Chapter 59

Chapter 59:

The tension broke when one of the judges grabbed the microphone. “We’ve just received a report from a spectator. Driver Six from Phillip’s team — Stacey Kirk — has been found in violation of the rules. After reviewing the footage again, we have a ruling p>

In an instant, Phillip’s team was on edge.

Jake spun around, eyes wide. “What?! A report? Who did that p>

The judge ignored Phillip’s protest and, without a word of hesitation, delivered the decision. “After a full review, the panel has reached a unanimous ruling. Phillip Kirk’s racing team has violated the competition rules due to Stacey Payne’s conduct. The penalty is disqualification. Effective immediately, the entire team is banned from racing for the next five years p>

Phillip’s voice cracked with fury. “What are you talking about? How can you say we broke the rules p>

One of the panel members calmly held up the evidence. “This ruling is final. If you wish to contest it, you may submit an appeal later p>

Rylie glanced toward the stands, surprised that someone in the crowd had reported them. But it made sense. Everyone had witnessed the same thing.

For years, several sponsors had backed Phillip’s team, their support keeping the operation running and the drivers paid. But now, with a five-year ban in place, there was no way those sponsors would stay.

Those who had once spoken in Stacey’s defense stood awkwardly, their faces draining of color.

Desperate to stop the panel from carrying out their decision, Phillip shouted toward Rylie, “You have to speak up! Tell them Stacey didn’t break any rules! Don’t let them destroy my career! Everything I’ve worked for is on the line p>

He finally understood the severity of the situation. But Rylie simply smiled faintly. “That’s not my decision,” she replied. “And besides, you all said she trained so hard. What’s a five-year ban if she was doing it for the team? You should understand her. She meant well, right p>

Jake, who had held his tongue until now, turned to Stacey, whose mouth was bleeding at the corner. “Look what you’ve done. You’ve dragged us all into this mess p>

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The same teammates who once defended her now walked away in silence.

Stacey had never imagined it would escalate this far. Guilt tightened in her chest as she approached the panel, pleading, “This is all on me. My teammates weren’t involved. Please — just ban me, not Phillip’s team. I’ll accept any punishment p>

The panel listened and then responded coldly, “Racing is a team effort. That’s how these relays work. You win together p>

“Or you lose together. Besides, Miss Payne, the evidence shows your actions weren’t an accident p>

Her eyes filled with panic. “I didn’t mean to! I swear it wasn’t on purpose!” One of the judges gave her a dismissive glance and pulled up the car’s telemetry data. “This is what we found,” he said. “There was no sign that you began to slow before braking. The system shows you hit full brake force at once — far too abrupt to be an accident. There were no signs of correction or hesitation.” He looked her in the eye. “Do I need to explain what that means? You could face criminal charges for this p>

The mention of prison made Stacey stiffen. Phillip, who had been watching nearby, turned toward her. His voice, low and bitter, sliced through the noise. “Enough. Just stop embarrassing yourself p>