"You won't," Belforte says with certainty I can't understand. "Violet, look at me."
I raise my eyes to his, vision blurred with tears.
"He's alive until we hear otherwise," he states firmly. "And we fight for him. We stay strong for him. That's what he would do for you."
He's right, and it's the only thing that penetrates my spiral of despair. William would never give up on me. Never.
Chapter 34
Seeing red
Violet
I drag myself out of the chair, wiping tears with the back of my hand. Grief won't help William now. I need answers. Need to understand what happened. Johnson paces between workstations, tablet in hand, face carved from stone as he barks orders to the technical team.
"Johnson," I call, my voice steadier than I expect. "A word."
He breaks away immediately, crossing to me with quick strides. His face is pale beneath his usual composure.
"The FIA inspection yesterday," I say without preamble. "What exactly did they check on William's car?"
Johnson blinks, momentarily thrown by the question. "The... inspection? Why would you—"
"Whatdid they check?" I repeat, each word precise and sharp.
He straightens, professional instincts kicking in. "Standard procedure. They examined the rear wing configurations and the plank for compliance. Everything was perfect, as always. We have the report if you need—"
"Nothing to do with electronics? Power unit? Steering systems?"
"No." His frown deepens. "Nothing in those areas. The focus was entirely aerodynamic. Why?"
My mind races, connections forming like lightning strikes. The timing. The random inspection. William in P2, closing in on the championship points that would put Colton Racing well ahead of Vortex for the first time in a decade. Dominic's escalating threats after our lawsuit. Maybe I'm paranoid, but this screams foul play to me.
"It's not normal," I say, more to myself than Johnson. "All electronics failing simultaneously? That doesn't just happen."
Johnson's eyes widen slightly. "You think someone tampered with the car? After inspection?"
"Duringinspection. I think Dominic Harrington would stop at nothing to destroy us." The certainty in my voice surprises even me. "We humiliated him with that recording. Cost him sponsor relationships. Filed a lawsuit that's gaining traction. And now William's outperforming his precious Farrant."
"Sabotage hasn't happened in F1 since—" Johnson says carefully.
"The last time someone felt cornered and desperate," I finish. "Like Dominic does now."
The cold weight in my chest hardens into something crystalline and sharp. I've spent months playing defense against Dominic's attacks—the leaked photos, the media manipulation, the constant undermining. I've attacked a bit by leaking our conversation and then…This crosses every line.
I turn abruptly, heading for the exit.
"Violet!" Belforte's voice cuts through the garage as he intercepts me. "Where are you going?"
"To find answers."
He catches my arm. "You're not thinking clearly. None of us are. Let's wait for information from the medical team, from the stewards—"
I shake him off, my focus narrowing to a pinpoint. "I know exactly what I'm doing."
"Violet—"
But I'm already moving, pushing through the garage exit into the paddock. My legs carry me forward with single-minded purpose, past concerned faces and whispered conversations. The world around me seems muted, distant, as if I'm moving through water. Only one thought remains clear: Dominic.
