Page 5 of Racing for Redemption
“The Colton name used to mean something in this sport,” comments an older board member, his voice heavy with disappointment. “Now, we’re a disgrace.”
I swallow hard, fighting to keep my composure. “My father built this team from nothing. I refuse to let his legacy crumble. Iwon’tlet it crumble.” If not for some creative choices by the previous management, I wouldn’t be taking over a dying team.
It was never my intention to inherit the family business. Managing companies in the auto industry made me happy. I am not supposed to be here. Returning to the home that was my Dad’s opened old wounds, making me doubt the skills that once earned me praise as a businesswoman, and for the first time in my life, scaring me.
Still, none of this is an excuse for the streak of freak incidents since I took over.
Reeves leans back, his sharp eyes cold. “Noble sentiments, Ms. Colton. But sentiment doesn’t win races.”
A tense silence falls. Their judgment, disappointment, and distrust weighs heavily on me. They don’t want me here, leading the charge. Protecting Colton Racing. But beneath it all, that spark of defiance that made everything go crazy when I was a kid ignites in my chest. I won’t go down without a fight, so let’s gamble.
“You’re right,” I say, my voice low but firm. “Sentiment doesn’t win races. But neither does giving up at the first sign of trouble.”
“Firstsign, Ms. Colton? There are already too many signs piling up. One can be something unpredictable. A freak accident, let’s say. Two, possibly a coincidence. But a series of signs? This is on you.”
One by one, I meet each of their gazes. “I’m not here to make excuses. I’m here to turn this team around. Give me one full season. It’s been just a couple of months since I joined in the summer. The boat was already sinking when I took over. The mistakes were already piling up. But I can turn things around. I have done so in the past for other companies. So, I have faith in this team. But we need to be realistic and admit that changes don’t happen in the blink of an eye.” I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “If we don’t finish at least 8th in the Constructors’ Championship next season, I’ll step down voluntarily.”
I just primed myself for disaster. Too ambitious of a goal. Impossible to achieve with how the team currently is. For the board, this will be something easy to accept, because they have the upper hand. They believe without a doubt that I’ll fail.
I’ll prove them wrong, no matter what.
Murmurs ripple through the room. Reeves studies me, his expression unreadable. “And if we refuse?”
I lift my chin. “Then you’ll have to force me out. But remember, gentlemen—I’m still a Colton. This isn’t just a team to me. It’smybirthright.”
If only I had the money to buy out the team… I swear that if everything turns around, I’ll kick their moldy asses out of this room.
No more shareholders.
No more board of directors.
There will be no more meddling with a team with this much tradition and name in the sport. No more accepting pay drivers just to have some money in the bank. No more partnering with shady energy drink sponsors just for quick cash.
I want full control. Unfortunately, just like seeing this team winning again, it feels like a distant dream.
You can cut the tension with a knife. I hold my breath, waiting for their verdict.
Reeves leans back, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. “You’ve got guts, Ms. Colton. I’ll give you that. For a moment, it was like Frederick was between us again.”
He glances around the table, gauging the reactions of the other board members. Some look skeptical, others intrigued. One or two even seem impressed.
“Very well,” Reeves finally says. “You have until the end of next season to prove yourself. But make no mistake; we’ll be watching youreverymove. One wrong one, and you’re…out.”
I nod, relief flooding through me. “Thank you, gentlemen. You won’t regret this.”
As I turn to leave, Reeves calls out, “One more thing, Ms. Colton.”
I pause, my hand on the door handle.
“Your father built this team on results, not promises. Remember that.”
The words hit me like a physical blow, but I keep my face neutral and flash a professional smile to counter them. “I always do, Mr. Reeves.”
I stride out of the boardroom. As the door closes behind me, I sag against the concrete wall, letting out a shaky breath. Hands trembling. Sweating.
Change gears, Violet. Change gears.
Walking down the pristine hallway of Colton Racing’s headquarters, each step is deliberate, even if rushed.
