Roads of Redemption | F1 | Toto Wolff

8.2. | Mercy in You?

"You know we still need to discuss what you said on Sunday, right?" The voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent that wasn't quite a threat—more of a reminder of who was in charge.

I didn't look up from the laptop, fingers tapping steadily. "Look, don't get me wrong... or do, if that's easier for you." My focus stayed on the screen. "You know I wasn't bluffing, right?" I tilted my head just slightly, acknowledging him without fully turning.

A pause.

The creak of a chair as he settled in across from me. "You're naive if you think things don't work this way elsewhere," he said smoothly. "Even in your little project with Sebastian, you'll hit this wall sooner or later."

His gaze pressed on me, but I kept my expression neutral as I finally met his eyes. "Maybe I'd rather believe things can be different," I muttered, mostly to myself. "But if you and him end up being right, you two will be the first to know."

Even as I said it, the feeling of being just another piece on the board gnawed at me. I understood how this world worked, but accepting it? That was something else entirely. There was a part of me that refused to just give in.

"If it's too much for you, there's always the option of sticking to the junior teams." His offer was polite enough, but there was a quiet challenge buried in it, like Horner was testing how much pushback I'd give.

"It's fine," I answered a little too quickly, shaking my head. "It's just three more races." I forced a thin smile, trying to make it look less strained than it felt. "Unless you've got something else in mind?"

Before he could respond, Max walked in with his usual scowl, though there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes as he glanced between us. "Three more," he echoed flatly. Checo followed with a quick grin. "Almost there," he added, though tension from the simulator still clung to both of them.

"Are you going to the event later?" I asked, already bracing for the usual brush-off.

"We'll be there." Horner gave a smooth reply cut in before either of them could answer, drawing my attention back. "You might want to work from home tomorrow. Could be more productive."

The suggestion caught me off guard, but I only nodded, gathering my things quickly. As I walked out, I caught a brief look exchanged between Max and Checo—a small nod, a knowing smile. They didn't need words; their support was there, quietly understood.

-

As soon as I arrived at the event, I saw Amelia and Charlotte tying up some loose ends they'd noticed with the organization. Sebastian was with them, but by the look on his face, he seemed more lost than a fish out of water. His expression of "what am I even doing here?" made me chuckle quietly. I knew he was much more at ease dealing with engines than with flowers, lighting, and décor.

I started walking through the venue, taking in the adjustments being made as the place gradually came to life, when Charlotte called out to me. "Valentina!" She approached me with a bright smile, taking my hand. "You look stunning in that blue dress!" She then twirled me playfully around the room, laughing. "I knew this color would be perfect on you!"

I thanked her and mentioned how elegant the three of them looked as well. Then, turning to Sebastian and barely containing my laughter, I asked, "Are they driving you crazy, Seb?"

He sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair, messing up what was already out of place. "Driving me crazy? They're torturing me with details I never imagined in my life! Napkin colors, candle styles... I just want to know where the start and stop button is for all this." Then, he gave a resigned smile. "But it looks like it's worth it, doesn't it?"