Tangled in Trophies- Lando Norris

32. Awkward cross roads

The private jet touched down in London with its usual sleek efficiency, the hum of the engines fading as Lando unbuckled his seatbelt. His meeting with his manager had come up quickly—a few updates regarding his sponsorships and his next racing plans. Nothing overly stressful, just business.

He stood in the small meeting room at the back of the agency's London office, his suit jacket slung over one arm, his focus on the papers in front of him as he waited. His manager had been running late, so he decided to stretch his legs for a moment in the hallway outside.

The hallway was quiet when he stepped out. Most of the agents and managers were busy at their desks, the sound of muted conversations filling the air. Lando tucked his hands into his pockets, letting his mind wander as he looked down the hall.

That was when he saw him.

Ben Shelton was stepping out of his manager's office, a phone pressed to his ear. His hair was still perfectly styled, his tennis gear unmistakable. His sharp features were familiar, and his posture exuded effortless confidence—the kind of energy that could command attention without trying.

And then their eyes met.

Lando froze.

Ben had a familiar look on his face—the kind of recognition that immediately made Lando's stomach knot. The two had met a few times through the cross paths of sponsorships and media events, but this was more personal. Lando knew Ben Shelton. Knew his history with Evangeline.

Ben's brow furrowed slightly as his eyes lingered on Lando. He looked away from his phone and let out a casual chuckle, a small, self-assured smile pulling at his lips.

"Well, look at that," Ben said smoothly, stepping into the hallway with his phone still clutched in one hand. His tone was casual, but there was an undercurrent of sharpness. "Fancy meeting you here."

Lando felt a tightness in his chest. He tried to maintain his usual calm demeanor.

"Hey," he managed, his voice steady, trying not to show his unease. "Didn't expect to run into you here."

Ben gave a slow, easy smile, folding his arms across his chest. "Yeah, well... life's funny like that, isn't it?" He tilted his head, his gaze sharp now. "I guess you're here for business. Meeting with management, I assume?"

Lando hesitated, suddenly unsure whether to respond or stay neutral. He couldn't shake the feeling that Ben knew far more about his own intentions than he should.

"Something like that," he said, his voice guarded.

Ben took a step closer, lowering his voice just slightly, his smile turning a bit colder now.

"You should be careful, you know," Ben said, his words casual but deliberate. "With Evangeline."

Lando's stomach twisted. He frowned, trying to stay composed.

"What do you mean?" Lando asked, his tone low but firm.

Ben's smile lingered as he met Lando's gaze. His words came with an edge, a calm warning that sent a chill through the air.

"She's good at making people invest, man," Ben said. "But you should be careful. She'll leave you like she left me."

The words hit Lando like a slap.

"She left you?" Lando asked, incredulous, his voice rising slightly.

Ben chuckled again, holding his phone tighter. "Yeah. Tennis is her life. Always has been. If you get too deep into that world with her, you'll find yourself just another casualty."