Bully HUMILI ATED her in front of everyone, not knowing who she really is…
My dad’s the owner.» «Your uncle’s in an emergency city council meeting right now. Discussing his immediate resignation,» the officer interrupted.
Turns out, covering for your nephew’s abuses isn’t too popular. «And your dad—that’s him who told us where to find you. Said he’s tired of cleaning up after you.» Those words hit Max harder than any punch.
He looked around desperately for support, protection, anyone still scared enough to help. But he found only cold stares and raised phones. «This is all your fault.»
He turned to Anna, tears streaming down his face. «You ruined everything. You ruined my life.»
«No,» Anna said softly. «You ruined your own life. I just stopped letting you ruin everyone else’s.»
As the officers led him out of the gym, Max did something unexpected. He stopped at the door, turned back, and for a moment, the mask fell completely. Underneath was just a broken boy who’d learned all the wrong lessons about what strength meant.
«Sorry,» he whispered. Then louder, to the whole room, «I’m sorry.» And he was gone.
There was no cheering in the gym, but something like a collective sigh. Three years of held breath finally released. Students hugged, some cried, others just stood, trying to process the sudden shift in their world.
Anna headed for the exit. She still had a fight waiting. Victor would be furious, but Ghost.
A voice stopped her cold. Not because someone called her by her fight name, but because she recognized that voice. Victor King stood in the doorway, flanked by two massive bodyguards.
Tailored suit, gold watch, a man who’d built his fortune on other people’s blood and pain. «Where do you think you’re going?» he asked pleasantly. «We have a tournament, remember?» Students backed away.
Even after Max was gone, they recognized a new predator. Victor radiated the casual menace of someone no one ever said no to and lived. «How’d you find me?» Anna asked, though she already knew.
Videos were everywhere. Her identity was fully exposed now. «Please,» he smiled like a shark.
«I’ve known who you are for months. You really thought a hood and mask would fool anyone who matters?» He pulled out a contract. But I respected your privacy.
You made me money, big money. And tonight, you’ll make me more. Prize is two thousand dollars.
Winner takes all. Ghost versus the best fighters money can buy. You signed, remember? Break the contract, and everything’s mine.
Your house, your mom’s car, your brother’s medical debt, all of it. Anna felt the trap snap shut. That’s why Victor let her live a double life.
He’d just been waiting for the perfect moment to fully ensnare her. My brother needs that money. Then fight for him, like you always have.
Like the animal you pretend not to be. She’s not an animal. Helen Archer, the school counselor, pushed through the crowd.
She was scared but determined. She’s 17, and what you’re doing is illegal. Victor laughed.
Illegal? I’m a legitimate sports event organizer. She signed a contract. She can walk anytime.
Of course, with penalties. Like with Tom Gonzalez. Helen held up her phone with a news article.
A 16-year-old fighter who tried to leave his organization. His house burned down. Officially, an accident.
Careful, Miss Counselor. Slander’s an ugly word. So is human trafficking, child exploitation, and organized crime, Helen said firmly…
