Page 89 of Racing Hearts
“Most importantly,” he added. “The FIA does not allow drivers tocollaboratein any way.”
Isabelle said nothing as she continued to stare him down. Giovanni leaned back in his chair, studying Isabelle for a moment before returning his attention to me.
“So, do we know why this article from theDaily Reporterwas released?” His brows drew together, creating deep lines on his forehead, his mouth twisting into a frown.
Isabelle didn’t miss a beat. “Do we know whytrashytabloids writetrashyarticles?” Isabelle scoffed. “Because it’s in their nature.”
He clenched his jaw, before leaning forward in his seat. “After this accusation, I’m obligated to look into Georgia’s spin at Monza. Several teams have requested a formal investigation. If Georgia is passing Luca engineering secrets or spinning on purpose—”
“Wait a min—” I started.
Isabelle cut me off. “Investigate, Gio. We’re always happy to take some free engineering advice. Be sure to have that ‘report’”—she added exaggerated air quotes with both hands—“sent to my office.”
“The FIA is taking this seriously, Isabelle. We investigate every accusation of cheating, even if it comes from a newspaper. You’d do well to show some respect. And concern.” His hands gripped the sides of his leather chair.
“You can’t actually think I’d share my racing secrets with Hermes, Gio? Even you aren’t that stupid.” Standing up, Isabelle set her left arm against her hip. “You’re lecturing me on taking this seriously? You have just told me that the FIA is investigatingmy racerbecause atabloidpublished an uninformed, misogynistic article about her. Not even a monkey would take this seriously, and quite frankly, Gio, I am embarrassed for you and the entire FIA operation. You have dragged me in here with the intention of wasting my precious time.”
When Giovanni said nothing, Isabelle slammed her hands down on the director’s desk, leaning forward so that her face was no less than a foot away from his wide eyes.
“How about this: I’ll take this seriously when you answer me one question. Where the hell is the Hermes team in all this? Hm? You really think we’d be able to pull off all of that supposedcheatingalone? You knowreceivingengineering secrets or help on the track isalsocheating.”
Giovanni’s silence said everything. Isabelle raised one perfectly arched eyebrow, the question lingering like a loaded weapon between them.
“Don’t tell me only Valkyrie was called to your offices?” The taunt in her voice rang throughout the entire office.
“Hermes weren’t accused of—”
But Isabelle lifted a single finger, cutting him off. “Save it. You can investigate my team all you want, Gio. You can drag Valkyrie’s name through the mud. You can try and scare off our sponsors, but that isn’t going to stop me from beating yourpreciousHermes. Nothing will stop me from beatingyou.”
The way she said “you” made me think there was more to this grudge than the newspaper article and investigation. There was history here. Deep, dark history that likely only a select few knew about. I almost enjoyed the tiny inkling of defeat in his eyes, but to be fair to him, arguing with an angry Isabelle was next to impossible, something he’d likely learned many years ago when she was his employee. Isabelle had never told me the real reason why she’d left Hermes, but judging by the animosity between them, it was clear their split wasn’t as amicable as everyone believed.
He tapped his fingers together like a man grasping for composure. Then, begrudgingly, he turned his attention to me. His mouth twitched, but it was clear that he’d already lost control of this meeting.
“Georgia, anything to add?” he said finally.
“No,” I smiled sweetly. “I try not to comment on men’s poor behaviors.”
Giovanni cleared his throat, adjusting his tie like it was suddenly choking him. “And so, I am to believe that your relationship with Luca is all above board? That you’re both wildly in love?”
“I—um—” The question hit me harder than I expected. My fingers twitched against my thigh, the soft fabric of my suit digging beneath my nails. “Yes.” Isabelle placed a comforting hand on my shoulder as I continued, “My relationship with Luca… It’s changed me. He’s thoughtful. Kind.Infuriating. He drives me insane and calms me down in the same breath. And he… he sees me. Not as the boring, bossy female driver. Not as someone to fix. Just… me, the girl who loves to race.” I turned to Giovanni, locking eyes with him. “Luca Rossi is special, Giovanni, and that’s why I’m with him.”
He studied us both for a moment, his gaze so piercing that it felt like he could see right through me, like he could read my every thought and emotion. But it didn’t matter. Even if he could, I’d meant every single word. There wasn’t a lie in sight.
My life was immensely better with Luca in it.
“Valkyrie has earned its success, Giovanni,” Isabelle added. “No investigation will change that.”
“Alright then.” Without another word, Giovanni dismissed us. The meeting hadn’t gone as expected, but I wasn’t necessarily disappointed with the outcome.
When we stepped outside, Isabelle pulled me into a tight hug. “Let’s focus on this weekend, okay?”
I nodded, grateful for Isabelle’s unwavering support. “Thank you for that, Isabelle. I’m sorry—”
“Don’t you dare apologize, Georgia,” she said gently, grabbing my shoulder with a tight squeeze. “Not to me. Not to any of those men. This weekend, do what you do best, and everything will work itself out.”
I pushed down the nerves that threatened to bubble up.
“Right, I need to head over to the VIP area. You should head back to the hotel, Georgia. Have you even checked in yet?”
