Just when Oscar and Noah thought they had finally found stability, they were confronted with a new and unexpected challenge. The harmony they had fought so hard to achieve was shattered by whispers of sabotage within the team. An anonymous source within the F1 world began spreading rumors that Oscar's personal life was negatively impacting his performance on the track.

It started subtly, with hushed conversations and speculative articles hinting at Oscar's declining focus. But the situation quickly escalated. Sponsorship deals that had once seemed secure began to falter. Sponsors who had been eager to associate with McLaren and Oscar started to withdraw, citing concerns over the negative publicity.

One morning, as Oscar and Noah were heading to the circuit, Noah's phone buzzed with a notification. He frowned as he read the message.

"Noah, what is it?" Oscar asked, noticing the tension in Noah's expression.

Noah hesitated, then handed his phone to Oscar. "It's another article. This one's suggesting that your performance has been compromised because of our relationship."

Oscar took the phone, his eyes scanning the article. His jaw tightened as he read the unfounded accusations. "This is getting out of hand."

Later that day, Oscar was called into an urgent meeting with the team leadership, including Zac Brown. Noah insisted on coming along, determined to support Oscar through whatever was about to happen.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was tense, and the gravity of the situation was palpable. Zac looked serious as he addressed the team.

"Oscar, we need to address the elephant in the room," Zac began, his tone grave. "There have been rumors circulating that your performance has been compromised due to your personal life. Sponsors are pulling out, and this is having a significant impact on the team."

Oscar clenched his fists, trying to keep his composure. "I understand the concerns, Zac. But my personal life has not affected my fucking dedication to the sport or my performance."

Zac's expression hardened. "Frankly, Oscar, I'm not sure I believe you. The timing of these rumors and the decline in our sponsorship deals is too coincidental. This relationship is becoming a distraction, and it's unacceptable."

Noah's eyes flashed with anger. "This is fucking bullshit, Zac. Oscar has been one of the most consistent drivers this season. His performance hasn't dropped. Why should his personal life matter at all?"

Zac's face darkened, his voice rising. "It matters because it's affecting the team's image and finances! I've already reported this to the FIA, and they're considering barring you from the paddock, Noah. We need Oscar to focus, and your presence is clearly a distraction."

Noah stood up, fists clenched. "You can't do that, asshole! You have no right to—"

Zac cut him off, his tone icy. "I can and I will. If this doesn't stop, I'll have no choice but to terminate Oscar's contract. And if that means barring you from the team hotel to ensure he can concentrate on his job, then so be it."

Oscar's face was red with anger. "This is fucking ridiculous, Zac. You're punishing us for something that isn't even proven. This is just rumors and speculation!"

Zac leaned forward, his eyes cold. "Rumors or not, they're affecting my fucking team. If you want to keep your job, Oscar, you need to get your priorities straight. Either you focus entirely on racing, or you find another team that's willing to deal with this itty-witty fucking circus."

Noah couldn't take it anymore. He stormed toward Zac, his eyes blazing with fury. "You have no fucking right to treat us like this! Oscar has given everything to this team, and you repay him by threatening his career over some baseless-ass accusations?"

Oscar quickly stepped in, holding Noah back. "Noah, stop. This isn't helping."

Noah struggled against Oscar's grip, his anger palpable. He was stronger than his boyfriend, but he held back as he knew in the back of his head it was useless to beat up Zac. "This is unfair, Oscar! He's treating us like criminals!"

Oscar's voice was tight with restraint. "I know, Noah. But we need to stay calm. Let's go."

With one last glare at Zac, Noah allowed Oscar to lead him out of the room. The tension between them was thick as they walked through the corridors, their footsteps echoing in the silence.

Once they were outside, Noah turned to Oscar, his eyes still blazing. "How can you stay so calm? He's threatening your fucking career and treating us like we're nothing!"

Oscar took a deep breath, trying to steady his own anger. "I'm not calm, Noah. I'm furious. But we need to think rationally. If we react with anger, it'll only make things worse."

Oscar personality is something Noah really admired, especially how he could remain calm in situations like this.

Noah shook his head, his frustration evident. "This is so unfair. We've done nothing wrong, and yet we're the ones being punished. What are we supposed to do?"

Oscar reached out, taking Noah's hands in his. "We fight back. We find out who's spreading these rumors and we clear our names. But we need to do it smartly. We can't let our anger control us."

Noah's shoulders slumped, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "I just hate seeing you treated like this. You don't deserve it."

Oscar pulled Noah into a tight embrace, his voice soft but determined. "We'll get through this, Noah. Together. We just need to stay strong and keep our heads clear. We can't let them win."

Noah nodded, his resolve hardening. "You're right. We won't let them tear us apart."