Chapter 4

Stella POV

Three days later, the Redline team's championship celebration was held at the city's most exclusive hotel.

As the team owner, Leo booked the entire ballroom, inviting countless media and sponsors.

As the biggest contributor to the championship win, I should have been the undisputed star of the night.

But when I walked into the ballroom alone, wearing a simple black suit, my cast-encased right arm hidden in a wide sleeve, I found that the entire room's focus was on someone else.

At the end of the red carpet, Leo stood tall in a custom-tailored suit.

On his arm, clinging to him, was Summer, fragile as a princess in a custom white gown.

Camera flashes went off wildly.

"Mr. Thorne, who is this beautiful lady?"

A reporter shouted a question.

Leo gazed tenderly at Summer and smiled slightly at the cameras.

"Let me formally introduce everyone to my wife, Summer."

The entire room erupted in murmurs.

Everyone knew Leo and I were the racing world's "most beautiful couple." Though never officially announced, it was an open secret.

Now, Leo had suddenly announced he was married, and the bride was someone else entirely.

Countless curious, sympathetic, and mocking gazes instantly fell upon me in the corner.

I found a secluded spot and sat down.

Days of persistent fever, coupled with the agonizing pain of my fracture and lack of food, caused spasms in my stomach. Cold sweat soaked the back of my shirt.

I wasn't here to argue today; I was here to formally submit my termination contract.

Halfway through the banquet, Leo, glass in hand, walked from table to table chatting with Summer, finally arriving in front of me.

"Stella, why are you hiding here alone? Why is your hand still in a cast?"

Leo seemed to just notice my unusual state, his brow slightly furrowed, his tone carrying a hint of condescending pity.

"You're the hero tonight. Why aren't you dressed up nicely?"

I didn't stand up; I just looked at him coldly.

"Mr. Thorne, my termination contract has already been sent to your email. After tonight, I am no longer a Redline team driver."

Leo's face instantly darkened, and the hand gripping his glass tightened sharply.

"Stella, are you still throwing a tantrum? For the sake of a title, are you throwing away your own future? Leaving Redline, do you think any other team would want a cripple?"

He deliberately emphasized "cripple," trying to hurt me, to make me submit.

I didn't even flinch.

"That's not Mr. Thorne's concern."

Seeing this, Summer, delicately holding a steaming glass of red wine, walked over to me.

"Stella, Leo just cares too much about the team. Don't be angry with him. I'll toast you on his behalf, thank you for winning the championship for the team."

She leaned in close, and in a voice only we two could hear, she whispered provocatively in my ear:

"The championship you risked your life for, didn't it just become my plaything in the end? Stella, you're so pathetic, like a stray dog no one wants."

I spat out, "Get lost."

I didn't reach out to push Summer, but she suddenly shrieked, falling backward. The scalding red wine in her glass spilled entirely onto my uninjured left hand!

"It's so hot!"

Summer fell to the ground, clutching her wrist and sobbing.

The scalding liquid instantly turned my hand crimson, and a searing pain shot through me, but I simply gritted my teeth, not letting out a single cry of pain.

"Summer!"

Leo's eyes were bloodshot. He rushed forward, sweeping Summer into his arms.

He turned, his eyes crimson, glaring at me, and raised his hand. Slap! He landed a resounding slap across my face!

"Stella! You are utterly malicious! Summer kindly offered you a toast, and you pushed her!"

Leo put all his strength into that slap.

My head snapped to the side, a trickle of blood escaping the corner of my mouth, my ears ringing.

The entire ballroom was dead silent.

I slowly turned my head, looking at the man who had laid a hand on me for another woman.

I didn't cover my face, nor did I cry; I just stared at him.

"Leo, this slap severs our seven years of relationship."

I straightened up, ignoring the alarming redness and blisters on the back of my hand, and turned, walking step by step towards the ballroom door.

"Stella! If you dare to walk out that door today, I promise to blacklist you from the racing world permanently!"

Leo roared furiously behind me.

I didn't look back. I pushed open the heavy door and walked out into the pouring rain.