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Chapter 75 - Retirement? More like Your End!

"I'm retiring Tyrone" Miguel Voiced on the phone call

Tyrone leaned back in his seat on the jet, the engine's hum the only constant as he processed Miguel's words. Retiring? The idea struck him as absurd, almost laughable, coming from Miguel of all people—the same man who had clawed his way to power, who had carved out a kingdom of his own in this brutal world. Tyrone's fingers tightened around the phone as he forced a calm, almost sympathetic tone.

"Look, Miguel," he said, his voice edged with a hint of disbelief masked as concern. "You and I both know this game isn't one you just… walk away from. This life? It's in your blood."

But Miguel's voice remained steady. "I've done my part, Tyrone. I've built more than I ever dreamed. I've made my mark, and now… I want to enjoy it. Spend my days somewhere quiet, away from all this. Maybe get a real chance to see my kids grow up."

A flicker of irritation crossed Tyrone's face, though he kept his voice calm. "And what about the empire you've built? All those contacts, all that hard-earned respect? You think they'll just let you disappear?"

"Tyrone, I'm grateful for everything," Miguel replied, a touch of finality in his voice. "You've been solid, and I'll always respect that. But my mind's made up. It's time to move on."

For a second, Tyrone's mask slipped, and a calculating gleam flashed in his eyes. Miguel's exit would leave a gap, an opportunity that could be seized—an empire without its king. If Miguel wouldn't be persuaded, then perhaps he didn't need to be around to share his contacts, his territories, his valuable networks.

But quickly, Tyrone hid his thoughts behind a practiced smile, even if Miguel couldn't see it. "I get it," he said smoothly, the hint of a knowing smirk curling his lips. "Everyone's got to make their own choices, right? If you think you can just… walk away, well, I respect that."

But in his mind, the wheels were already turning, each word Miguel spoke adding fuel to a dark scheme Tyrone was now weaving. Miguel could leave if he wanted to, sure—but Tyrone was going to make certain he left without taking a single piece of power or influence with him.

Leon watched Tyrone with a slight frown, sensing something more brewing beneath his boss's calm demeanor. "So…what was that about?" Leon's tone was cautious, respectful. He knew better than to press Tyrone, but curiosity nudged him.

Tyrone simply glanced at Leon, his gaze calculating. A smirk played on his lips as he replied, "Miami. I'm taking it over. That's all you need to know."

Leon's eyes widened as he nodded slowly, the weight of Tyrone's words sinking in. Miami was no small prize—it was Miguel's stronghold, a fortress of connections and profitable channels. Leon felt a surge of excitement but also a hint of unease, knowing that this was no simple expansion. Tyrone wasn't just moving into Miami; he was tearing down what Miguel had spent years building and claiming it for himself.

Meanwhile, miles away, Miguel was finding a new peace in the embrace of his wife. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, eyes shining with gratitude. She whispered, "You've done the right thing, Miguel. Walking away like this… finally, we can be a real family." Her voice held both relief and admiration, her faith in him tangible.

Miguel exhaled, a weight lifting off his shoulders as he looked at her. He'd been in the game too long, watched friends fall and enemies rise, all the while feeling the distance between himself and the family he loved widen. "I'm done, *amor.* I swear, I'm done. I'll make this work—for you, for the kids." He held her close, as if grounding himself in the warmth of her embrace.

But as they held each other, Miguel had no inkling of the storm Tyrone was already stirring, an invisible shadow ready to creep in and dismantle everything he'd fought to protect.

-------

Tyrone's record label was experiencing a meteoric rise, thanks to the success of their star rapper. The rapper's following had exploded across social media platforms, attracting the attention of sponsors, fashion brands, and even high-end electronics companies, all eager to associate themselves with his gritty yet captivating image. With each brand deal, each endorsement, the label's reputation grew, and Tyrone's influence seeped deeper into the industry.

The label's latest move, a talent competition aimed at finding the next young rap prodigy, was stirring up attention nationwide. The contest promised exposure, lucrative contracts, and the chance to work under one of the industry's most talked-about labels. Word spread fast, reaching a corner of Pennsylvania where a young rapper, fueled by raw ambition, caught wind of the opportunity. This kid had been honing his craft in underground scenes, his bars sharp with a hunger to escape his neighborhood's shadows.

With little money but plenty of drive, he packed a bag, hopped on a bus, and made his way toward the city where the competition would be held. The opportunity to perform on Tyrone's platform, even just once, felt like his shot at everything he'd ever dreamed of. This wasn't just a performance for him; it was a chance to change his life.

The moment the young rapper from Pennsylvania heard that Wizzy Money himself would be at the event, his excitement hit new heights. Wizzy Money, a legend with a reputation for turning raw talent into stardom, was a rare figure to see at competitions like these. His presence wasn't just a stamp of approval for Tyrone's label—it was a beacon for the hungry, the ones who knew that a co-sign from Wizzy could launch a career overnight.

The kid's nerves mixed with a thrill he'd never felt before. Chicago was alive with the energy of the event; billboards and posters buzzed with news, and social media lit up with posts about the contest and rumors about surprise appearances. The rapper checked into his modest hotel room and laid out his essentials: a notebook, headphones, and the verses he'd been perfecting for this very moment. Each line he crafted had weight, stories drawn from his life, raw and unfiltered. This was his story, his truth, and he'd spent years honing the words to make sure they'd hit hard.

He paced the small space, rehearsing in front of the mirror, eyes blazing with the fire of someone who knew that this was his shot. He ran through his best bars over and over, locking down his flow, ensuring every word was sharp and every beat hit with the impact he intended. All he needed now was the stage, the crowd, and the look in Wizzy's eye that would tell him if he had a shot.

This wasn't just a performance—it was his future on the line. And he'd never been more ready.

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