Luca POV
Returning to the paddock should have felt familiar.
It did not.
Two missed races had changed the atmosphere around the team. Mechanics still greeted me. Engineers still handed me data sheets. My name remained above the garage.
But everyone watched me differently.
Some looked relieved.
Others looked cautious.
A few looked as though they were measuring how long I would remain.
The reserve driver had performed well during my suspension. Not brilliantly, but well enough to earn praise from the board. The sponsors had noticed. The press had noticed too.
So had I.
My manager walked beside me through the private entrance.
“No statements about the contract.”
“I know.”
“No discussion of Arden Motors.”
“I know.”
“If reporters ask about Riley—”
“I answer carefully.”
He exhal
