Chlorine and Karma: A Swimmer's Revenge Chapter 2

I sneered internally.

Just like the last life. She volunteered my resources to clean up her mess.

What she didn't know was that my uncle had pivoted his business to tech last year. He didn't have swimming gear anymore.

Last time, when I explained this, she screamed at me:

"Lucas, I know you hate Skyler, but is this really the time for games?"

"The race is starting! Can’t you be the bigger man? Don't put your jealousy above national honor!"

And Skyler had chimed in, "Yeah Lucas, beat me up later if you want, but help the team first."

Back then, I was too panicked to see they were gaslighting me.

But I’m not stupid anymore.

"My uncle's company pivoted last year. They don't do sports gear anymore."

The locker room erupted in despair.

"It's over. We're dead."

Serena frowned, shouting at me, "Lucas! This is the International Championship, stop joking!"

Skyler added, "Lucas, bro, even if you hate me, think about the others."

The team looked at me, eyes filled with blame.

Seeing them try to shift the pot to me again, I pulled out my phone, opened a news article about my uncle's business pivot, and showed it to them.

"I am thinking about the team. That’s why I’m calm. But I’m not the one who tested positive for drugs, and I’m not the one who shredded the suits. Why are you blaming me?"

"I trained day and night since I was a kid to bring glory to my country. Who knew I’d run into sabotage from within?"

Serena looked away, guilty.

Knock, knock.

Staff shouted from outside: "Ten minutes!"

On the TV monitor, the crowd was roaring. Banners with our names were waving in the stands.

Usually, this would pump us up. Now, teammates were cursing.

"We have to go out there naked at this rate."

"Just my luck to be on a team with you lunatics."

"One dopes, the other destroys our gear for a man. If you want to date, go do it outside! Why ruin our careers?!"

A fight broke out. Serena shielded Skyler, screaming, "Stop! Even if we miss this, there are other ways to go pro!"

"Lucas! Your family is rich. Make your dad start a private swim club and sign everyone!"

I blinked. "We're talking about the race. What does a private club have to do with anything?"

Serena held up five fingers. "If you all sign the petition for Skyler and tell the committee the gear was an 'accident'... I'll guarantee you a salary of $500,000 a year."

The number stunned everyone.

"$500k? Lucas, is that true? Your dad would do that?"

I frowned. She was trying to drag the Sterling family down with her.

A national team failing internationally, then immediately getting signed by my family for huge money? It would look like a massive conspiracy.

"Serena, who are you to make decisions for the Sterling family?"

Serena smirked. "We’re engaged. You’re the only son. Your family’s money is basically mine, isn't it?"