Chapter 56

Isabella’s POV

I could hardly breathe. Each second felt like an eternity as I clenched my teeth, silently praying for the team to call our drivers to the pit for tire changes before they fell to the back of the pack.

The tension was almost unbearable, a living, breathing entity that filled the room with its oppressive weight.

Then, as if on cue, the sky opened up and unleashed a torrential downpour. The rain roared down on the track, transforming it into a treacherous obstacle course. No one had anticipated such a sudden and violent rainfall.

The commentator’s urgent voice sliced through the din, “Red flag, red flag!” A red flag meant a serious accident had occurred on the track. The live broadcast cut to the scene, showing two lead cars tangled in a high-speed collision, skidding out of control on the slick, rain-soaked surface. The rain fell in sheets, obscuring visibility, and the cars behind had no time to react. Amid the chaos, five cars were damaged to varying degrees.

The safety car was dispatched, and all vehicles were ordered to slow down. Mark, sitting beside me, gripped my hand tightly, his knuckles white with tension. The collective breath of the restaurant seemed to be held in unison.

“Now switch the tires!” Levi’s voice crackled through the speaker, his lips close to the microphone in the control console. His tone was harsh and serious.

Soon the realization of Levi’s true strategy sank in, and the entire restaurant erupted in applause. I almost shouted, “That’s my boss!” but managed to keep my composure.

The atmosphere, once thick with anxiety, now carried a glimmer of hope. Confidence in Levi’s decision eased the tension slightly, allowing us to relax just a bit.

Mark, visibly relieved, squeezed my hand. “I didn’t think he’d hold out this long. This is brilliant!”

Franco, across from us, nodded vigorously. “It’s a risky strategy, but it looks like it’s paying off. He knew exactly what he was doing. Goddamn! He’s a smart man.”

I smiled, feeling a surge of pride. “Let me see if those reporters will have the audacity to question his qualifications again. Levi is the most qualified for this job. I believe in him…”

Mark and Franco suddenly turned to me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement.

“What’s up with you both?” I asked, feeling a flush creep up my cheeks with how they were staring at me.

“You seemed so passionate,” Franco teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you have a crush on the boss,” Mark added, a playful grin on his face.

“Ewww, no!” I protested, though my cheeks were now definitely pink. “I’m just a proud employee.”

“Isabella is a smart woman. She knows not to crush on the boss, right?” Franco said, giving me a look that asked if I understood where he was coming from. I did. I remembered what he’d told me about Levi. Levi’s private life is not like his life at the company. He is not someone to love.

“Of course,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant as I returned my attention to the huge screen in front of the dining hall.

My heart raced as I watched Levi. His demeanor was the epitome of calm amidst the storm, his focus unwavering as he monitored the race, making decisions that would shape its outcome.

“What's he thinking right now?” Mark asked, his voice tinged with admiration.

“Probably analyzing every possible outcome,” I replied, my eyes fixed on Levi’s intense concentration. “He’s not making decisions on a whim. He’s been weighing his options since the rain started.”

The camera panned across the pit lane, capturing the frenetic activity of our crew. Tires were swapped, fuel was topped off, and within moments, Kevin and Seth were back on the track, their cars now equipped to handle the treacherous conditions.

Franco let out a low whistle. “Look at that precision. The team is on fire.”

Mark’s eyes were wide with amazement. “Levi’s gamble is turning the race around. It’s like he knew this rain was coming.”

The restaurant erupted in applause once again.

As the cars lined up behind the safety car, the rain began to lighten. The damage was done, and the front-runners had been scattered. Our drivers were now in prime positions to advance. The commentators’ voices, full of admiration for Levi’s strategic acumen, filled the room.

“Levi has truly demonstrated his brilliance today. His decision to hold off on changing tires until the rain intensified was a stroke of genius.”

“This is what separates the great managers from the good ones. Levi’s calculated risk paid off spectacularly.”

“Levi’s ability to adapt under pressure is unmatched. He saw the opportunity in the chaos and seized it with impeccable timing.”

“He’s turned what could have been a disastrous race into a thrilling comeback. Truly a masterclass in strategy!”

“I can’t believe how well this is turning out,” I said, still watching Levi on the screen. The commentators' praise made me feel proud and elated. At least today, the media wouldn’t bombard us with disparaging questions. My job would be easier, and I could finally go on social media without fearing insults aimed at the company or Levi.

“He made the right call. It could have been disastrous if he’d changed tires too early,” I added, my smile beaming with happiness.

Mark nodded, his grin wide. “The race isn’t over yet, but Levi’s made sure we’re in a strong position. That’s what real leadership looks like.”

“Yeah, I admit it’s a good call, but anyone could have made it too,” Franco said, shrugging nonchalantly. “It could also be luck.”

“It wasn’t luck,” I retorted sharply, feeling a surge of defensive protectiveness on behalf of Levi. “It was skill and hard work.”

“Just kidding,” Franco said quickly, but his smirk suggested otherwise. An unfamiliar energy seemed to emanate from him, causing a flicker of unease within me. Could he be the traitor?

No, surely not. Franco is a good man. He must be.