Chapter 12 - THE NIGHT LEO LOST HIS EMPIRE
The investigation into the old records expanded.
Several businesses connected to Leo's family faced scrutiny.
Some had legitimate operations.
Others were linked to criminal activity.
Leo had inherited a complicated organization.
And for years, he'd maintained control through alliances he no longer trusted.
Now those alliances were unraveling.
He faced a choice.
Protect the empire.
Or cooperate with the investigation and accept the consequences.
Christa didn't tell him what to do.
She simply asked:
“Who do you want to be when this is over?”
Leo stared at her.
For a long time, he said nothing.
Then answered:
“A man who can look you in the eye.”
He authorized independent legal review.
Cooperated through counsel.
And began separating legitimate businesses from criminal operations.
It cost him money.
Influence.
And the loyalty of men who had once feared him.
But Leo continued.
One evening, he looked at Christa.
“I may lose everything.”
She took his hand.
“Not everything.”
He smiled sadly.
“You don't know that.”
Christa looked directly at him.
“I know who you are when nobody's watching.”
May you like
His eyes filled.
And for the first time, Leo Flores believed he might be worth loving without his empire.
