Chapter 88: Born for the Track
Joseph let out a soft sigh and pulled out his phone, scrolling through it before handing it to Isabella.
"Isabella, take a look at this news story first."
The timestamp clearly showed it was from half a month ago.
Three-car pileup at racing competition results in severe injuries to three drivers, who remain in critical condition.
Isabella's heart skipped a beat when she saw the news.
"What does this mean?"
"Zack was injured. I wanted to contact you immediately," Joseph sighed deeply, his face etched with helplessness. "But everyone said you'd left the team, started a new life, and told me not to disturb you."
Joseph pounded the couch heavily with his fist, showing vulnerability to Isabella for the first time since their reunion.
"I had no other choice but to come find you. Our team is falling apart—only Zack and Samantha are left from the original crew, and these new rookies can't handle the pressure."
"Was it Snake again during the race?" Isabella's gaze fell on the familiar car liveries on screen.
The dark green color—Isabella knew it well. Their old rivals, the Snake racing team.
Known for their ruthless tactics and dirty tricks during races, they'd always been the Romantic racing team's biggest adversary.
Joseph nodded vigorously, and when he heard Isabella's question, a flash of fire ignited in his eyes. "Isabella, they went too far. In what was supposed to be a friendly exhibition race, they sent two rookies to deliberately ram into Zack, consequences be damned."
Tears glistened in his eyes, the raw emotion of youth shining brighter than diamonds.
He took a spoonful of his affogato and shook his head slowly. "If Zack wasn't such a good person, yanking the wheel to avoid them at the last second, all three of them would be dead."
Isabella's hands clenched tightly together, her heart churning from the shocking news Joseph had brought.
"How is Zack now?" Her voice sounded hoarse.
After leaving the team, Isabella would sometimes watch their race videos online. Zack had become an internet sensation with millions of followers, and racing clubs were offering him eight-figure salaries to join them.
"Not good. Fractured vertebrae in his neck. Doctors say he'll need at least three months to recover, and there's a high chance of permanent damage. His racing career might be over."
Isabella's heart sank even deeper at this news.
After eight years of separation, news from old friends arrived painted in such tragic colors.
"Eight years, Isabella. We finally have another shot at the World Championship Series—this might be the last chance any of us get in our careers. Isabella, we need you!"
Joseph continued trying to persuade her.
Racing was relatively age-forgiving compared to other sports, but everyone had their prime years. After that, reflexes slowed, and rising stars gradually replaced the veterans.
As much as Joseph hated to admit it, the Romantic racing team was clearly on the decline—they weren't the powerhouse they once were.
"Isabella, what are you still hesitating about?"
Seeing Isabella's reluctance to give him an answer, Joseph's emotions spiked, his voice rising as he questioned her.
Isabella rested one hand on the table, her gaze toward Joseph complex and troubled.
"Racing is an extremely dangerous sport. I told you that when I first brought you into this world."
At high speeds, even the slightest steering wheel deviation could have catastrophic consequences.
During her time with the team, Isabella had witnessed other drivers' horrific crashes firsthand.
Even the most advanced helmets money could buy couldn't guarantee their safety.
Isabella rolled her neck, the vertebrae she'd injured earlier making crackling sounds.
"I'm not young anymore."
"Besides, I haven't trained in years. Joseph, you should understand—I don't believe talent can overcome the erosion of time. I'm no longer suited for—"
"Isabella!" Joseph raised his voice again, staring at her in disbelief.
What had happened to that radiant, confident person who used to light up the track like a blazing star?
"I still remember the night you recruited me. You put your arm around my shoulder and told me that if I could stay focused and committed, becoming world champion was just a matter of time."
Joseph's gaze held threads of sorrow as he looked at Isabella.
"My biggest regret is not saying a proper goodbye when you left. We lost touch all these years, but every time I stand on that track, I remember what you used to say. Every time I step onto the podium, I wish you were there waiting for me, ready to tell me I'm about to win."
Over eight years, Joseph had transformed from a boy into a man, winning trophy after trophy through talent and dedication, becoming one of Romantic's star drivers.
But he'd never forget that day ten years ago, when someone changed his life by bringing him into the racing world.
Looking at Joseph's young, spirited face, Isabella's emotions were in turmoil.
Six years of marriage and disappointment had worn away all of Isabella's sharp edges.
"I can return to the lab because I believe in my abilities there. But Joseph, I haven't touched a car in eight years."
Even the best drivers needed to maintain their training regimen and muscle memory.
Isabella had almost forgotten what it felt like to sit behind the wheel of a racecar.
That feeling seemed like a lifetime ago.
Joseph chuckled, a relaxed and cheerful curve forming at the corner of his lips.
"You know what? In these eight years, many people have tried to join the Romantic racing team, but Zack's favorite saying is that none of them have your natural talent."
"You were born for racing. Even Zack thinks his own talent doesn't match yours. I believe this is a game for geniuses, and you—you're meant to stand on that track and lead Romantic racing team to the top of the world."
Every word Joseph spoke felt like it weighed a thousand pounds, each one crashing into Isabella's heart, making her tremble.
She pressed her lips together, and in the silence, her calm heart felt like a still lake into which someone had dropped a small stone.
Under Joseph's expectant gaze, Isabella struggled to speak: "I need to think this over carefully before I can give you an answer."