Chapter 10 - THE NIGHT THE COSTA EMPIRE FELL
The investigation moved quickly.
Financial records exposed fraud, bribery, and illegal business practices involving both organizations.
Several executives were arrested.
Others cooperated with investigators.
Gabriel's company lost contracts.
Banks froze accounts.
Investors withdrew.
The Costa empire began collapsing.
For the first time, Gabriel couldn't solve a problem with money or intimidation.
He had to face consequences.
He cooperated with investigators.
Turned over records.
And began separating legitimate businesses from the criminal organization he'd inherited.
It cost him nearly everything.
But he didn't call Clara.
Not once.
He had finally understood that loving someone didn't give him the right to pull her back into danger.
Meanwhile, Clara remained in Wisconsin.
She worked at the bookstore.
Took evening classes.
And slowly began building a life that belonged to her.
Sometimes she thought about Gabriel.
Sometimes she missed him.
But she didn't return.
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Because she needed to know whether she loved the man.
Or the life she'd spent four years managing.
