Chapter 57

Isabella's POV

I couldn't tear my eyes away from Levi as I finally tuned out the conversations swirling around me.

He had not only steered the team through a potential disaster but had also set them up for a remarkable comeback. The weight of his responsibilities had been immense, but he bore it with a calm resolve that inspired everyone around him.

Levi was the kind of man who commanded respect effortlessly. The kind of man you would proudly introduce to your parents, the kind who would hold you close at night with a protective strength that made you feel safe. He was the type you would follow without question, and his commands were met with immediate obedience.

The intensity of my feelings for him was overwhelming. Just watching him made me ache with desire. Have you ever encountered someone so powerful that you wanted nothing more than to be their plaything? That’s how I felt about Levi.

I had never doubted him, but now he had proven me right for doing so. The thought of us repeating that night at my house made me squirm in my seat. He had been a perfect master, kissing and touching me in all the right places.

"Let's go!" The sudden eruption of noise in the restaurant jolted me back to the present.

The race was far from over, but at that moment, the tide had turned. As the cars circled the track behind the safety car, anticipation and hope swelled within me.

The pit crew moved with practiced efficiency, swiftly clearing debris from the track. Damaged cars were towed off, and within minutes, the race was set to resume. Of the original twenty cars, only sixteen remained. The rain-soaked chaos had taken its toll, but the strategic tire change had worked wonders for us. Kevin and Seth, now equipped with rain tires, surged forward, quickly moving up to eighth and tenth place respectively.

The somber mood in the restaurant had lifted, replaced by a palpable sense of hope and anticipation. Some team members were finally able to eat and drink.

“Do you want anything?” Franco asked, standing up to get an order.

“Juice will do,” I replied, my eyes fixed on the screen.

“Why are you so focused on the screen anyway?” Franco asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“It’s my job,” I said, giving him a brief glance and a smile before turning back to monitor the game.

The heavy rain had transformed the race into a battlefield of strategy and endurance. From the back of the pack, our drivers were clawing their way up. The faces around me were alight with joy and expectation, even as we all knew the race was far from over.

Mark, sitting beside me, couldn’t contain his excitement. “Look at them go! Kevin’s already up to sixth place!”

“I know,” I replied, eyes glued to the screen. “It’s incredible how the rain changed everything.”

Mark leaned in, his eyes wide with amazement. “I’ll handle the preparation of the interview with the boss today. I no longer feel sick.”

“Okay,” I said, trying to hide my disappointment. “Glad you’re better now. So what was wrong, anyway?”

“Stress,” he shrugged.

I nodded. Though we both knew he had been perfectly fine last week. Mark was only there for the good moments, and although I longed to be with Levi now that he was in high spirits, I couldn’t argue with Mark’s decision as an intern.

“Go, Kevin!” Mark screamed, pulling me back into the moment.

Kevin’s performance had improved noticeably after the tire change. By the fifth lap from the end, he had climbed to sixth place. The restaurant fell into a breathless silence, everyone holding their collective breath as the laps ticked by.

Seven minutes later, the room erupted into applause. Kevin had claimed third place, and Seth had secured sixth. The roar of the crowd was deafening. I joined in, cheering along with my colleagues, the excitement and relief mingling in our cheers.

“Did you see that? Kevin made it to third!” Mark shouted, his voice barely audible over the chaos and loud voices. The restaurant felt like a church!

Franco returned with a glass of juice for me and one for himself. My face lit up with a wide grin as I took the juice and sipped it to calm my racing heart. “Unbelievable! And Seth in sixth! What a comeback!” I said, amidst sips. I was so happy I could cry.

“It was a good game,” Franco said, his mood slightly sour. I wondered if it was just personal issues affecting him.

The live camera cut to Levi, now off the console. He had removed his headphones and was surrounded by hugs and congratulations from his team. His calm, collected demeanor had not faltered throughout the race. As he walked down from the control booth, the pride and admiration I felt for him reached its peak.

If he asked me to kneel now, I would without hesitating…

“I’ve never seen Levi look so relaxed,” I said to Mark. “He’s a true leader.”

Mark nodded, still clapping. “He’s got nerves of steel!”

Everyone started heading to the paddock for photos and post-race celebrations. I followed the drivers as they prepared for the interviews, their faces still flushed with the thrill of victory. The excitement was infectious, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in the celebration.

For the first time since my date with Mr L, I felt good again.

“We’ll continue this celebration at the bar tonight!” Levi announced, causing everyone to clap and cheer as he walked away.

Franco nudged me as we stood in the paddock. “You’re coming to the bar later, right? We’re going to celebrate this win.”

“Of course,” I replied, though my thoughts were still on Levi. “But I’m curious—what’s Levi up to?”

“I don’t know,” Franco shrugged. “But let’s not dwell too much on it.” Then he took my hands. “Isabella, would you like to be my date to the bar tonight?”