Betty’s voice sounded weary and defeated as she took a deep breath, bracing herself to break the news to Hera.


    "The sponsors for the NRT just called the manager, and they’re pulling their sponsorship because Michael and his team were kicked out."


    "The real problem is, you’re supposed to race tomorrow, and they’ve given us only two hours to reinstate Michael."


    "If they cancel, it means no car, no gear, and no suits—everything will be taken back. Without the sponsor’s agreement, we won’t be able to use any of it."


    Although Hera’s call wasn’t on speaker, the room was so quiet that Xavier, sitting close by, could hear everything being said on the other end.


    The moment he heard the news, his expression darkened, a deep frown forming on his face.


    Instinctively, he wanted to say something, tofort Hera and assure her that everything would be fine, that he’d help her figure it out.


    But when he turned to her, expecting worry, he was surprised to find Hera looking calm—amused even—as she casually twirled a strand of her wavy hair between her fingers.


    "Hmmm," Hera responded, her tone casual and unconcerned. On the other end of the line, Betty, the NRT manager, and the coach all stared at their phones in disbelief.


    <i>’Did she not hear that right? Is the reception bad?’</i> Betty wondered, ncing at the screen, though there was no way to tell.


    Skepticism clouded her features, as she started to worry that Hera might not fully grasp the seriousness of the situation.


    Thinking that Hera might not fully understand the gravity of the situation, Betty repeated herself. "Hera, you must be exhausted and not thinking clearly, but if we lose the car and gear, even with our staff ready to help, there’s nothing they can do."


    "We can’t build a new car overnight. And... I’m afraid the sponsors have already reached out to others, spreading the word to make their stance clear."


    "I understand," Hera replied calmly, her tone still nonchnt. She knew exactly why Betty and the NRT manager were so anxious. The reason she didn’t respond immediately was because her mind was already working, thinking about how to deal with the people trying to suppress them to get their way.


    Before Betty and the NRT manager could spiral into panic again, Hera continued, "Let’s not stress about the car and gear—I have a solution for that. What I want to discuss is this: Betty, please make a list of all the brands and sponsors that are backing out and giving us a hard time."


    "I understand that I need to prove myself to them, and while their disapproval is beyond my control, I won’t tolerate anyone trying to suppress us or make things difficult just to force us to back down."


    "I have a bit of pettiness in my blood, and I don’t go down without a fight. You know exactly what I mean, right?"


    Xavier noticed a mischievous smile dancing on Hera’s lips, and he realized she had everything under control.


    She wouldn’t let anyone bully her, especially not in a public setting where many eyes could witness it.


    If these businessmen seeded in asserting their dominance over her, it could send a message that Hera was easy to manipte.


    That would set a dangerous precedent, inviting others to try the same tactics and undermining her growth and career.


    Making an example of this situation now would be the best course of action for her future.


    Betty and the others understood Hera’s intentions; after all, they had spent years in the industry and were well-versed in the intricacies of business politics.


    They recognized the tactics that other businessmen were attempting to employ, as well as Hera’s strategy to counter them.


    However, since the NRT manager and the coach only knew Hera as Phantom, they felt skeptical, worried she might be digging her own grave.


    Betty, on the other hand, had a clearer perspective.


    Aware that the CEO of UE was backing Hera, she understood that Hera’s background was moreplex than it appeared.


    The confidence in Hera’s voice resonated with her, as if she were saying, <i>’I’ve got this. Just follow my lead.’</i>


    With a sigh, Betty replied, "Alright, I’llpile a list with the NRT manager of all the brands andpanies that align with their stance. Do you want me to permanently cklist them from hiring you or pursuing coborations in the future?"


    Hera chuckled lightly. "Betty, if we cklist them from hiring me, we’d lose out on potential business. Those shrewd businessmen would just unite against me to see who could oust the other."


    "I don’t mind that fight, but let’s be real—money talks. Instead, if they want to hire me, they’ll have to pay ten times my usual rate. They might call me a big shot for that, but won’t I truly be one when I take center stage in the international race and bring home the trophy?"


    "When that timees, they’ll be scrambling to hire me, but it won’t be so easy anymore. We’ll make it easier for the brands and people who stood by us, especially with the pressure from their peers when they made their decision to support us."


    Both Betty and the NRT manager, along with the coach, could hear the unwavering confidence in Hera’s voice, and they couldn’t dispute it.


    After all, they all knew Phantom’s capabilities; her reputation was legendary.


    Phantom had shattered multiple records across various race circuits, and her performance remained unmatched to this day.


    Those who attempted to emte her maneuvers ended up in idents, which deterred others from trying.


    As a result, Phantom’s name echoed around the world, and no one had anticipated that she would be racing this season.