The Deception ~ LN4

12

The sunlight was merciless, cutting through the hotel suite's curtains like a laser-guided missile. Mercedes groaned, her head feeling precisely like the aftermath of Carlos's most enthusiastic champagne celebration.

"Never again," she mumbled into the pillow, then realized she wasn't alone.

Sienna was sprawled dramatically across the adjacent bed, one arm hanging off the edge, still wearing half of last night's silver outfit. Her phone was tangled in the bedsheets, multiple notifications blinking accusingly.

"How much did we drink?" Mercedes attempted to sit up, immediately regretting the decision.

"Enough that Daniel thought teaching everyone the 'victory hydration dance' was a brilliant idea," a familiar voice chuckled from the doorway.

Lando stood there, impossibly fresh-faced and holding two large coffee cups and what appeared to be an entire pharmacy's worth of hangover remedies. He was wearing McLaren team merchandise – a hoodie that looked suspiciously like it had been borrowed from Carlos's personal collection.

"You're way too chipper," Mercedes croaked.

"Professional athlete," he grinned, setting down the coffee. "And I may have some practice from previous... celebrations."

Sienna lifted her head just enough to grab a coffee. "Please tell me someone recorded last night's dance-off."

"Oh, everyone recorded everything," Lando said. "Max alone has enough blackmail material to last a decade. Lily's already created a highlight reel for the team group chat."

Right on cue, Sienna's phone buzzed. The screen showed a group chat titled "Silverstone Survivors" with what looked like Carlos doing something questionable involving a champagne bottle and what might have been an improvised dance move.

"Is that..." Mercedes squinted.

"Carlos, attempting to demonstrate what he called 'victory fluid dynamics'," Lando translated. "Trust me, you don't want the full explanation."

A second later, another message popped up – this one from Daniel, with a video captioned: "OFFICIAL VICTORY SQUEAKY FLOOR DANCE - DIRECTOR'S CUT".

"How many people are in this group chat?" Sienna asked, scrolling.

"Everyone," Lando said simply. "And I mean everyone. I'm pretty sure even some team principals are involved. James added Lewis, who added his entire management team."

Mercedes started laughing, which quickly turned into a groan. "My head."

Lando handed her a carefully selected combination of painkillers and a sports electrolyte drink. "Pilot-approved hangover kit," he explained. "Developed after several... research sessions with my friends."

"Research," Mercedes repeated dryly.

"Very scientific research," he defended, the picture of innocence.

Sienna was still scrolling through the group chat. "Oh my god, they're already planning the next celebration. Max is suggesting a go-karting rematch, and Oscar's proposing some kind of themed event that involves... is that a PowerPoint invitation?"

"Some traditions never die," Lando muttered.

Just then, another message came through – this one from Carlos, with a series of images from last night. Mercedes in her sparkling maroon dress, caught mid-laugh. Lando mid-dance move. The entire group in various stages of ridiculous celebration.

"We're going viral, aren't we?" Mercedes asked.

"Oh, absolutely," Lando confirmed. "Lewis has already called it 'brand engagement'."