Page 14 of Racing for Redemption
“Any word on what happened with Colton Racing today?” I ask, trying to sound casual, but curiosity gets the better of me.
James raises an eyebrow. “Since when do you care about paddock gossip?”
I shrug, avoiding his gaze. “Just heard things in passing when we left the paddock.”
He eyes me suspiciously, but pulls out his phone and hands it to me. “Rumor is, Nicholas went rogue and tried to block Farrant while defending P20. Colton’s denying any team orders.”
This is next-level ridiculous. Defending P20? What? That's messed up. I nod, remembering the chaos I’d glimpsed on the screens. “Think she’ll survive this?”
James snorts. “Doubtful. Word in the paddock is that the board’s already gunning for her, and now this? She’ll be lucky to last the month.”
Something twists in my gut. I think of Violet’s determined stride through the paddock that many commented on, the fire in her eyes when we collided. It seems wrong, somehow, for that fire to be snuffed out.
I pause, an idea forming. “James, hold up. I need you to set up another meeting next week.”
He frowns. “With who?”
I take a deep breath. “Violet Colton.”
James stares at me as if I asked for slicks during a wet race. “Violet Colton? Are you insane? You punched a wall next to her, raised your voice at her, and offended herandher team while everyone in the paddock watched. And you want to talk with her?”
I nod, my mind racing. “Look, I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out.”
“It’s not that it sounds crazy. Itiscrazy. But okay, I’m all ears,“ James says, his tone skeptical.
I lean forward, energy surging through me. “Colton Racing needs a driver. I need a seat. It’s not ideal, but—”
“Not ideal?” James interrupts, incredulous. “William, they’re dead last. They haven’t scored a single point all season. Actually, in an entire decade. They are the mockery of the paddock.”
“Exactly,” I press on. “Which means the only way to go is up. If I can drag that car into the points, evenonce—”
James shakes his head. “It’s career suicide. The media will trash both of you. I can’t imagine a worse partnership than you joining Colton Racing. You’d be better off waiting for a reserve driver spot with a midfield team.”
“And how long would that take?” I counter. “Another year? Two? I can’t afford to wait, James. You said it yourself—my options are running out. And, I know some sponsors want to pull out if I remain stuck in F2.”
He sighs, rubbing his temples. “Even if I thought this was a good idea for your career—which I don’t—what makes you think Violet Colton would even consider it? After your little performance earlier?”
I wince at the memory. “I’ll apologize. Grovel if I have to. I’m good at groveling. Or, be extra nice and attentive and charm her. Make her like me so much that she'll wonder why she hadn’t brought me in earlier. My contract is cheap. They struggle with money. Think about it—she’s as desperate as I am. This could be a win-win.”
James studies me for a long moment. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”
I nod, my jaw set. “Dead serious.”
He sighs again, but I sense the wheels turning in his head. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do. But Liam?” His eyes lock onto mine. “If you get this meeting, don’t screw it up. This might be your last shot to get a seat in F1.”
As James pulls out his phone, I lean back, my heart racing. It’s a long shot, I know. But something about this feels right. Likemaybe, just maybe, Violet Colton and I could save each other. I have a feeling. And my feelings have never failed me.
Chapter 6
We're in this together
Violet
Dawn breaks over Bali in layers of pink and gold, light spilling across our villa's infinity pool in trembling ribbons. I've been awake for an hour already, my body clock still synced to race weekends and early meetings. Anna emerges from her room with tousled hair and sleepy eyes, wrapped in a silk robe patterned with cherry blossoms—a souvenir from her life in Tokyo. "You're up," she mumbles, accepting the coffee I offer. "I was going to surprise you with the sunrise trek."
"Beat you to it," I say, smiling. "Old habits. But, I've found something better than a volcano hike."
I show her the map on my phone, a route marked to a small coastal village north of Ubud. "The driver can take us there in forty minutes. Supposed to be untouched by tourism. No Instagram influencers posing in flowing dresses, or screaming for their live streams."
