Redline Revenge — The Press Conference Demand

right in front of us, and called Sebastian. A lot of the media are saying Lena stole your starting spot to get ahead. That kind of talk is bad for her future in the sport. You need to come down and clear it up yourself. Say the retirement was your own

Admit that Lena is a better fit for this team now. My assistant heard this and the tears came pouring down her face. She was that angry. I just stared quietly at my braced leg. A long time passed before I spoke. I'll go. But I want out of the team contract. Clean release. No liability.

Sebastian's voice dropped in an instant. Nora, you're really gonna keep fighting me on this? I looked down at my numb right leg. My voice came out calm. You probably don't know yet. My leg is shattered. I may never ride again. Isn't a person like me leaving the team the natural thing to do? I just don't want you holding a breach fee over my head later.

The line went silent for a long time. I couldn't tell if it was my injuries that shook him or my words. Finally, he said only one word. Fine. Half an hour later, I was lifted off the bed into a wheelchair and pushed to the press conference.

Lena was wearing a dress that matched Sebastian's suit. She had her hand on his standing in a crowd of sponsors Sebastian was leaning down introducing