline flanked them on Chestnut.
Three people, three horses, side by side at a leisurely pace.
Before long, they reached what used to be the Channing Estate—now the Black Estate.
"Whoa!"
MAX, atop Sugar, took in the endless green lawns. Her heart raced, and she mimicked Adam and Caroline, giving Sugar a nudge. The horse bolted forward, and she whooped with joy.
"Careful!"
Adam spurred Little Mare to keep up, ready to swoop in if she fell.
At that speed, a tumble could be nasty.
The Black Estate was ringed by woods, shielding them from prying eyes. The trio galloped freely across the sprawling grasslands, wild and carefree.
With the spring breeze in his face, Adam couldn't help belting out the theme song from the TV show The Swordsman's Journey—Roaming the river:
Riding through river bold,
Living free in this life I hold.
Heroes don't bow for beauty's sake,
Pride soars higher than the heavens make.
A lone, fierce spirit stands tall,
Forged by earth and sky's call.
Sword sweeps devils, gods take flight,
A true knight shines in the fight.
Gripping a blade stained with the sun's last glow,
Heart wielding a frost-moon knife aglow.
From the peak, all mountains seem small,
A man's one journey through this world's thrall.
No way was this life a waste for Adam!
This fresh, thrilling vibe was something MAX had never felt before. With Sugar as her own, she had zero plans to slow down.
They stayed the night, naturally.
After dinner and a short break, MAX was itching to ride Sugar again.
Caroline was wiped and passed.
Adam, though, hopped on Little Mare, trailing MAX to make sure she didn't crash at high speed.
Under the moonlight, the estate's lamps cast a hazy glow, blending with the night. Shadows of trees danced around, giving the place a dreamy vibe—perfect for riding.
Caroline wandered the mansion that once was hers, listening to the faint East Country song drifting in on the wind. The bold, heroic energy of it left her mesmerized.
(End of Chapter)