Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 42

Sorry for the late update and for any typos as well!! I've been busy with a few small business matters so expect a lag in my updates this week.

Enjoy!

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Milo had mixed feelings about the Silverstone race. He and Ace have managed to avoid as much questions as they can about their relationship but with a home race for Ace, he was going to be one of the sought out drivers along with George and Lando. Ace kept on saying it wasn't a big deal since he was technically half Scottish, but he grew up in London nevertheless.

I arrived in the UK ahead of them to get a small gift for Daniel. I was thinking of getting one for Sebastian as well but I didn't know him that much so I ended up getting him some bike gloves instead since I always see him riding one to the track. The two drivers were having a combined birthday party after the race and Ace offered his house for the venue. Despite this, I made sure to bring my gift on Daniel's birthday.

I was on my way to McLaren when someone fell in step beside me and I turned my face to see Charles smiling at me. "Good morning." He greeted and I smiled back, not knowing where his mood came from.

"Someone seems cheery this morning."

"I have a good feeling about quali." He answered and his eyes flickered to the gift box I was holding. "Daniel?" Charles asked and I nodded my head. "Don't tell him you saw me or else he's going to ask for his gift right now."

I gave him a thumbs up and Charles smiled at me before heading to the Ferrari garage. By the entrance I saw Giovanni glancing at us, a frown on his face, and I immediately looked away. Ever since I had that conversation with him, I've always found him creepy since he keeps a stern eye on Charles but doesn't do the same thing to Chiara.

When I entered the McLaren garage, Daniel was leaning on one of the tables as he talked to Heidi, the both of them sharing a slice of cake. "Happy birthday!" I greeted once I met Daniel's eyes and he put down the plate to give me a hug.

"Thanks, Val." He smiled but his eyes were already trained on the gift I was holding. He clapped his hands together and grinned at me. "Is this for me?" Without saying anything, I passed him the box and moved over to hug Heidi who was looking at her boyfriend with a bright expression. We both watched as Daniel ripped the wrapping paper and his eyes widened at the gift. I had given him a bowling set, similar to how he always brings that small basketball and ring to the races. To make it personal, I had someone add his initials on the bottom of the pins.

"He's going to play that for the entire season." Heidi shook his head as Daniel took a picture of the gift.

"I don't doubt that."

I left the McLaren garage after talking to them a bit, heading to the direction of the Mercedes garage. I was passing by Ferrari when someone called my name and I turned around to see Giovanni. Not wanting to talk, I immediately turned my head around and caught up to Ace who was coming from the hospitality.

"Woah." He said when I gripped his arm and pulled him towards the garage. "What's happening?"

"Just walking with you to the garage." I plastered a fake smile on my face, glancing back to see Giovanni looking at us with his arms crossed over his chest.

Ace followed my eyes, frowning as I looked away and we both went inside the garage. "Why was Charles' manager looking at us?" I didn't answer so Ace placed a hand over mine that was holding his arm and stopped us by the hallway leading to the garage. "Valentine?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I leaned on one side of the hallway. "I had a conversation with him a few weeks ago and I have a feeling he wants another one."