Chapter 23 - Fight Night
Vanguard was filled beyond capacity.
Ryan’s image covered the walls, tickets and giant video screens. Reporters gathered near the cage, expecting either a championship celebration or a public scandal.
Claire entered through a side door with Elias, Noah, Marcus and Maya.
Whispers followed them.
Ryan stood inside the cage.
He looked directly at Elias.
“Glad you finally found your courage.”
Elias said nothing.
After the announcer introduced Ryan, the fighter took the microphone.
“Before tonight’s match, I need to address a betrayal.”
The screen displayed a photograph of Claire.
The audience murmured.
Ryan accused her of stealing confidential records and transferring gym funds into a private account.
A document appeared behind him.
Claire recognized her signature.
It was a forgery.
Ryan turned toward her.
“Do you deny taking money from these fighters?”
Claire stepped forward.
“Yes.”
Her voice carried through the silent gym.
“And I brought the real records.”
Maya signaled the production technician.
The screen went black.
Ryan’s forged document disappeared.
Then Calvin’s recorded voice filled the building.
“If Claire talks, we lose everything.”
Ryan’s answer followed.
May you like
“Then make sure she’s too frightened to talk.”
No one in the audience laughed.
