Prologue [novella]

Introduction

━━━ SUMMARY.

Shantelle Van Wieren has always stood out. As the daughter of Richard Van Wieren, principal of ExtraPoint Racing, she's grown up in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of motorsports. But Shantelle isn't just defined by her family name. Known as the smartest girl in town, she skipped grades and achieved academic heights few could dream of, becoming the youngest woman in her community to hold such an impressive degree. With a bright future and a pedigree that practically spells "success," Shantelle is expected to reach the pinnacle of her field. She's her father's pride and her family's shining light.

But Shantelle wants more than her family's high expectations. She wants to forge her own legacy and be known as more than Richard Van Wieren's daughter. She deeply admires her father, hoping to one day stand on equal footing with him, but the motorsport industry isn't known for being welcoming to ambitious young women. In this male-dominated arena, where skepticism and condescension seem to lurk around every corner, Shantelle finds herself battling not only for respect but for a real shot at success. Every step forward is hard-won, and each setback brings her closer to questioning if her dream is even possible.

Yet, her fight for recognition and respect doesn't end at the track. Shantelle's challenges spill into her personal life, straining her relationships and testing her resilience. From navigating complex family expectations to facing heartbreak and the turbulence of love, Shantelle's journey becomes a test of strength, courage, and identity. With everything on the line—her career, her family's pride, and her own happiness—Shantelle must decide how far she's willing to go to prove herself and claim a place in a world that isn't ready for her. The road ahead is uncertain, but for Shantelle Van Wieren, there's no turning back.