Page 55 of Racing for Redemption
“And your new driver, William Foster?”
My smile becomes genuine. “William brings fresh energy and perspective to the team. His feedback has already proven invaluable in development.”
Dominic scoffs, barely audible. I ignore him, determined not to let him rattle me.
"Our goal," I continue, "is to be consistently within the top 15. If there aren’t any freak situations, and the circuits suit ourpackage, we may be fighting for some points. However, I don't want to oversell it. We’re building something special at Colton Racing, but it'll take a while until we become a menace for the top teams.”
Sensing Dominic’s stare boring into me, I keep my gaze locked on the reporters. This is my moment, and I won’t let him steal it.
A new reporter leans forward, his gaze uncomfortably focused on me. “Miss Colton, as the only female Team Principal, do you feel added pressure to prove yourself in this male-dominated sport?”
The question hits like a slap. Heat rises in my cheeks, but I force it down.Why aren't you asking the men ‘how does it feel to be a man in the sport’? Deep breath. Smile. Rise above them.“There’s pressure to deliver results, just like with any Team Principal. My gender doesn’t factor into our performance on track.”
He persists. “But surely, being a woman in this position—”
“Being a woman,” I interject smoothly, “gives me a unique perspective. Diversity drives innovation. Our focus is on building the best car and team possible.”
From the corner of my eye, I catch Dominic’s smirk. “Oh, come now,” he interrupts. “We all know Colton’s glory days are long past. Your father flew high but couldn’t keep up, and now…” He trails off, his implication clear.
I ball my hands into fists under the table.Don’t rise to it, Violet. Don’t let him see he’s getting toyou.
The moderator clears his throat. “I think we’ve covered quite a bit of ground today. Thank you all for your time.”
As chairs scrape back, Dominic catches my eye, that infuriating smirk still in place. I turn away, gathering my notes, but his hand lands on my shoulder.
“A word, Ms. Colton?”
I steel myself, facing him. “What is it, Dominic?”
He leans in, voice low. “You know, it’s admirable, really. Trying to save Daddy’s sinking ship. But let’s be honest—you’re out of your depth.”
I narrow my eyes. “Is that so?”
“Absolutely. Racing’s in my blood. You? You’re just playing dress-up in your father’s shoes.”
I open my mouth to retort, but he continues. “Face it, Violet. Colton Racing is a joke. Your drivers are mediocre, your tech is outdated, and you? Well, you’re just a pretty face trying to distract from the fact that your team is circling the drain.”
My blood boils. I want to scream, to punch that smug look off his face. But I can’t. Not here.
I clench my fists, nails digging into palms.Breathe. Stay calm.He's trying to get a rise out of you.
“Is that so, Dominic?” My voice is icy. “Funny, I didn’t realize you were so invested in our performance. A backmarker’s performance, would you look at that? Worried, perhaps?”
His gaze narrows, nostrils flaring. “Hardly.”
“Then why the constant attention? One might think you’re obsessed.”
A muscle twitches in his jaw.Got him.
I lean in, voice low. “We may be down, but we’re far from out. Underestimate us at your peril. When you least expect it, we’ll be there, winning the World Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.” I pause and make the boldest claim ever. But hell if I don’t want this to become true. “3 years. Give us 3 years, and the story will beverydifferent. Mark my words, Dominic.”
He scoffs, but I catch a flicker of doubt.
Suddenly, Blake appears at my side. “Violet, we need to go. Strategy meeting.”
He gently but firmly steers me away. As we exit, Dominic chuckles behind us.
In the hallway, I explode. “That arrogant, condescending and sexist bastard! I swear, Blake, I’ve never wanted to punch someone so badly in my life.”
