๐๐ง. ๐๐๐ฉ๐ : [* gestured to the chair opposite ] Please, take a seat. So, Alanโฆ what's this about?
๐ผ๐ก๐๐ฃ : Right, um โ thank you. I wanted to introduce someone to you today. This is Wayโฆ He'll be replacing Babe as our lead racer for the upcoming match. Babe's out with an injury, so Way's stepping in.
Mr. Pete narrowed his eyes, shifting his gaze to Way, who nodded politely. There was a long pause. He leaned back in his chair
๐๐ง. ๐๐๐ฉ๐ : Hmm. And you're sure about this? I mean, no offense, butโฆ he doesn't exactly look like someone born to lead a race team. Are we talking about talent or just good luck?
Pete said flatly, with a hint of sarcasm. Way's posture stiffened. His jaw clenched, clearly not expecting the response. He leaned forward.
๐๐๐ฎ : With all due respect, Sir, I am more than talented enough. Unlike Youโ
(Before he could finish, Alan's hand gripped Way's thigh under the table like a vice. Way flinched audibly.)
๐๐๐ฎ : Ouch!
๐ผ๐ก๐๐ฃ : [ *๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ : Be nice, dumbass. We're here to reassure him, not make him doubt us more. Now thank him for trusting us ]
๐๐๐ฎ : [ *But!... Fine] Iโฆ apologize for my outburst, Mr. Pete. Thank you for believing in our company and supporting us for the upcoming match.
Mr. Pete just stared at them, looking confused. Then slowly raised an eyebrow โand rolled his eyes as he caught hold of the situation.
The gesture hit Way like a slap across the face. He was so ready to throw his hand on Mr. Pete.
Looking at the tension between them, Alan thought of saying something to clear it off.
๐ผ๐ก๐๐ฃ : Ahaha, sorry on my behalf too! And the best part is that, you'll be seeing Way a lot more often. He's not just our new lead racerโฆ he's also handling the company's fund management!
There was a beat of silence. Mr. Pete blinked, then slowly turned his head toward Alan.
๐๐ง. ๐๐๐ฉ๐ : Oh..[ *๐ท๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ : That's more like the worst part. ]
Alan's face faltered as he realised he did the opposite of what he intended to do.
Way's pride, already bruised, took another hit.
Way didn't say a word. He just sat back, eyes on the table, his jaw set like stone. A whole murder scene brewed behind his quiet stare.
Alan cleared his throat.
๐ผ๐ก๐๐ฃ: Uh, anywayโฆ we're confident in Way's abilities. We really are.
[*he shot Way a glance ]
Aren't we?
๐๐๐ฎ : You'll see.
Way replied coldly. His eyes manupilative, as if they were challenging Mr. Pete.