The yacht drifted gently in the dark waters just off the Monaco coastline, the city glowing behind it like a jewel. It wasn’t wild — not tonight. The afterparty was muted, slow. The kind of evening where exhaustion hung behind every laugh, and champagne was more for cooling against a cheek than drinking.

Lando was slouched in a deck chair, one arm over his eyes. Lewis and Charles stood near the minibar, voices low, discussing setups or life — something serious in tone, if not in content. Oscar was curled up in a hoodie on a beanbag, fingers scrolling without purpose. Max leaned against the railing, a silhouette carved in quiet, his gaze fixed on the water. Across the deck, George kept his back half-turned, pretending not to notice. The space felt worn in — like the group had finally exhaled after a race weekend that refused to let up.

And then came the shift.

It wasn’t loud. Just the soft clack of expensive heels against the wooden deck, followed by the too-quick cheerfulness of a PR voice.

“Hey everyone — quick intro,” the manager said, stepping aside. “Aston’s newest driver: Sienna Vale.”

The name hit the air like perfume — pleasant at first, then lingering too long. She stepped forward, confidence wrapped in layers of perfect hair, flawless lip gloss, and a branded jacket that looked like it had never seen a paddock. Her smile was wide and polished, eyes sweeping across the group like she was already memorizing headlines.

“Hiiiii,” she drawled, her tone dipped in saccharine. “I’m Sienna — and I am so thrilled to be here with you all tonight.” Her voice bounced with mock excitement, just slightly off-beat. “I’ve honestly admired everyone here for so long. You’re all just… incredible.” Her eyes lingered a beat too long on Lando, who gave a blink that could’ve been confusion or annoyance.

No one moved much. They didn’t need to. The shift was subtle but immediate — a breath held a second too long. Max didn’t flinch, but his fingers tapped once against the railing. George gave a shallow nod and turned toward the sky. Charles smiled, polite and tight.

The conversation didn’t stop, but it didn’t exactly pick up, either.

Sienna’s smile didn’t falter.

Whatever her reason for being here, it wasn’t to blend in. She wanted to stand out. Not with talent, not yet — but with charm and presence and just enough sugar to be suspicious.