Linus's outburst drew everyone's attention. The pressure of so many eyes made him shrink back instantly, but his mother didn't back down. She screeched, "Referee! I'm filing a protest! His kart is definitely illegal!"
The mother-son duo's combined assault made Liam sigh. Why bother?
"Mr. Scrutineer, feel free to inspect my vehicle for compliance," he said calmly.
Linus and his mother's faces changed. Seeing Liam so composed, they realized the kart was probably clean.
The official nodded. He directed Liam to the scales first, then proceeded to weigh and inspect the kart.
The result was obvious.
"Kart #307 is fully compliant with all technical regulations. Driver Liam Vance has passed inspection. No anomalies found. The protest is dismissed," the official announced.
The people who had been chatting with Linus's mother just moments ago took a subtle step back. Reporting someone just because you couldn't beat them? That was low.
Immediately after, the official addressed the crowd again: "Regarding the investigation into Driver #315: The stewards have found evidence of intentional blocking. The driver is fined $2,000, disqualified from this event, and receives one strike on their racing license."
Hearing the verdict, Liam raised an eyebrow. That wasn't quite the rulebook he remembered. He realized he needed to check the regulations online later—things might be slightly different in this timeline.
The father of #315 heard the result and shot a glare directly at Linus's mother. A strike on the license! One more infraction, and his kid could be suspended for a year!
Linus's mother avoided eye contact, staying silent.
Mr. Chen, ever the shrewd businessman, read the room instantly. He didn't say anything to the officials but patted Liam on the back. "Take a break. Go win the Final!"
"Got it."
While waiting, other classes ran their Pre-Finals. Unfortunately, karting wasn't exactly a spectator sport—or rather, track racing wasn't always thrilling to watch.
Even F1 could be boring sometimes. Just cars going vroom vroom in circles.
That was why casual fans secretly hoped for crashes or intense rivalries. Otherwise, it was just "What's the point? Just cars driving around."
During the break, the sky over Portside turned dark. It looked like rain.
"Liam, how are you in the wet?" Martina asked.
"I'm okay," Liam replied.
He recalled his past life. In his rookie F1 season, he'd nearly dragged a midfield tractor of a car onto the podium in a chaotic rain race. Yeah, "okay" should cover it.
"Haha, if you say 'okay,' it must be impressive," Martina laughed. She saw a deep-seated humility in him. He didn't seem aggressive or boastful. It was a nice trait for a person, but potentially a weakness for a racer.
However, seeing how he'd just erased a five-second penalty with sheer pace, she knew he had the hunger.
A successful driver focused only on victory. Not courtesy.
According to the rules, the top 11 drivers from the Pre-Final advanced to the Final. With the field cut down, the grid looked much cleaner.
The dark clouds threatened but didn't break. The Cadet Class Final started on time.
After witnessing Liam's alien pace in the Pre-Final, Tyler's fighting spirit had waned.
Zach, however, starting from P3, was fired up. He had Tyler ahead and Liam in the distance. He had targets!
Two formation laps complete. Green flag waved. The Final was on!
By the third lap, Arthur rushed into the grandstand, breathless. He turned to Martina. "How is he?"
"Incredible! Talent, skill, mindset—he's easily the best of his generation. If he follows my plan, becoming an F1 driver isn't just a dream; it's a probability," Martina stated.
"What? Your plan?" Arthur looked confused.
"Yes, Arthur. I was just about to ask you. Let Liam go to Europe. Staying here will only hold him back," Martina said seriously.
"No!" Arthur shook his head without thinking.
"Why? You know the domestic scene can't offer him the development he needs. The coaching, the engineering, the competition—none of it matches his talent!" Martina argued.
"No, I... I can't go with him right now. And you said it yourself—becoming a pro driver costs a fortune. I..."
Arthur shook his head. He didn't want his son to cross the ocean alone at such a young age. But he couldn't just quit his job to chaperone him. Racing burned money.
In just two months, he'd spent nearly $70,000. It was terrifying.
If he wasn't a C-suite executive with significant savings, he wouldn't be able to support a karting hobby, let alone a career.
Martina fell silent for a moment. Then she spoke.
"Arthur, then let's get married."
"What?" Arthur froze.
"You're worried about Liam. So let me—his mother—go with him," Martina said.
"I... this... but..." Arthur stammered, unable to form a sentence. Finally, he shook his head. "Let Liam race here for one year. Next year, okay?"
"Hm?" Martina tilted her head.
"I'll try to get a transfer to the European branch next year. Then we can all go together. I don't want Liam to grow up without a father," Arthur said, glancing at Louise.
Martina nodded. She understood. She dragged Louise along on every business trip not because she couldn't afford a nanny, but because she refused to be an absentee mother.
Children with present parents and children with absent parents grew up to be very different people.
"Alright. You've convinced me. But what about the marriage?" Martina raised an eyebrow.
"It would be my honor, Ms. Cartabia."
As long as the topic wasn't his son leaving, Arthur instantly reverted to his charming, elite self. He bowed slightly and extended his hand.
"Pfft!" Martina laughed happily.
"Hey! Hey! What are you guys doing?!" Louise finally noticed, pouting.
"Oops. Almost forgot little Louise was here," Martina looked at her daughter with feigned surprise.
"Mamma!" Louise puffed out her cheeks.
"Uncle Arthur just proposed to Mommy. Louise, you don't object, do you?"
Martina looked at her daughter expectantly. Although she'd tested the waters yesterday with a joke, asking formally still made her nervous.
Kids generally didn't like step-parents. Louise was no exception. Even though she liked "Uncle Arthur" because he spoiled her, accepting him as a father figure was different.
"Oh my~ Liam won," Martina said brightly, changing the subject.
"Eh! Already?!" Louise leaned over the railing, just in time to see Liam's kart cross the line under the checkered flag.
"Yay (＾－＾)V! He won!" She cheered.
Martina gave Arthur a helpless look. Louise still seemed hesitant about the marriage.
"It's okay. Take it slow," Arthur smiled gently. Compared to the last time, Louise's reaction was calm. She wasn't fighting it anymore.