Faster Than the Past
The White Phantom
The engines screamed across Suzuka, the sound vibrating through the grandstands as the final lap began.
Eli Carter tightened his grip on the wheel. On the track, he wasn’t an heir or a Carter. He was speed itself.
System
He’s overtaking—unbelievable control!
System
Eli Carter overtakes the lead.
Announcer
WHITE PHANTOM TAKES FIRST!
The crowd erupted as Eli crossed the finish line, victory flashing beneath the stadium lights of Japan.
Mechanic
You did it again!
[Blackwood Group – Boardroom]
Henry Vaughn
The sponsorship numbers are in.
Naomi Reed
Japan market approval is already spiking.
Lucien Blackwood stares at the screen.
SCREEN:
Eli Carter — 1st Place
Board member 1
CEO Blackwood?
Henry Vaughn
With the sponsorship?
Board member 2
Because of brand alignment?
Lucien Blackwood
Because it’s time.
Back in the pit lane, Eli’s phone vibrated in his hand.
Julian Carter
He’s watching again.
Eli Carter
Who are you talking about?
The message remained unread.
A notification appeared on Eli’s screen, bright and unmistakable.
Notification:
Blackwood Group — Official Sponsorship Offer
Eli Carter
Lucien Blackwood?
A name from his past settled heavily in his chest.
In a private jet preparing for departure, Lucien adjusted his cufflinks.
Lucien Blackwood
(thought)
Lucien Blackwood
I found you again.
Old Names, New Pressure
Suzuka Circuit was still buzzing from the race, the air thick with heat, cheers, and money.
Eli Carter hadn’t stayed long. Winning exhausted him more than losing ever did.
In a private hospitality suite overlooking the track, Lucien Blackwood stood at the window, hands clasped behind his back.
They flew to Japanese btw
Henry Vaughn
This is the perfect time to announce the partnership.
Board member 1
Public confidence is fragile. You need stability, Lucien.
Julian Carter stood near the table, arms folded, eyes sharp.
Julian Carter
You don’t mean a business partner.
Henry Vaughn
We mean an image.
Julian Carter
A public one.
Lucien didn’t turn around.
Lucien Blackwood
You’re suggesting a distraction.
Board member 2
We’re suggesting reassurance.
Julian Carter
You want him to settle down.
Henry Vaughn
We want him to look settled.
Lucien finally turned, gaze cold.
Lucien Blackwood
I won’t use someone as leverage.
Julian Carter
You already are.
The board members exchanged looks.
Julian Carter
Think about it, Lucien. Someone credible. Someone untouchable.
Their eyes drifted — briefly, meaningfully — to Julian.
Julian Carter
Don’t look at me.
Julian Carter
But you’re thinking in the right direction.
Later that evening, the suite was empty.
Only Lucien and Julian remained.
The city lights bled through the glass, distant and restless.
Julian Carter
You froze today.
Lucien Blackwood
At the race.
Julian Carter
At his name.
Lucien Blackwood
He never looked back then.
Julian Carter
He did.
He just didn’t realize who was watching.
If the board keeps pushing… choose someone who already knows you.
Lucien didn’t answer. But the idea stayed.
That night, Eli Carter’s mansion was quiet, trophies lining the walls—proof of a career built on speed and control.
Eli tossed his racing gloves onto the counter and dropped onto a chair.
Eli Carter
If you dragged me home just to critique my lap time, I swear—
Eli Carter
Oh wow. That tone usually means trouble.
Julian Carter
Lucien Blackwood needs a public partner.
Eli Carter
Did the world-famous CEO finally realize he’s lonely?
Julian Carter
I suggested you.
Eli Carter
Absolutely not.
Eli Carter
I race internationally. I live in Japan half the year. I do not have time for unresolved history.
Eli stood and headed toward the sitting room.
Eli Carter
I’m talking to Mom.
Margaret Carter was already pouring tea.
Margaret Carter
You used to blush whenever Lucien walked past you at school.
Eli Carter
That is ancient history.
Margaret Carter
You had a crush.
Eli Carter
I was seventeen and stupid.
Margaret smiled knowingly.
Margaret Carter
You’re still seventeen at heart. Just faster.
Margaret Carter
It’ll be awkward. You’ll survive.
Later, Julian stood by the door as Eli leaned against the counter, arms crossed.
Julian Carter
Stop pretending you’re scared.
Eli Carter
I’m not scared.
Eli Carter
I am a globally ranked kart driver.
Julian Carter
I gave Lucien your number.
Julian Carter
He’ll call tomorrow.
Julian Carter
Try not to overthink it.
Eli stared at his phone, half-expecting it to ring already.
Julian Carter
No. You’re just nervous.
The Call
Morning came aggressively.
Eli Carter had already changed outfits twice and hated both.
Eli Carter
This is stupid.
Eli Carter
It’s a phone call. Not a race start.
Across the city, Lucien Blackwood stood perfectly still in his hotel suite, phone in hand like it might explode.
He had negotiated mergers under gunfire.
This felt worse.
Eli Carter
Oh wow. Straight to the point. No “how have you been,” no trauma check-in.
Lucien Blackwood
You sound nervous.
Eli Carter
I am not nervous. I’m caffeinated.
A loud clatter sounded on Eli’s end.
Lucien Blackwood
Did something fall?
Eli Carter
Okay yes. My dignity.
Lucien Blackwood
If this is a bad time—
Eli Carter
No. If you hang up now, I’ll assume you still run away from conversations.
Eli Carter
So. Why are we doing this?
Lucien Blackwood
Because the board wants me to present a partner.
Eli Carter
A business partner?
Eli Carter
That explains the panic.
Eli Carter
You realize how insane this sounds, right?
Eli Carter
Good. I was worried you’d lost perspective along with your social skills.
Lucien Blackwood
Julian suggested you.
Eli Carter
Of course he did.
Eli Carter
He’s going to hell.
Lucien Blackwood
I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t trust you.
Eli Carter
You disappeared.
Eli Carter
Trust doesn’t exactly bounce back from that.
Lucien Blackwood
I was wrong.
Eli Carter
Say that again.
Lucien Blackwood
I was wrong.
Eli Carter
I need to sit down.
Eli dropped into a chair.
Eli Carter
Is this recorded? Should I frame this moment?
Lucien Blackwood
The arrangement would be clear. Limited. Boundaries.
Eli Carter
Boundaries are great.
Eli Carter
I love boundaries.
Eli Carter
I just don’t love unresolved history.
Lucien lowered his voice.
Lucien Blackwood
I never stopped thinking about you.
Eli Carter
That was not in the contract pitch.
Another crash from Eli’s side.
Lucien Blackwood
Are you alright?
Eli Carter
Yeah. Just… tripped over the past.
Eli dragged a hand through his hair.
Eli Carter
You know this will be messy.
Eli Carter
People will talk.
Lucien Blackwood
They already do.
Eli laughed — breathless, nervous.
Eli Carter
I don’t do fake well.
Lucien Blackwood
Then don’t.
Eli Carter
Somewhere neutral.
Eli Carter
And if you show up in a suit, I will fake my own disappearance.
Lucien allowed himself a small, real smile.
Both of them stared at their phones like it might ring again.
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