Chapter 129
Back in the day, Victoria had been the one he’d picked out—and time had proven he’d made the right choice.
Curtis glanced absently in the direction Victoria had just left, then fell silent.
As soon as they stepped out of the restaurant, Ailie’s tirade started up and didn’t stop.
Victoria could only sigh, turning around to comfort her instead.
“It’s just a game, Ailie. Look, I’ve got a few things to take care of, so I can’t stay.”
She texted Yasmine to come pick her up, and judging by the time, Yasmine would be there any minute.
Ailie saw that no matter how much she ranted, Victoria stayed calm, not even hinting at wanting to argue her case. That left Ailie feeling frustrated and powerless, as if she were all wound up with nowhere to vent.
“Well, if you don’t care and you’re the one who was wronged, what am I supposed to say?”
All she could do now was hope karma would catch up to those two cheaters. Victoria hopped into the car as soon as Yasmine pulled up, and they headed straight for the Formula 1 track-Osborn was already on lap eighty.
Victoria’s arrival sent a ripple of excitement through the team.
Yasmine made her way up to the stands, but when she looked back down at her boss, Victoria had already changed into her coveralls and was standing among the mechanics-the only woman in the group.
“Boss!”
The guys were in high spirits. Only Lyndon shot Victoria a brief look before turning his attention to Osborn’s Ferrari, now burning through lap ninety-two.
Once Osborn finished pushing the car to its limits, the team would have to get right in there to check the vehicle’s performance and safety—to make sure it was in top shape for the next run.
Victoria stood to the side, surrounded by a dozen or so young men from the crew.
Yasmine, watching from the stands, felt a stab of envy. All those handsome, sun- kissed guys in their uniforms, muscles straining under the fabric-she was convinced she could fall in love with eight of them in a single minute.
Osborn finally finished the last lap, bringing his car to a dramatic halt on the track.
Victoria led the team as they rushed over and surrounded his car.
In the midst of the crowd, Osborn’s eyes found Victoria immediately. He ripped off
his helmet, tossed it aside, and set both hands on her shoulders.
“Fastest lap: one minute, forty-six point two-one-two. Not bad, huh?”
Sweat still dripped from his tousled hair, and he half-hoped Victoria might wipe it off for him.
“The last guy off the track did one minute, forty-five point two-six-five. Faster than you.”
Lyndon’s voice came out of nowhere, pitched just loud enough for Victoria to hear. Osborn’s face darkened, and for a split second, he looked like he wanted to strangle Lyndon.
“Don’t distract me while I’m working. The car and your life are one and the same.” Victoria brushed Osborn’s hands off and got to work with the team.
Osborn glared daggers at Lyndon’s back, grinding his teeth. He’d have to talk to Victoria—maybe she could kick that killjoy out. He was ruining the vibe.
By the time they finished checking Osborn’s car, it was nearly afternoon.
Osborn suggested everyone go out for afternoon tea, but Victoria declined.
“You guys go ahead. I need to get back to the office.”
Osborn, who’d been in high spirits, immediately deflated.
“Come on, forget work. Tell me how much you make in a month-I’ll top it.”
Victoria replied coolly, “It’s not about the money. Go have fun, I’m heading out.” Lyndon watched her, as if wanting to say something but holding back.
He’d noticed, from the moment they entered the track, a man sitting in the stands with a child—the man looked strangely familiar.
Lyndon wasn’t sure if he should tell Victoria, but he was almost certain that man was McNeil.
Yasmine was a little disappointed. Surrounded by so many good-looking guys, she’d hoped to spend a bit more time with them.
Victoria glanced at Yasmine, paused, then reached into her bag and handed her a tissue.
“Ms. Turner?”
“You’ve got a nosebleed,” Victoria said gently. “Here, wipe it off.”