Page 79 of Hard to Break

As security guards escort Kevin off the stage and the ethics committee members huddle in urgent conversation, I find myself scanning the crowd. I spot my mother, her face a mix of pride and concern. She gives me a small nod, and I nod back.

The host finally manages to restore some semblance of order. “In light of these… revelations,” she says, her voice shaky, “the committee will need to reconvene to discuss the status of tonight's award. In the meantime, I think we could all use a moment to process what we've learned.”

23

MILES

Istand offstage, my heart thudding in my back as I listen to the assistant trainer's trembling voice. The press conference room is packed, cameras flashing and reporters leaning forward, hanging on every word.

“I-I planted drugs in Miles Garrett's locker,” Josh confesses, his voice barely above a whisper. “Miles is innocent.”

The room erupts into chaos. Questions fly from every direction, but I can barely hear them over the roaring in my ears. Vindication fills me.

As it turned out, Josh’s family had run into some problems with tuition and medical bills. We promised they would be protected if he came forward, and I offered my accountants to go over his finances and see if they could help.

Harlan steps up to the podium, his face a mask of controlled fury. “In light of this new evidence, Miles Garrett has been fully exonerated and any pending investigations fully suspended.”

More shouting, more questions. I close my eyes, taking deep breaths. It's over. It's finally over.

I step up to the microphone, and the room falls silent.

“I want to thank everyone who stood by me during this difficult time,” I say, my voice steady despite the emotion threatening to overwhelm me. “My teammates, my family. Your support meant everything.” I pause, collecting my thoughts. “I'm grateful that the truth has come to light, and I’m glad to rejoin my team and focus on what matters most—winning games and bringing another championship to this city.”

The questions come fast and furious: How does it feel to be exonerated? Am I ready for the playoffs?

I answer as best I can, but my mind is already on getting back to what I love.

As the press conference winds down, I feel a presence at my side. It's James, his expensive suit impeccable as always.

“Garrett,” he says. “Glad things turned out the way they did. In fact, this whole comeback could play well for the team.”

“Tell you what.” I flash a grin. “You play whatever games you play upstairs. I just want to play ball.”

I’m heading past the owner a few paces when my guys ambush me.

Rookie’s first, engulfing me in a bear hug. “I knew you were innocent!” he cries, his enthusiasm infectious. “I told everyone who would listen!”

Atlas gives me a solemn fist bump.

Jay claps me on the back, his eyes shining with pride. “Welcome back.”

Even Clay offers me a one-armed hug and a nod.

I take a deep breath, searching for the right words. “Thank you.” My voice is thick with emotion. “For believing in me, for standing by me.”

What happened made me realize how fragile all of this is, how quickly it can all be taken away. But it also showed me the strength of this team, of this brotherhood.

“Tomorrow, we're not just playing for a win. We're playing for each other. For every doubt we've overcome, every obstacle we've faced. We're playing to show the world what we're made of.”

That's when I see Brooke standing at the back of the room. She’s beautiful in a black dress, her hair pulled up on top of her head. Our eyes meet, and a thousand unspoken words pass between us. I make my way toward her, brushing off reporters with polite “no comments.”

“You did it,” she says when I reach her.

I shake my head. “Wedid it.”

I scoop her up in my arms and spin her around. She laughs, her arms going around my neck.

“Couldn't have gotten through this without you,” I murmur when I set her down.

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