Chapter 10 - The Debt Paid
Mateo stood by the glass window, looking out over the empty gym floor. The heavy, agonizing weight of betrayal and physical pain that had plagued him for two years finally began to lift.
He turned around and looked at Gia.
The young coach was standing quietly, tears of absolute relief streaming down her face. She had finally cleared her brother's name. She had brought down the monsters who framed him.
Mateo walked over to her. The terrifying syndicate boss completely melted away, leaving only a profoundly grateful man. He didn't ignore his pride; he dropped to one knee right in front of her.
"I can never bring Leo back," Mateo whispered, his voice thick with genuine emotion. "But I can promise you that his name will be honored in this city forever."
Gia took a shaky breath, wiping her eyes. "He just wanted to help you, Mateo."
"And you finished his work," Mateo smiled warmly.
He stood up and pulled a heavy gold keycard from his pocket, handing it to her.
"You are no longer a struggling coach, Gia," Mateo declared softly. "I am placing you in charge of my entire sports rehabilitation network. You have full funding, absolute protection, and anything you ever need for the rest of your life. Nobody will ever touch you again."
Gia smiled, a bright, beautiful smile, knowing her brother was finally at peace.
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A week later, Mateo lay flat on his back on a real mattress for the very first time in two years. The toxin was flushing from his system. As he closed his eyes, completely free from the burning agony, he finally drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep, knowing the true enemies were gone forever.
Do you think handing Isabella over to the rival cartel was enough justice, or did she deserve a harsher punishment directly from Mateo?
