Betrayed By The Billionaire

141

"Swift used to have plenty of people," Chloe Bishop continued, her voice projecting across the silent track, "and yet it still fell into decline. Why?"

She paused, letting the question hang in the air before answering it herself. "As long as you have elite skill, a team of just a few can still be profitable. You can still become famous across the country, and you can still break onto the international stage. Please remember one thing: this world listens to strength, never to headcounts."

The veterans and staff stood frozen. Those words—this world listens to strength—vibrated through the wreckage of the courtyard. The silence lasted for a long time until Chloe suddenly shifted her tone, her expression softening into a polite smile.

"I haven't had the chance to properly introduce myself yet. My name is Chloe Bishop. I’m your new teammate and a complete newcomer to the racing circuit. I look forward to learning from all of you seniors."

"You're really a newcomer?" asked Frank, the fleet manager. He was stunned. How could a "newbie" have the sheer gall to give a speech like that?

The rest of the crew shared his skepticism. Coach Lee looked at her as the savior of the team, yet she was claiming she had no professional experience.

Facing their doubtful stares, Chloe nodded gracefully. "In a professional sense, yes. I’ve never been a career racer."

"But have you competed?" Julian asked, stepping forward.

Chloe replied calmly, "Of course. How else would I get a racing license? And without a license, how would I qualify for the National Qualifiers?"

"Then what level is your license?" Julian pressed.

The air grew tense. In the world of circuit racing, licenses are the ultimate status symbol, strictly categorized by the Motor Sports Association:

Grade G: Local club racing (where the likes of Serena plateaued).

Grade E: National level competition.

Grade C, B, & A: International grades.

Super License: The pinnacle, required for Formula 1 (a tier currently empty in their country).

Chloe didn't make them wait. She answered directly, "Grade B."

"Grade B?!"

"She actually holds an international Grade B license!"

The shock was palpable. Even Coach Lee and Vince the Mechanic were caught off guard. They knew she was a talented amateur, but a Grade B license required passing brutal technical audits and maintaining high-tier race results. They had significantly underestimated her.

"Grade B?" Julian nearly jumped out of his skin. "You hold a B-grade license and you have the nerve to call yourself a 'newcomer'?"

Leo groaned, shaking his head. "Exactly! Julian and I are only Grade C. Are you trying to demoralize us on purpose?"

They felt a literal sting of defeat. To put it in perspective, Coach Lee himself was a Grade B driver in his prime—back then, that was the mark of a national "Racing God." Most professional drivers spent their entire careers stuck at Grade E. Someone like Serena, with her Grade G, was practically a hobbyist compared to Chloe.

Chloe watched the two young men with a playful curve to her lips. "I actually have a friend joining us later. She’s like you—Grade C—but she’s also an amateur. So, you two better work hard if you want to keep up."

Julian and Leo felt like they had been shot through the heart. Stop hitting us while we're down!

"When your friend gets here, I’m challenging them to a race immediately," Julian declared, trying to reclaim his pride.

Leo nodded firmly. "Agreed. We have to defend our dignity as professional drivers."

Just as the words left his mouth, a playful, energetic voice drifted from the entrance. "Who did you say you wanted to challenge?"

Everyone turned to see a woman in a sleek, form-fitting racing suit. Her hair was pulled back into a high, spirited ponytail, looking both cute and incredibly sharp.

Julian and Leo froze. Their internal groans reached a new volume.

"Lyra?" Chloe called out, her eyes lighting up.

Lyra sauntered over, winking at the two stunned drivers. "I heard someone wanted to 'defend their dignity.' Well? I'm ready when you are."

The "New Swift" roster is officially forming, and the talent level is higher than anyone expected. But with the facility still in ruins and the cars destroyed, where will they get the high-spec machines needed for B-grade drivers? And will Julian and Leo handle the ego blow of being led by two socialite women?