Page 31 of Overtake
“Junior.” Graham’s concerned act continues. “Let’s maintain a professional discourse and be respectful of our peers.”
Nico barely conceals his disgust. It’s the same dance Graham always does. Moderate the behavior publicly while encouraging it behind closed doors.
“Dad—” Wyn starts.
“Just thinking out loud, son.” Graham’s tone is cold, and Wyn shuts up immediately. “After all, we want what’s best for the sport. Don’t we, Nico?”
Nico knows the question isn’t innocent.
“Clean racing is always best for the sport. Graham.”
Graham’s taken over Marcus’s meeting and the actual team principal just sits and lets it play out.
“Ah, yes.” Graham’s fake smile remains, but his gaze sharpens. “You sound just like Carlos. He always took such principled positions too. Admirable, really. Though I remember how difficult some of those choices made things for your family.”
Because Papá’s willingness to fight the FIA and team owners cost him his job more than once.
Junior smirks and Nico makes fists under the table. The younger Betterton’s presence is a reminder that entitled men think having money puts them above consequences. Worse, it shoves into Nico’s face what thatputa madredid to Nicolina knowing his family’s power would protect him.
No pienses en eso. Ahora no.He tells himself not to think about that now.
“Twelve hours teaching kiddies about safety.” Junior’s laugh is ugly. “While the FIA wastes time investigating normal racing incidents. As if aggressive driving isn’t part of the sport.”
Nico sits straight. “Normal for drivers or drone ops?”
Junior’s smirk disappears. “Watch it, Belmonte.”
“Or what? You’ll run to Daddy?” Nico’s sick of this bullshit. He thumps his fist on the table. “Racing isn’t about proving shit to our fathers.”
Wyn’s head snaps up. Their eyes meet, and there’s clear understanding there. Nico’s said the quiet part out loud and it’s resonating. Maybe Wyn thought no one else knew what he’s been fighting.
“Now, now.” Graham raises his hands, his tone still cold. It seems he’s letting that comment go, but Nico doesn’t believe it for a second. “Let’s focus on the matter at hand. About these community service hours. I trust you’ll both represent the sport appropriately, Nico. Though I do hope for everyone’s sake that we can avoid any furthermisunderstandingsabout racing incidents.” His gaze never wavers, but the threat is clear:Get in line or I’ll do everything I can to push you out of this sport.
As if he has that kind of power. Nico hasn’t used his own influence yet, and that’s let Graham and Damien’s idiot offspring think they control him. They don’t.
Nico matches Graham’s cold tone. “We’ll teach clean racing.”
“Excellent idea.” Graham stands and straightens his cuffs as if he’s just solved the world’s problems. “Wyn, let’s discuss your press arrangements. Junior, perhaps you could contribute your media expertise?”
Junior’s triumphant glance proves he thinks this invitation shows who really has power in the team.
Come mierda.
“Oh, and Nico?” Graham pauses at the door. “Do remember that team loyalty should weather any storm. Even an unexpected one. I’d hate for your championship hopes to be affected byoutside influences.”
He delivers this second threat like friendly advice, icy smile fooling no one. Junior grins—he gets it. Wyn stares at nothing, but he’s heard the message too. They leave and the door closes.
“Coño.” Clueless rich assholes.
Victoria’s brow arches, but she says nothing about Nico’s response.
Marcus dismisses him, and Nico escapes to his driver’s room. He needs to stop imagining Junior’s face meeting a wall. Better to think about twelve hours with Petra, who wears her principles on her sleeve and lets threats roll off her back.
A text message buzzes his phone. It’s from Nicolina.
Saw the FIA announcement. Community service? Very rebellious of you.
He’s typing a response when someone knocks on his door. He opens it to find Victoria, tablet in hand.
