Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO LEFT THE THRONE
Gabriel's decision shocked the people around him.
He announced that he was stepping away from the syndicate's criminal operations.
Some associates laughed.
Others threatened him.
But Gabriel had spent years building legitimate businesses alongside the organization.
He began restructuring them under independent management.
The process was complicated.
He faced legal scrutiny.
Financial losses.
And enemies who viewed his departure as weakness.
Gabriel accepted the consequences.
He also began cooperating with authorities regarding certain criminal activities.
Paige watched from a distance.
She did not pretend the process was simple.
One evening, Gabriel visited her apartment.
He looked exhausted.
She made tea.
He sat at her kitchen table.
“Bad day?” she asked.
He nodded.
“Some people think I'm betraying them.”
Paige sat opposite him.
“Are you?”
Gabriel considered.
“I suppose I am betraying the version of myself they depended on.”
Paige smiled faintly.
“That might be a good thing.”
He looked at her.
She continued.
“You don't have to become perfect.”
He nodded.
“You just have to keep choosing better.”
Gabriel reached across the table.
Took her hand.
“I want a future with you.”
Paige's heart tightened.
May you like
She smiled.
“Then build one worth sharing.”
