The sun burns down on the Monaco paddock and the sea sparkles in the background, but the tension in the air has nothing to do with the heat.

“This girl will not enter the paddock!” Zak Brown yells, pointing at you furiously.

You don’t even flinch.

Instead, you raise an eyebrow, your lips curling into an ironic smile as you slowly take a step forward.

You cross your arms over your chest, the Paddock Pass still hanging around your neck, glinting in the sunlight.

“SAY THAT AGAIN TO MY DAUGHTER! I DARE YOU, BROWN!” Your father’s voice, Christian Horner, thunders through the paddock like a storm.

You turn just in time to see your father storming down the pit lane.

His face flushed with rage, the Red Bull team jacket flying behind him like a war cloak.

Lando stands nervously next to you and leans in slightly. “I knew he was going to make a scene…” He murmurs.

Charles crosses his arms and watches the scene with the calm of a Ferrari driver. “This is perfect material for Drive to Survive." He says dryly.

Max blinks and takes a deliberate step back.

“I’m not getting involved. I’m already the villain." He says, raising both hands in mock surrender.

Zak’s jaw is clenched as he tries to keep his composure. But the hesitation in his eyes is clear.

Christian isn’t in team principal mode.

He’s in full Dad Mode.

Your smile grows. “Still want to keep me out, Zak? I think you’re about to have a problem..and not just with me.”

“You’re not even part of a team!” Zak spits, his face deep red. “You’re just-”

Christian is beside you now, stepping protectively between you and Zak like a knight preparing to duel.

“She’s my daughter. She’s been in this paddock since she was five. If you think you get to decide where she belongs, you’re out of your mind!" He growls through clenched teeth.

The entire paddock falls still.

Mechanics, engineers, journalists..everyone holds their breath.

Cameras discreetly shift in your direction.

Zak’s voice drops, low and sharp. “This isn’t about your daughter, Horner. You’re just using her for show-”

“She’s not here for show!” Your father snaps, cutting him off sharply. “She’s smarter than half your team and twice as fast in the simulator. She’s earned her place here. And if you can’t see that, maybe you shouldn’t be here!”

You meet Zak’s eyes.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m the daughter of a team principal." You say calmly. “And your golden boy invited me.” You nod toward Lando, who's standing right behind you.

You feel his hand on your lower back, a silent sign of support.

Christian steps forward again.

“She knows more about this sport than half your strategy Team. And if she wants to be in this paddock, then damn it! She will be. Don’t test me, Brown!" He hisses.

For a moment, it feels like the whole paddock is holding its breath.

Then, slowly, Zak backs down.

“Fine. But if she sets one foot in the McLaren garage, we’ll have a real problem!" He snaps.

You swallow hard.

Zak hesitates, then turns on his heel and walks away, muttering something under his breath.

Silence hangs for another moment, then your father turns to you, his voice softer now. “Are you alright?”

You nod. “Thanks, Dad.”

“I know you don’t need me to fight your battles. But I’ll always be there when someone forgets who they’re dealing with.” He gives you a small smile, then turns and walks off.

Max and Charles follow him in silence, immediately switching to another topic as if nothing had happened.

Lando takes your hand, turns you to face him.

“Listen…I’m sorry, okay? I knew he’d make a scene out of it…but I wanted you here with me.." He says gently.