Chapter 17 - The Fall of an Empire
Gabriel testified against Vincent.
Doing so exposed his own crimes.
He accepted the consequences.
Because of his cooperation and evidence dismantling multiple criminal networks, he avoided the life sentence everyone expected—but he did not walk away untouched.
Harper visited before sentencing.
“You're afraid,” she said.
“Yes.”
It was the first time he'd admitted fear without shame.
“What if I lose everything?”
Harper smiled sadly.
“You were bleeding beside a dumpster with one shoe when I met you.”
Gabriel laughed.
“Fair point.”
“You've already survived having nothing.”
He reached across the table.
Harper took his hand.
“You gave me food when you had none,” he said.
“You've mentioned that.”
“I misunderstood the gift.”
“How?”
“I thought you saved my life.”
Harper waited.
May you like
Gabriel's eyes filled.
“You saved the part of me that still wanted one.”
