SWNOVELS Chapter 11
Chapter 11: One More Month
“You take a lot from Manuel Ronaldo,” Hugo Bonnet said, his eyes studying Carlos cautiously, waiting for a reaction.
While Carlos felt rage running throughout his entire body, he swallowed all his emotions down his throat. He quickly formed a sn
eer as if revolted by being compared to his own father.. Carlos replied, “I am... nothing like my father.”
Carlos turned to his friend, Alexander. Then he shifted his attention back to
Hugo. He said,” My father was selfish. More than that, he failed to manage his finances and left mother and me in a helpless situ
ation.”
“I would appreciate it, Mister Bonnet, if you don‘t mention him before me,” Carlos requested. While his eyes were filled with fury, t
hey were bitterness secretly meant for Hugo and not for his father, Manuel
Hugo‘s former mischievous grin turned into a wide beam. He declared, “Well, I think... we can get along just fine.”
“I hope so, Mister Bonnet. I am here for money and money only. I know making business with you is the fastest way to go about i
t.” Carlos returned his attention back to Alexander and introduced his friend. “This is Alexander Jenkins, my practice partner.”
Like Carlos, Alexander also greeted Mister Bonnet. He said, “It‘s a pleasure, Mister Bonnet.”
They were all settled in a private restaurant owned by the Bonnet gang. It had tight security, and there were cameras all over. Ar
ound them were three security personnel watching their surroundings.
“I came to see both of you for a very important matter,” Hugo spoke. “I understand how you have taken part in our match–
fixing games for a long time.” Hugo turned to his assistant, receiving hints in a whisper. “Five years, huh? Good. Good.”
Hugo‘s eyes thinned. The lines on his face became apparent as he smiled from ear to ear. Hugo was a man in his late fifties, the
said leader of the Bonnet gang, a syndicate that
began ten years back. The Bonnet gang controlled not just the corruption in tennis but also other famous sports such as soccer a
nd football.
“Five years,” Hugo repeated. “And you have contributed nicely by bringing in other players too, like your friend Alexander.”
“Mister Ronaldo is also our point of contact for the US games as of this year,” said Hugo‘s assistant.
Hugo‘s grin grew wider. He said to Carlos, “You really are not your father.” Under the table, Carlos‘ hand clenched. It took everyth
ing in him to give Hugo the proper response. “I am... nothing like my father... He died pathetically.”
Smirking, Hugo remarked, “And he... he had it coming.”
“I tried to offer your father the best, given his situation, but he never listened. Instead, he went against me,” Hugo revealed. He p
ointed a finger at Carlos, warning him, “What happened to your father is an example of what will become of you, should you
cross me, young man.”
“This is my warning.”
“I have no reason for me to cross you,” Carlos quickly replied, “I‘m in this too deep really What do you think will happen to me sh
ould the authorities know? This is ily only life now being part of this. And like I said, I loath my father”
This was always what Carlos said in the past, even to the first person who approached him into the scheme. Since the police ask
ed for his cooperation, he had made it appear as though his own father disgusted him,
It was sometime last year that fixers hinted they tried to recruit his father idrough another tennis player, but this was the first time C
confident he could get away with everything
In response to Carlos‘ claims, Hugo said, “While that might be true. You have given us many Secret wins by losing your
matches, but you never did so during the Grand Slams. It was always in the minor tournaments, Why is that?”
Hugo turned to Alexander and stated, “At least your friend here gave up his chances on one Grand Slam event.”
“Mister Bonnet, why not?” Carlos shrugged, “It has always been my aim to become the number one ranked tennis player in the wo
“And what‘s the difference now? Why
should I believe you are willing to sacrifice your Grand Slam win in the French Open?” Hugo asked,
Carlos and Alexander turned to each other. They both nodded before Carlos answered, “Mister Bonnet, I‘m sure you know how th
know by now that there is a cap to the point system in tennis ranking, at least in my ranking stage.”
“The tennis association only counts five hundred seventy points a year, and I already have two thousand points from the Australia