Racing For Love

Chapter Seventy One

The tension in the boardroom was palpable as Kate and I walked in, taking our seats at the side of the room with the other department heads. The air seemed to hum with an unusual mix of anticipation and anxiety as board members greeted each other and sat around the long, polished table. I offered Kate another reassuring smile before turning my attention to the front of the room.

Andrea Bianchi was sat at the head of the table, flanked by Mr Federici and Mr De Luca. They all seemed relaxed, discussing something in Italian and laughing amiably. His confident, defiant demeanour had not been changed by this unexpected meeting, unlike everyone else who surrounded them. The atmosphere seemed thick, as if everyone knew that this meeting was about to be a turning point for the company.

Farid Al-Mansoori stood up - his presence demanded attention, and the room fell silent as he cleared his throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. The intention for today's meeting was initially to discuss next season's driver line up, and plans following regulation changes next year, however something more important has been brought to my attention. Our current season has been filled with successes and challenges, and we have always maintained our commitment to transparency and fairness. It is with this commitment in mind that I want to address a matter of great significance, and it requires a thorough and unbiased examination."

Andrea's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze flickering with curiosity. He exchanged a glance with his allies, who seemed equally puzzled. Mr. Al-Mansoori continued, "It has been brought to our attention that certain actions within our organization may have compromised the values we hold dear. We committed to investigating these allegations thoroughly to ensure the integrity and reputation of this company and inside the envelopes in front of you; there are details of a comprehensive internal investigation, which was conducted by an independent team. The investigation follows allegations of sexual harassment that have been brought, against Mr Andrea Bianchi."

The board members began rustling at the envelopes and pulling out papers as Andrea's jaw tightened, but he remained silent, his hands gripping the edges of the table. Mr Al-Mansoori continued on as the room silenced once more. "These allegations are grave and cannot be taken lightly. Our duty as the board is to ensure the integrity and reputation of this company. I will give you some time to read through the report provided. Please note that evidence collected includes multiple non-disclosure agreements that have been signed by individuals who were subjected to inappropriate behaviour by Mr. Bianchi, along with verbal accounts that have been brought to senior members of the organisation."

I exchanged a glance with Kate, who was visibly tense, her fingers intertwined tightly on her lap. This was the moment she had been working toward, the culmination of her dedication to exposing the truth. "At this time, I would ask Mr Bianchi and any non-board members to leave the room. You will be called back in shortly." The group we were sat with all stood, along with Andrea, and we made our way out into the corridor, noticing that the security team usually located on the ground floor were now present waiting outside the boardroom.

"I know this was you" I heard Andrea hiss towards Kate and I as she turned suddenly to face him. "You've been waiting all this time to take me down, you little putana." he continued, his voice low enough that only Kate and I could hear.

"Leave her alone you-" I began, standing defiantly between Kate and Andrea.

"As for you, sleeping with my son, distracting him. You would have never been good enough for him, that's why I pushed him to marry Isa. Zocolla, the pair of you." Andrea's tone was barbed, and it took me by surprise, but I found that hidden strength, the one I needed to defend my friend.

"Andrea, you're a low-life. You're scum and you're getting everything you deserve. You can't continue to ruin people's lives and get away with it. Kate didn't deserve it, Lorenzo didn't deserve it...Giovanni didn't deserve it either."